aj1174

Today Im going to change the oil and oil filter on my 2k3 Max for the first time. What is the best way doing it?? I see the drain plug and filter are on the passenger side of the engine..Do I remove the Right front tire, or do I lift the car and do it that way

2002 Maxima SE

iTrader: (3)

Some say you can change the oil without raising or removing the tire from a stock 2002 - 2003.

I use two ramps:

1)Drive car on ramps.
2)Put oil pan under drain/remove drain plug
3)Remove 3 screws holding plastic oil filter guard (not necessary)
4)Remove oil filter
5)Remove oil cap

Drain...drain...drain...

6)Replace with new filter. Replace drain bolt with new crush ring. Replace plastic guard (if removed).
7)Refill with 4.25 qts of oil.
8)Replace cap. Drive off ramps (the right way).

Colonel

Actually its pretty easy. If you have a good flat surface to work on, really all you need to do is turn the wheels all the way to the right and reach behind the splash guard.

I DO jack up the right side enough so I can creeper under the car (I am lazy) and creeper back out. Once I get the oil draining I drop the car back down and go have a beer. I then come back about 1/2 hour later and jack it up again, move the pan, remove the filter and set it back down again. This kinda "jiggles" more oil out of the system. I put the filter back on (pre fill it as it helps prime the system a bit better than no oil in the filter) and then put drain plug back on and then add about 4.25 qts to the system.

I can change the oil in my Maxima w/o ANY mess.

CCx

iTrader: (2)

Yup, definitely don't need ramps or a jack....just defintiely remember to turn the wheels to the right - last time I forgot and after the oil was all out of the car, I remembered, no big deal just had my oil filter on for another 4k miles. If you're fat, you may not fit under the car.

D-Nyce

Like others have said...no need for jacks or ramps if your car isn't lowered. I do mine flat on the driveway. I just turn the wheel to the right and partially remove the splash guard behind the right wheel. It's real easy to do...it's only held on by I think 3 screws and 2 push screws. I leave the top left screw in and fold the splash guard back (it's very flexible)...then the oil filter is right in front of you. No awkward reaching that way.

MaxxSpd2k1

I think the best way is to jack up in the middle and put jack stands on the sides drain the oil and change the filter that way its safe and easy.. I had a car almost fall on me 1 time when i didnt use stands. Now i always use them..

spirilis

iTrader: (2)

Yep, I LOVE how easy it is to do oil changes on the Max. I jack the wheel all the way to the right, put a jack under the front jacking point, lift the car a little (not enough that the wheels come off the ground), get underneath and do the job. I usually have a jackstand sitting further behind the jack underneath the center beam.

Zero Deuce SE

We cannot prefill our filters because they mount horizontally. Your filter must mount vertically like mine did on my old 92 SE. It's always a good idea to fill it with oil if you can.

jonbth

I use the low profile plastic ramps and find it's easier that way. You can also see if there is anything leaking when you are under there.

2k5spd

go to jiffy lube

Colonel

Hmm, I must be on drugs then...because I DO this step...

spirilis

iTrader: (2)

Interesting, never thought of doing this... I assume the anti-drainback valve keeps it from spilling when you put the filter on?

Zero Deuce SE

How much oil do you pour into the filter and how much do you spill when you install it? Try doing it while sober.

jonbth

I wouldn't bring my car to jiffy lube even if they paid me to change my oil. They use the cheapest filters available and always want to sell you something else like an air filter. I even know someone that took their car there and they didn't tighten the oil drain plug and it fell out and ruined their engine.

Colonel

I fill it up about 3/4...slowly. Then I spill a "little"...a tablespoon maybe? Not worried about the little that spills out, more worried about keeping oil supplied to the motor. Never had a problem with this task, nor had anybody contest it either...

I guess I am just more co-ordinated....

Zero Deuce SE

I am not contesting it. I just never tried it because I'm not fast enough to get the filter in place without spilling the oil out of it. It only takes a few seconds to fill that tiny filter when you start the engine.

Colonel

Two keys to getting it on with minimal spilling.

• ONLY fill it up 3/4 or youll get a puddle.
• I kinda "flick" spin with my wrist...gets it moving fast enough (I guess) to keep it from spilling out.

Zero Deuce SE

It's all in the wrist, huh? How did you get the name Colonel?

Colonel

Been my nickname from grade school when Space ***** came out. My last name is Sanders.

"They have gone Plaid!"