I am having one hell of a time trying to get the oil drain plug out. I tried using a small ratchet to get it undone but it won't budge. A ratchet should be enough shouldn't it? Now I am thinking maybe the threads on the pan are stripped? I don't want to take out the plug with a stripped pan or my car won't be able to go anywhere. How can I tell for sure and what should I use to get it loose?

 

If it is in that tight it is NOT stripped. A 3/8's ratchet should do it but if not a 1/2 will. Just make sure you are turning it the right way. Some folks get turned around when the nut is on the bottom vs the top.

Just remember when you put it back on not to do the same as the previous individual did.

 

I would suggest trying using an extension to the ratchet handle. Most likely just over tightened.

 

Yup... use a 1/2" breaker bar, but REMEMBER, righty tighty, lefty loosy! Could also put a steel pipe or equiv. on the handle of your 3/8 ratchet. Good luck.

 

The head is 14 mm for the 4th gen. I think it's an 8mm diameter bolt. A new bolt, unstripped with copper gasket is reletively cheap. I replaced mine at about 96,000 miles. I've never needed anything but a standard wrench to get it loose. If the head is stripped get a new one at a local dealership or autoparts store. Then remove the stripped bolt with a vise grip plier.