I was going to change the oil on my daughter's '01 CL-S -- is it an easy DIY job? The car is stock height, and I've got a pair of the Rhino Ramps (low profile).

I saw a few tips on putting a ziploc baggie around the filter. I do that on my other cars, because they drip like crazy once you unscrew them. Any challenges getting to the filter? And is it necessary to have a torque wrench to reinstall the drain plug? I always go easy on those with a regular wrench, just like with the oil filter.

 

it's very straight forward. if you've changed the oil on another car before, you won't have any problems on the CL. go give it a shot

 

I don't use ramps.

Jack up car from the front jack point (behind the radiator)
Start car and turn the steering wheel all the way to the right
This will enable you to get to the oil filter which it right next to the passenger's side wheel.
I don't use a torque wrench for the drain plug. If you can get another crush washer, it's a good idea to replace it.
It's a very simple process

 

Before I lowered the car I didnt even jack it up.

Cut the wheel all the way to the right. Remove the oil cap. The oil drain plug is 17mm. Remember, righty tighty, lefty loosey. The pan is aluminum and strips easily. Unscrew the oil filter. Let everything drain into a pan. You can dispose of the oil at any quick lube or shop near you. Clean the mounting area for the oil filter. Make sure the gasket from the old filter went with the old filter. I usually prime the oil filter before I mount it. Tighten it up snugly. The oil drain bolt gets tightened to *I believe* 33ft-lbs. Always use a new crush washer. If you got the new oil filter from Honda, it should come with a new crush washer. Fill to 4.5 qts, start the car and check for leaks. Done

 

jack up the front of the car (easier to do when car is lifted), turn the wheel all the way to the right, 17mm socket and ratchet, a pan to catch the oil, and unscrew the filter by getting to it from the passenger side (hence turning the wheel to the right gives more access).

 

all u need is a 17 mm socket and 30 minutes...i think its one of the easiest cars to do an oil change for..sometimes the oil filter is a little tight but if u just get a good grip on it..u can loosen it with your bare hands...good luck!

 

Don't forget your jack stands if you are working under the car! Routine maintenance is very easy on these cars. Get a good high quality filter (purolator pureone or mobile 1) and use synthetic oil. Crush washers should be replaced, but you can always get just one more time from them lots of times from my experience.