I did do a search but couldnt find anything. I was just curious if there is anything i should know before changing the oil in my 03 TLS. I heard it is kind of a bitch to get to the drain plug in the oil pan? Is this true? Will i need to jack up the car to get to this? Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks

 

Changing the oil on the TL is about as easy as it gets. There are many DIY therads with pics of every thing. Feel free to use the search to find them. Ramps or jacking it up make it easier, but not necessary. The bolt is a 17mm bolt. turn the wheel all teh way to the right to gain access to the filter

 

I don't fit under the car without jacking it up but maybe if your real skinny you could fit. The only tip I could offer is turn the steering wheel all the way to the right and this makes getting to the oil filter much easier. Also wrap a plastic bag around the oil filter before you loosen it as oil has a tendancy to start coming out at a wierd angle and usually it get on the inside of your rim.

 

Ramps, catch pan, big catch pan, kitty litter/grease sweep

Remember to torque the drain plug!

 

Do you guys use a new crush washer on the drain plug? i used the same one even though the manual warns against it and i have had no leaks so far.

 

I used the same one for 200k. Just dont over torque it and you will never have a problem (but thats just me, i dont always follow the rules)

 

I have reused the drain plug washer and never had a leak as does FSTTYMS1. I don't torque the plug. Just tighten it by hand snugly. Been changing oil in my Honda Products for many many years without a leak or problem.

 

If you are the ONLY person to have changed the oil on your car, you personally- no one else- then its ok to re-use, many people use an actual torque wrench- others just have a feel for 29 ft lbs as tight, all depends on your experience level

If the car is new to you- always assume the worst and spend a buck on a new washer

I went ahead and got the whole drain plug and washer, unmauled by inconsiderate hands

Mobil1 or K&N filters are popular quality brands used by many on this board

 

why would you EVER torque your drain plug?!?! that's how it starts leaking.

 

Not if it is torqued correctly with a proper torque wrench.

 

Some people don't have the FEEL for tightening drain plugs. If you over tighten it, you can strip out the threads. BEEN THERE DONE THAT. As mentioned above, some of us have a feel for the 29 FT. Pounds of torque recommended. The plug needs to be snug as my dad would have said. I change the oil in my TL with it parked on the ground. It's really easy compared to the Accord. Had to put the Accord on Ramps cause the oil filter was behind the engine and hard to get too. Also the filter was in the horizontal position and leaked all over the place compared to the TL's filter which still leaks but not as bad. Changing the oil on the TL is about as easy as it gets folks. It cost me about $15 bucks to change the oil in the TL using Castrol DINO. 5-30. I save around $10 bucks and never leave my driveway. The main reason that I change the oil myself is the inspection aspect. Always check under the car for leaks, leaking constant velocity joint boot damgage/leaks etc. I do put the car on ramps and inspect everything about 3/4 times a year.

 

I had to replace my crush washer the first time I changed the oil on my own, because the one on the car was flattened to the point where I had to unscrew it to get it off the drain plug. And I only took my car to the Acura dealer from when it was brand new until about 90K miles. Since then I've done all my own oil changes and replaced the washer once every 3 or 4 changes. I agree with fsttyms1 and Luke7 that you probably don't HAVE TO replace the washer as long as you don't over torque it and flatten it.

So my suggestion is to have a new crush washer handy in case the one on there now is spent.

 

Call me 'by the book' but I get a new crush washer each time. The Honda dealership gave me like 3 for free (couldn't be bothered to write up a receipt) when I asked for some.

I don't have a torque wrench (ie I go over to my uncle's if I need to borrow his) so I just hand torqued it ... then took a wrench to 'tighten it' a little more.

 

Because if you torque it you will never have a problem. If you over torque it thats how you get leaks. Thats why you should properly torque it with a torque wrench

 

Yup... cost me $250 I didn't have because Jiffy lube overtightened mine, put in the WRONG drain plug, and my engine ended up siezing up... and THEN, they refused to pay for it, saying they've never heard of this happening... Is 2-3 months later too late to still try anything? lol... but yeah, since then, I REFUSE to let other people touch my car unless I trust them so, obviously, I've had to learn how to change my own oil... it's simple, just don't be nervous and act like you've been there before when you first try it and you'll be surprised at how simple it is

 

A rule of thumb i use when i cant turn the wrench with 2 fingers its torqued good enough. I do the same on my scuba regulator and it requires about 25 ft/lbs. Also, why do you put 5W30? I could have sworn the cap on our valve cover says 5W20. I use mobile 1 full synthetic 5W20 and so do all my fellow honda/acura driving friends

 

Many TLs were rated for 5w30(99-01) . 5w30 is just fine and wont hurt any thing. The only reason honda lowered the weight of the oil is to help meet CAFE standards better

 

Thanks for all the help. I changed it this weekend and installed a Fumoto valve http://www.fumotovalve.com/ Thing works GREAT and i have had it on all my previous cars. Used Castrol Full Synthetic 5w20 and a Pure One filter. Oil change was a breeze.

 

Which valve model?

 

Are those any good? How long does it take the oil to drain out? I used the fram one and ended up scraping it because it ended up being waaay quicker to use just the drain bolt. But the fumoto does look like its constructed better.

 

I tried all the over the counter Piece Of Sh*t ones out there. The Fram one Sucked so bad. This one is great. It takes about a minute longer than usual. Well worth the money and the amount of time it saves especially if you cant fit under the car. I just reach under the wheel well and flip the switch. While it drains I check my battery, fill the washer fluid, etc. etc. etc. I'll post pics once i know how to. haha