3point2TL

if someone has time, can you post detailed instructions on how to do your own oil change i usually take it to the dealer. i have the jacks and everything thanks

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3.2 Tl
WW Kit
Fogs
Tinted Tails
White Signals

Clear Orange DRL's
Custom Grill

BlackShadow

I have been changing my own oil since I bought my car. It saves you money. This is how you do it:

Tools needed: 17mm wrench or whatever you have, oil filter remover (if you don't have one then you can use your hands), oil pan, new oil filter, a car jack, and 4.5-5 quarts of motor oil, and a funnel.

Now let's get started:
1. Jack the car up, preferably the right side because that is where the oil filter and oil is.
2. First, loosen the oil filter slowly because some oil will start leaking out. You might need the oil filter remover here because it might be hard to turn it with your hands. Once loosen, then you can use your hands to remove it. Let the remaining oil drain into your oil pan.
3. Then use your 17mm wrench or whatever you have that will fit on the screw holding the oil and loosen it slowly (check the car's manual if you don't know where the oil filter and the screw is). The oil will start to drip out so place the oil pan like 2-3 inches from the screw. Once the screw is loose, you can use your hand to unscrew it all the way. But be careful because the oil will shoot out so aim the oil pan accordingly. After a couple of times doing this, you will know exactly where to put the oil pan.
4. Let the oil drain out completely into the oil pan. This will take a few minutes. When it is done, remove the oil pan from underneath your car and clean the area where the screw is.
5. Make sure you bought the right oil filter for the TL (if you don't know then then ask a clerk to help you. He will put it in the computer and give you the correct oil filter).
6. Open up a quart of the motor oil and use a little to coat the top of the oil filter before you put it back in. This will help with friction. Then tighten the oil filter so it can't leak.
7. Screw back the screw that you removed with the 17mm wrench or whatever tool you have. Make sure that it is tight but not too tight.
8. Open up your car's hood and take out the oil cap. Place the funnel into the opening.
9. Now pour the motor oil into it. The car's manual said 4.6 quarts but I put in five. When done, remove the funnel and tighten the oil cap.
10. Start the engine and let it run for a few minutes then turn it off. Now check the oil level on the dipstick to make sure it is full. If it is then you are done.

All you have to do now is just clean up the mess. BTW, have a few dirty old rags around so you can clean some of the oil that will be spilled during the process.

I know this is long but it is in detail. Hope this helps.

PhiTL

I have a question....how come you take the oil filter off first? I usually take the drain plug out first and let the oil drain, then remove the filter. I just thought removing the filter first would get too messy. This is how I have been doing it for years...how does everyone else do it??

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'00 White Diamond Perl w/Nav
Wings West Spoiler
Comptech Exaust
Rear Comptech Sway bar

3point2TL

thanks black shadow, it was very helpful.

NBP TL

I always take the drain plug out first too. Never heard of taking the filter off first. Also you should take the oil cap off while the oil is draining, it will allow the oil to flow out better.

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2001 Nighthawk Black Pearl TL

• Inspire tailights
• Weapon-R hyper intake
• Burlwood shift knob
• Razo carbon fiber pedals
• Inspire fog light switch (no fogs yet)

PhiTL

Thank you! I thought I was going NUTS!

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'00 White Diamond Perl w/Nav
Wings West Spoiler
Comptech Exaust
Rear Comptech Sway bar

BlackShadow

I have always taken the filter out first then the drain plug. Oh well ,it's been working fine for me. That's why there are choices.

The point is it doesn't matter which one you do first because the objective is to get the old oil out.

I believe either way is fine.

bombs

Drain plug first, but remove fill cap on the top to allow better flow. Furthermore, prefill the filter. An empty filter will act as a reservoir gathering oil the first few seconds the motor is running, which could prevent oil from reaching the intended pathways. The filter can also hold up to almost a quart which could put the dipstick reading low after running a while.

3point2TL

so how do we turn off the maint light??? 2000 TL

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3.2 Tl
WW Kit
Fogs
Tinted Tails
White Signals

Clear Orange DRL's
Custom Grill

Lawaia

Detailed info in your owners manual. Happy reading!

RAdams

I always drain the oil first, then remove the filter. One question though -- if the manual says 4.6 quarts, why do you add 5? It's not enough to do any damage, but why push it?

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2000 WDP 3.2TL non-NAV

BlackShadow

Just in case any oil starts to leak or something. You never know what will happen. Better to have more then not have enough.

Shoofin

Don't forget to rub a little oil on the rubber seal on the top of the filter, it keeps the rubber from drying and leaking..
Ed

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Acura-TL.com - Forum Moderator

'99 TL Satin Silver/Ebony, Non/Nav, Comptech lowered, Comptech Air Filter Element, Inspire Tails, AEM Brake Pads all around, Comptech Axle Back Exhaust, "Guy Smiley" doll on the dash as my Co-driver...

Pics of my TL
Pics of my Miata! Wadya think?

RAdams

Granted, 5 quarts isn't so much more than 4.6 that it's gonna do any damage, but as a rule I'd stick with the factory-recommended amount. You can severely harm an engine using too much oil but, again, 5 quarts isn't too far overboard for this motor.

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2000 WDP 3.2TL non-NAV

3.2 TL

AEM has a "performance oil filter". Do you guys think that does actually add to performance?