How to Change the Oil in a 2004 Impala

This will explain how to change the oil in your 2004 Chevrolet Impala

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Oil
• Oil Filter
• 16mm Wrench or Socket
• Rag
• Drain Pan
• Funnel

1. Once your car is cool, begin by jacking the car from the passenger’s side, on the frame between the wheel and the oil pan. Once the car is jacked, secure it with jack stands.

2. Next place your drain pan underneath of your oil pan. Now use a 16mm (I recommend open end wrench) wrench or socket to remove the drain plug in the bottom of the oil pan. Allow the oil to drain for about five to ten minutes.

3. Now you will want to replace your drain plug, and move your drain pan closer to the wheel well, where you will find your oil filter, it is a bit tricky so get to, if you turn your wheels all the way to the left, it is easy to get to from the wheel well, but it can also be accessed from underneath of the car. Remove the oil filter, but be careful, as it still has about 1/3 of a quart of oil in it or so. Drop this in your drain pan for now.

4. At this point, you will want to take your new oil filter from the box, open a new quart of oil, dip your finger in, and rub the oil onto the O-ring that is around the opening of the oil filter. Once this is done, you can screw the oil filter on, however you do not need to tighten it down with an oil filter wrench, tighten it as tight as possible by hand, and then wrap it with a rag and try to get it a little bit tighter, once the engine gets hot, it will tighten more, and if you put it on with a wrench, you may not be able to get it off next time.

5. Now you can climb from underneath of your car, and remove it from the jack stands and jack. Grab your oil and replace the amount recommended for your model Impala. After you have added the oil, let the car sit for about five to ten minutes to give the oil time to settle to the pan. Now check your oil to make sure you have the correct amount, add or remove as needed.

Tips & Warnings

• Put less than recommended when you are replacing oil, as it is easier to add more, than it is to remove some.
• If you have never changed your own oil before, double check your work, make sure everything is tightened up and your oil level is correct before driving.

[michaeledwards]

on 3/21/2009 You do not need to jack up this car to reach the oil drain plug or the oil filter. Both can be reached while the car is safely on the ground.