H3 Oil and Oil Filter Change
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This is something I wrote up right after I bought my H3 back in July of 06 and had posted on another forum. Since it has some pictures, it may be of help to others on this fourm so I decided to post it here as well..[/align]
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[/align]I decided to change my oil and filter for its first time. I climbed under and starting looking for the drain plug and filter. Wow, the drain plug was there, but where the heck was the filter. A quick search of the forum did not yield any pictures to make it real easy. So back to the H3 and after pulling off the skid plate, there was the oil filter. Oh this looked like fun, getting oil everywhere. Anyway, here are some pictures for those that have not experienced this joy.

Tools needed: 13 MM socket for the drain plug and 1/2" socket for the skid plate bolts. Oil drain pan, oil filter removal tool, funnel, Oil and Oil Filter. I choose to use Mobile 1 (5W-30) and AC Delco Filter (ACDelco PF-61).


If you can get under your H3 without ramps, then continue on. If not get out the ramps and drive on. First remove the Skid Plates as shown in the next 3 pictures. 6 Bolts, all 1/2". Two bolts here.


These two bolts.

And finally these two bolts.



Actually all those bolts do not have to be removed, but only loosened to get the plates off. You should be able to see how this works.

Now get down to the dirty part. Use the 13 MM socket and remove the drain plug.


(To Be Continued)[/align]

 

Make sure your drain pan is underneath. Oil runs all over the crossmember as shown below.



After it completes draining, put the plug back in and wipe down with hand towels. Now move to the oil filter. Yeah it is wedged up there in the front of the engine. It does have a small built in funnel device to help to keep oil getting everywhere and it does work fairly well. I had to use an oil filter wrench to break the filter loose.


Get the drain pan in place and remove the filter. It does get a little messy, but nothing hand towels can't clean up.



Ok install the new filter. Put a little oil on the rubber gasket to help it seal. After you have installed the new filter and you're sure the drain plug is back in, put in some fresh Oil.



Before putting the skid plates back on, start it up and make sure you don't have any leaks. If not, shut it off and install the skid plates. Make sure it is level and check the oil dipstick to make sure you have enough oil. Properly dispose of the old oil.

This is just a general guide. I am sure others have their ways of doing it, this worked for me.[/align]

 

Very good.....................I'm going to move this under freq asked questions.


Thanks

 

Great write up with excellent photos...But I would like to add this if I may..You should fill the new filter with fresh oil before installing it...This will prevent from a dry start-up.

 

Nicely done. Thanks.

 

so is it a 6 qt system

 

Capacities and Specifications

Application

Cooling System 10.0 qt 9.5 L

Engine Oil with Filter 6.0 qt 5.7 L

Fuel Tank 23.0 gal 87.1 L

Transmission (Drain and Refill)

Automatic 5.0 qt 4.7 L

Manual 2.5 qt 2.4 L

Wheel Nut Torque 100 lb ft 140

All capacities are approximate. When adding, be sure to fill to the appropriate level, as recommended in this manual.

6 Qts engine oil w/ filter per the manual.

 

Does the 6 quarts of oil take into account that i dropped the 5 quart jug while pouring it in and spilling about half a quart all over bloody hell?

Seriously though, thanks much for the how to. I changed my oil the other day and it helped to have these pictures. Too bad the lube shop that did it last timedidn't use the guide. They had the skid plates lapped wrong and didn't really bother to tighten them all the way.I've heard peoplesay we are cheap for changing our own oil, well i do it so i know it's done right.

 

Adding this because I'm sure it will be the next question or the next step:

Remember to reset the oil life system whenever the oil and filter is changed.
1. Turn the ignition to RUN with the engine OFF.
2. Press and release the reset button in the driver information center (DIC) until the OIL LIFE message is displayed.
3. Once the alternating OIL LIFE and RESET messages appear on the DIC display, press and hold the reset stem until several beeps sound. This confirms the OIL LIFE system has been reset.
4. Turn the key to lock. If the CHANGE OIL message comes back on when you start the engine, the ENGINE OIL LIFE system has not reset. Repeat the procedure

 

I'm probably going to be doing this in the next few weeks for the first time myself. If you have small arms, can you change the oil filter on your own, or do you have to take the panels off to access it? Can't you just turn the wheel all the way and kinda slide your arm in there?