• Discuss
• View
• Edit
• Rename
• History
• Attach
• Print
• Backlinks

Oil Change Procedure

Introduction

This article describes the oil change procedure for all Subaru vehicles. The procedure described herein is no different to any other oil change procedure.

There are many myths surrounding this topic alluding to complicated additional procedures which will not be discussed, referenced or given any further consideration within this article.

What will you need?

You’ll need the following items:

• 4.5 litres of new oil of the correct type and grade for your vehicle (as documented in your owners handbook)
• Genuine Subaru oil filter
• New sump plug washer
• (optional) New sump plug bolt

Oil Changing Procedure

We only advise using genuine Subaru oil filter and sump plug washer.

1. Ensure the car is parked on the level.
2. Warm the engine (to ease the draining process).
3. Pre-fill the new filter with fresh oil. Fill to the very top and keep topping up (it might take 10 minutes or so to fully absorb the oil).
4. Remove the oil filler cap (to allow the oil to drain easily).
5. Remove the plastic under tray.
6. Drain all of the old oil from sump (be careful it will be warm/hot and gushes out so be ready and have a suitable sized (depth & width) container for the oil to drain into). It will take a few minutes to run dry.
7. Remove old filter (you should be able to do this by hand, if not use an oil filter wrench or alternatively stab with a screwdriver for leverage if necessary).
8. Wipe the filter seating & apply a small amount of fresh oil to the face of the rubber seal on the new oil filter and then fit the pre-filled filter. Make sure the thread is not crossed and do not over tighten as this can lead to leaks. ¾ to a turn after it begins to feel tight is about right.
9. Wipe the sump plug seating and apply a new washer to sump plug and tighten.
10. Fill the engine with fresh oil of the correct grade (see your owner’s manual) to the full marker on the dipstick (you should allow a few minutes for the new cold oil to settle to get an accurate reading). The quantity of oil you’ll need is 4.5 litres. Note: Never over fill above the full marker, especially on Classic Scooby’s to help prevent blow-by oil vapour on boost. This can sometimes lead to slight hesitation being felt as boost starts to ramp up on Classic’s.
11. Refit the oil filler cap and ensure the dip stick is put back.
12. With the plastic under tray still off, start the car as normal and allow to warm up for 5 or 10 mins.
13. Switch off engine and check for leaks around the new oil filter and sump plug washer.
14. Recheck oil level and top-up to full if required.
15. Go for a test drive round the block, recheck for leaks and top-up to full if required.
16. Refit plastic under tray and you’re done.
17. Recheck oil level once a week (as you would normally do - right?).