Changing the Oil in a 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse

Introduction Changing the oil in your 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse is easier than you may think. With a few simple tools, you can save money over the long term and know that the job is being done right and that the best materials are being used.

Materials Materials needed to change the oil and air filter from left to right: paper towels, funnel, oil pan, oil filter removal tool, 5 quarts of oil, oil filter and air filter Materials not shown but needed: car jack, jack stands, 17 mm wrench

Setting up Under the dash on the driver's side to the left is a red hood lever. Pull it out to open the hood There is a latch underneath and in the middle of the hood. Press it left, lift the hatch, take the hood stand out and attach it to the hood Place a jack underneath the cross member. Use the jack to lift up the car. Place a jack stand underneath the cross member or the actual jack stand metal piece that is located six inches behind the wheel. Safety first!

Draining Oil Take off the oil fill cap at the top of the engine to allow air flow so the oil can drain properly. Using a 17mm metric wrench, go underneath the car from the front passenger side. You will see the oil pan and drain plug. Place oil pan underneath drain plug. Turn drain plug counterclockwise until the plug comes off by hand. Hold on to drain plug so it does not fall into the oil. Make sure to have paper towel with you to wipe off the plug and your hands.

Air Filter Now is a good time to replace the air filter. Using two fingers take the air filter box apart by taking off the clamps. Take out the old air filter and replace with the new one. Re-attach air box by fastening the clamps.

Replacing Oil By this time most of the oil should have drained from the oil pan. Go back underneath the car with the oil filter removal tool. The oil filter will be to the right of the oil pan. Unscrew the oil filter counter-clockwise. Make sure to have another paper towel to wipe off excess oil. Replace the oil filter with a new one. Screw the oil filter on clockwise until hand tight.

Replacing Oil (cont.) Replace the oil drain plug while underneath the car. Using a 17mm wrench, hand tighten the plug. Pour oil through the oil filler tube at the top of the engine. It will take about 4 quarts (about ¾ of the 5 quart oil bottle). Check the oil level by removing the oil dipstick. Wipe off the dipstick with a paper towel, place the dipstick in its original location, and then take it back out. The oil level should be between the two holes in the dipstick. Replace the dipstick and continue to pour oil into the engine as necessary. Repeat this process until there is sufficient oil in the engine.

Replacing Oil (cont.) Replace the oil cap. Close the hood of the car by holding the hood with one hand and replacing the hood arm in its original location. Gently but firmly close the hood until it is completely latched. The hood should not move after closing. Remove the jack stand by jacking the car up slightly. Put away the jack after completion.

Success! Congratulations! You have now replaced the oil, oil filter and air filter by yourself. The dollar cost may be more than a quick $19.99 oil change, but the oil and filters are of higher quality. Replace the oil and filters every 3,000 miles, despite what the owner’s manual may say, and your vehicle will run better and last longer. Write down the mileage of your Eclipse before driving so you can keep a correct maintenance schedule.