I just cannot remove the oil filter...
 

- I tried by hand
- I bought a wrench, but found out that there isn't enough room to work the handle
- my local auto shop has oil filter caps, but none of them fit

Maybe I have to look online for something? My first oil change is coming up at the 7.5 month mark in April.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Adjustable-M...15f2db&vxp=mtr

Buy one of these from an auto parts store and use a ratchet extension for clearance.

This works 100% of the time.

http://www.walmart.com/ip/33906627?w...097301&veh=sem

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And no I'm not trolling. I've had to use water pump pliers to remove the filter every damn time Toyota has done the oil change.

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ugh.


take screwdriver and hammer. hammer screwdriver through filter. use the handle to loosen filter

I had to do this on my 1973 BMW 2002 the first time around. Someone had put the filter on retarded-tight and it was the usual narrow/hard to get angle. Tried everything and finally just pounded a screwdriver through it. Messy as fuck, but it worked.

EDIT: there is no way that's needed on this car w/ the filter right there on top.

Cant get any simpler than that...

Turn counter-clockwise.


EDIT: First oil change at 7.5 months???

I bought and then returned that item. There wasn't enough clearance for the handle.

I preffer the non messy way...

I just wrapped a belt around it and pulled like I mofo... worked like a charm.

Yes, I'm following the car's manual.

7.5K miles, or 7.5 months, whichever comes first.

From what I have heard most dealers recommend an oil change at 3750 miles. The old convention was 1000 miles on break in.

As for the filter a set of filter pliers or channel locks should do the trick. I like the filters with grit in the paint as I have never had to use tools to remove one. Dealerships also seem to like over tightening filters.

use whatever method that works to remove the old filter, then replace it with one of these:

http://www.knfilters.com/search/prod...x?prod=HP-1004

and never look back...

Yeah, I already purchased a replacement filter for my upcoming oil change. It's a Purolator PureONE, and they have a textured surface meant for toolless hand installation.

I had to do this when I changed the oil some time after break-in. It was insanely tight, but this method works like a charm. Just be careful!

Whatever any of you are doing, if you're installing the oil filter so tight where removing by hand the next time around is an issue, YOU ARE DOING IT WRONG.

-alex

I think generally people here are saying it's either the first filter from the dealership or after taking it in for service. Your average joe would have no reason to install a filter so tight...can't figure out why dealerships do.

Can you describe exactly what angle you aimed your screwdriver while still having room to hammer it in?

If I recall (and that's dubious given I did it 7 months ago), I had to come in at an angle over the air box to allow enough room to use the screwdriver as a kind of "breaker bar." You want to drive it into the filter as horizontal as you can obviously, but the tightness in that area makes it a little difficult.

You might even be able to move part of the air box to give yourself some more room, I didn't even look into that.

I hope that was helpful. :iono:

the filter was a "bi*ch" to remove on my first oil change. bought one of these and it worked for me:

http://i59.tinypic.com/22m8ty.jpg

I've changed the oil several times using that very style wrench. You can tighten the strap with your hands to keep the handle the right position. Do you have a custom intake or something else in the way that isn't stock?

Also, are you sure you are turning it the right direction? Sounds like a dumb question but you never know.

just a guess, but im assuming you didnt punch a hole in it and let it drain first.

in these cars, i doubt itll be messy at all.

This is why you add oil around the seal before putting on your filter kids.

your hand tight, my hand tight, and average joe hand tight are different..

you need to follow the directions on the filter.. which usually is 3/4to 1.5 turns from when the gasket touches the base.. thats the only way to properly do it.. and from what I've seen and done myself, its impossible to reach 3/4 without some tool of sort on most vehicles..

factory filter has some grease on the gasket..

Ive never heard of hammering a screwdriver through the filter, but that seems....interesting? But overall, this thread is a funny read for some strange reason.

on some cars, the filter is really difficult to access, and if that filter is tight people have to resort to this ..

use k&n oil filters... they have a nut on the top to make it easier to get them off. but first and foremost don't let dealership techs touch your car.

First oil change on new car = bring to dealer for me

Havent had any problem doing that on 3 different brand cars.

I've never put a filter more than hand tight and have never had a problem?

fwiw, I use the AST oil filter wrench..
fits perfect and doesn't slip.. very heavy duty, for professionals..
http://www.toolsource.com/subaru-hyu...-p-104328.html

when you do 10,000+ oil changes a year, you'll see.. :bonk:

See what? I have done all my own oil changes and helped numerous friends. They and I have seen 3 digit speeds and hard driving pretty much daily and no problems.

When I have gotten dealer changes they come off with only my hand after. Please share your secrets and not emoticons.

:burnrubber::iono:

they seep oil with "hand tight" follow the directions of the filter, none of the filters I've seen will mention "hand tight" on any instructions.. because its simply too vague, and I've mentioned your hand tight, my hand tight, someone else's hand tight are different.. and some vehicles, you can barely put your fingers on it to tighten.. yet alone get even 3/4 turn..

I have no idea what it was like on your car. My first oil change had a filter that came off easily by hand.

My "hand tight" is exactly the procedure that is outlined in the FSM, marked on the filter, etc.

Screw on filter. Once rubber base touches engine, turn another 2/3 to 3/4. This can be accomplished by hand.

There is absolutely no need to turn the filter 1.5 full rotations. Please show me where it says to screw on the filter that tightly.

-alex

Edit: torque spec for the filter is 10ft-lb of torque.

If that is not a definition of "hand tight", you're doing it wrong!

From the FSM.

My friend tried as well, we were both unable to loosen it by hand or normal tools. So, screwdriver.

This is how I tightened it when I installed the new one. No issues so far.

^^^ screwdriver technique always works!