Volkswagen Rabbit/GTI/Jetta/GLI MkV DIY & FAQ

DIY: oil change (without the OEM drain tool)

Tools and Supplies:
OEM oil filter (top in picture) p/n 06D 115 562

Quality oil of your choice (check if on VW approved list)

new copper crush washer for drain plug

19mm socket
36mm socket (or adjustable wrench)
socket wrench
T20 screwdriver
needle nose pliers
oil drain tray / funnel
rags or paper towels
jack
2x jack stands
wheel chocks

Step 1: Engage parking brake and chock rear wheels.


Step 2: Jack up front end and secure on stands.

Step 3: Remove lower engine splash guard (8 T20 screws).

Step 4: Open the engine fill cap (to allow oil to drain completely).

Step 5: Unscrew the cap on the oil filter housing.

Step 6: Position your drain tray below the oil filter housing.

Step 7: Use the torx driver to carefully push the orange nipple up and over.  If done right, the nipple will catch and hang open allowing it to drain.

Step 8: After its done draining, use the screwdriver to put the orange nipple back in place.  Then wipe the area clean with some rags.

Step 9: Using the 36mm socket or adjustable wrench, remove the oil filter housing.

Step 10: Remove the filter cartridge, draining any remaining oil into the drain tray.

Step 11: Use the needle nose pliers to grab the tab on the old o-ring and remove it from the filter housing.

Step 12: Oil the new o-ring with some clean oil.

Step 13: Put the new o-ring into the filter housing.  Make sure to keep the tab facing up.

Step 14: Install the new oil filter cartridge into the housing.

Step 15: Pre-fill the oil filter housing.  Don’t over do it… you just want to put some in the bottom so the engine has something to suck up when it starts the first time.

Step 16: Wipe the area where the oil filter goes with a rag.

Step 17: Re-install the oil filter housing.

Step 18: Tighten oil filter housing (25Nm for the anal people out there).

Step 19:  Screw the cap back on the oil filter housing.

Step 20: Re-position the drain tray, and loosen the drain plug using the 19mm socket.

Step 21: Remove drain plug and allow to drain.  If you’re collecting a sample for oil analysis, do so in the middle of the pour.

Step 22: Clean off the drain plug, and replace the crush washer with a new one.

Step 23:  Once done draining… wipe the area clean with a rag and replace the drain plug.  Snug it up with the wrench, but you don’t need to go overboard and strip the threads.

Step 24: Replace the plastic tray that goes under the engine.

Step 25: Pour in 4qts of oil (if you’re using Elf like I did here, the bottles are 1L each, but you can go ahead and pour in 4 bottles here).

Step 26: Replace the fill cap.  Start the engine up and let it run for 30 seconds.

Step 27: Shut the engine off, and lower the car off the stands.  Remove wheel chocks.

Step 28: Check your oil level.  You will need to top if off from here.  It takes 5qts to fill to the MAX line.  If you’re using Elf… 5 bottles is more than 5qts, so be careful not to overfill!

Step 29: Dispose of your used oil properly.  Most auto stores will take used oil for free.

Step 30:  Record the mileage in your car’s maintenance log… take a drive and enjoy.

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