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cixelsyd · 08-22-2005, 02:34 PM

Changing the oil in this car is perfectly do-able for the average person. You will need some significant amount of time, however, and some tools.

Multiple people have done oil changes on this car, if you have never attempted such a thing before and would like to hear more about people's experiences, I would suggest searching the forums for posts.

I can sum up the basics for you, though.

1. The oil filter is a stock toyota part. Ask for the OEM filter for the 2zz-ge engine from a late model celica gt-s, matrix, or corolla. Or get the Lexis filter, or get an aftermarket filter for that engine. It is all a matter of taste. Make sure you have a line on the oil, also. After 1,000 miles, the Elise takes full synthetic oil. From the service manual:

"At the First After Sales Service and completion of the running-in period, a fully synthetic 5W/40 oil such as Texaco Havoline Synthetic should be used." If this is not available, the oil should meet the following standards:

"Viscosity: 5W/40
Quality Standard: API SJEC; ILSAC; ACEA A3
Capacity - refill inc. filter 4.4 litre (Cars fitted with front mounted oil coolers contain an additional 3.5 litres, but this oil is not drained during routine servicing)"

2. The oil change is easiest to do if you have a 4 point lift available, if not, than back the car up onto stands so you can slide under it.

3. The oil change is very easy to do, but it does require removing two underpanels on the car, each of which has approximately 10 fasteners. So you'll need a metric socket wrench set to get the fasteners off the underpanels. First, take off the diffuser, then remove the next panel back as well (although not technically necessary, removing the second panel allows you to get right to the oil filter and very easily drain the oil pan).

4. Drain the oil pan, and then remove and replace both the filter and the drain plug. Careful, the filter will be full of oil!

5. Fill the oil with the required lubricants. Note - if using Mobile One oil, their bottles will screw right into the oil cap threads on top of the engine. Cut the bottom off of one to make an excellent funnel!

6. Now might be a good time to fire up the car and see if anything leaks. If not, your good and almost done.

7. Button up both underpanels, make sure you put the diffuser on last!

8. Drive happy.

-=cixel

08-22-2005, 02:34 PM	#3 (permalink)
cixelsyd COM Court Jester Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: upstate NY Posts: 265	what tools do I need to change the oil in the elise? Changing the oil in this car is perfectly do-able for the average person. You will need some significant amount of time, however, and some tools. Multiple people have done oil changes on this car, if you have never attempted such a thing before and would like to hear more about people's experiences, I would suggest searching the forums for posts. I can sum up the basics for you, though. 1. The oil filter is a stock toyota part. Ask for the OEM filter for the 2zz-ge engine from a late model celica gt-s, matrix, or corolla. Or get the Lexis filter, or get an aftermarket filter for that engine. It is all a matter of taste. Make sure you have a line on the oil, also. After 1,000 miles, the Elise takes full synthetic oil. From the service manual: "At the First After Sales Service and completion of the running-in period, a fully synthetic 5W/40 oil such as Texaco Havoline Synthetic should be used." If this is not available, the oil should meet the following standards: "Viscosity: 5W/40 Quality Standard: API SJEC; ILSAC; ACEA A3 Capacity - refill inc. filter 4.4 litre (Cars fitted with front mounted oil coolers contain an additional 3.5 litres, but this oil is not drained during routine servicing)" 2. The oil change is easiest to do if you have a 4 point lift available, if not, than back the car up onto stands so you can slide under it. 3. The oil change is very easy to do, but it does require removing two underpanels on the car, each of which has approximately 10 fasteners. So you'll need a metric socket wrench set to get the fasteners off the underpanels. First, take off the diffuser, then remove the next panel back as well (although not technically necessary, removing the second panel allows you to get right to the oil filter and very easily drain the oil pan). 4. Drain the oil pan, and then remove and replace both the filter and the drain plug. Careful, the filter will be full of oil! 5. Fill the oil with the required lubricants. Note - if using Mobile One oil, their bottles will screw right into the oil cap threads on top of the engine. Cut the bottom off of one to make an excellent funnel! 6. Now might be a good time to fire up the car and see if anything leaks. If not, your good and almost done. 7. Button up both underpanels, make sure you put the diffuser on last! 8. Drive happy. -=cixel __________________ Night life guide and other things to do in New York City! Limited Slip Mafia member since Dec 2005; COM member since Oct 20th, 2004. 2005 Southern New York SCCA SS Championship: second place. "The passenger seat is smaller than the driver's seat, and it is bolted in place. It is there where you tell someone, 'There is your spot; keep your elbows out of the way and hold on.'" ---Lotus Cars USA spokesman Colin Price