Car
12-27-2009, 08:02 AM
This tech writeup is for a DIY (Do It Yourself) at home oil and filter change on the '05 - '08 Pontiac Grand Prix GXP wiith LS4 5.3L V8 engine using common hand tools and a jack. Also, applicable to any other GM vehicles with the LS4 engine. Pics are included for reference purposes. _Items needed:_ 1) 6 quarts of 5W-30 motor oil 2) 1 Oil Filter _Tools needed:_ 1) 15mm socket and 3/8" drive ratchet 2) Oil drain pan 3) Oil filter wrench (optional) 4) Floor or regular hydraulic jack 5) Jackstand 6) Funnel Image: http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y186/lizzywiz/gxp_oil_01.jpg GM LS4 5.3L V8 Engine Image: http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y186/lizzywiz/gxp_oil_02.jpg Hand tools: 15mm socket and 3/8" drive ratchet Image: http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y186/lizzywiz/gxp_oil_03.jpg 6 quarts of 5W-30 motor oil and oil filter. Shown is Castrol brand motor oil and WIX brand #57060 oil filter but the choice is yours. Image: http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y186/lizzywiz/gxp_oil_05.jpg Jack up front end (either driver or passenger side) of vehicle to comfortable level so you can fit and work under the car. Be sure to use a jackstand for safety. Use the subframe assembly for the lifting/support point as shown. Image: http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y186/lizzywiz/gxp_oil_04.jpg This pic shows the location of the drain plug (left) and oil filter (right). Located approximately in the center front of engine. Image: http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y186/lizzywiz/gxp_oil_06.jpg Using 15mm socket turn/loosen oil drain plug counterclockwise and remove by hand. Be sure to have the oil drain catch pan forward of the oil drain plug. Note: Oil drains forward on the LS4 engine. Caution: Oil may be hot depending on how much cool down time is given. Image: http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y186/lizzywiz/gxp_oil_07.jpg Drain plug removed and oil draining forward. While old oil is draining carefully jack up vehicle and remove jackstand. Then slowly drop the car down on to the front wheels so the remainder of the oil in the pan drains out. Once all old oil stops trickling out jack vehicle back up and use the jackstand. Replace the oil drain plug. Tighten snugly but do not over tighten. Next remove the oil filter. Move the oil catch pan under the area of the oil filter. Turn counterclockwise and remove old oil filter. Clean area of the oil filter adapter with a shop or paper towel. Install new oil filter. Be sure to apply a light coat of new oil to the oil filter seal before installing. Also, you can add new oil directly into the oil filter before installing. About halfways to 3/4. Tighten oil filter snugly hand tight. Image: http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y186/lizzywiz/gxp_oil_08.jpg Once above is completed remove jackstand and lower vehicle. Then add remainder of engine oil up to 6 quarts into the oil filler spout located on the drivers side of engine. Confirm oil level is OK at the dipstick. Next start vehicle and ensure oil pressure light goes out and there are no weird sounds like valvetrain or lifter rattle. Finally, be sure the reset the oil life monitor at the DIC. Note: Properly dispose of old motor oil. Take it to any oil change shop or a municipal/county recycle point that accepts old motor oil.