The oil filter in the 2004 Cadillac is responsible for keeping dirt and debris out of the engine. When you change the oil, the filter has to be changed as well. The oil and filter is recommended to be changed every 3,000 miles. Failure to do so will result in the breakdown of your engine oil, causing the engine lose its lubrication. You can save time and money by changing the filter and the oil yourself.
Park the car on a flat and level surface. Set the parking brake.
Locate the oil pan underneath the car. The oil pan is located directly underneath the motor. Place a drain pan underneath the oil pan.
Unscrew the drain plug with a crescent wrench. Allow all the oil to drain out. Screw the drain plug back in. Do not overtighten as this will strip the oil pan threads.
Unscrew the oil filter with an oil filter wrench. The oil filter is located directly in front of the motor. Place the oil filter with the waste oil.
Rub new motor oil on the gasket around the new oil filter with your fingers. This will lubricate the filter gasket and help it seal better. Fill the filter with motor oil.
Screw the oil filter to the filter assembly with your fingers. Do not hand tighten the filter with a wrench. This will strip the threads in the oil filter.
Open the hood to access the engine compartment. Unscrew the oil cap located on the valve covers.
Pour in four quarts of motor oil. Check the oil level and add oil at half-quart increments until the dipstick reads full. The car holds six quarts of oil.
