Changing the oil filter in your Cadillac Catera will require you to change the oil first. It's a mistake to think you can change the oil filter and not the oil.
Locate the oil drain pan. The drain pan is directly underneath the motor. Ensure you have a pan to catch the oil. The pan should hold at least five quarts of oil.
Remove the oil drain plug with a crescent wrench. Allow all the oil to drain into the drip pan.
Locate the oil filter by the drain pan. Loosen the filter with a filter wrench. Once it is loose you can twist it off by hand.
Rub the old engine oil on the black gasket on the new filter with your fingers. This will ensure a fresh seal for the oil filter.
Screw the filter to the housing, hand-tight. Do not wrench-tighten the filter, as this may damage it.
Tighten the oil drain plug back into the oil drain pan with your crescent wrench. Ensure the plug is snug. Avoid damage to the oil pan by not over-tightening.
Open the hood and locate the crank case. The oil cap should be directly on top.
Unscrew the oil cap and pour fresh oil in the crank case. Use at least five quarts. Check your oil to ensure you have provided the adequate amount of oil. Use the engine oil dipstick to check the oil level. Pour oil in a half-quarts at a time until you reach the full mark on the dipstick.
