The oil filter in your Grand Am keeps your engine oil clean, filtering debris and dirt out of your engine. If the oil filter has not been replaced, it may not operate as effectively, leaving debris in your engine oil that can damage the inner components of the motor. Replacing your filter and changing the oil will help prolong the life of your Grand Am’s engine, saving you costly repairs down the road.
Run the engine of your Pontiac Grand Am until the engine is up to operating temperature. This will heat the oil, thinning it out so that it drains more thoroughly. Wait 15 minutes after shutting the car off to let the oil settle.
Raise the front end of the car with a jack and support it on a set of jack stands. Remove the jack from under the car.
Place an oil drain pan under the car beneath the oil pan drain plug. Remove the plug from the oil pan using a wrench or socket and ratchet. Wait for the oil to completely drain and then replace the drain plug and tighten it with the wrench or socket and ratchet.
Slide the drain pan under the oil filter. Remove the filter with a filter wrench and place the filter upside down in the drain pan to allow the oil to drain out of it.
Fill the new oil filter with clean oil. Coat the gasket on the new oil filter with a thin layer of oil and then screw the oil filter into place. Once the filter is hand tight, it is secure. Do not over-tighten it or you may crush the gasket, causing leaks.
Lift the vehicle slightly with the jack to remove the jack stands. Return the vehicle completely to the ground. Raise the hood and remove the oil fill cap. Fill the car with 5W-30 oil as per the manufacturer’s recommendation.
Turn the ignition to the “On” position without turning the engine over. If your vehicle does not have an oil change indicator system, you can skip this section.
Press and release the gas pedal on your Grand Am three times in less than five seconds.
Listen for a chime and watch for your “Change Oil” indicator to go out. If it does not, repeat the process.
Turn the ignition key to the “Off” position.
