Changing your engine oil in your 2005 Pontiac Montana is do-it-yourself maintenance that can save you the cost of taking your vehicle to a mechanic. Changing the oil in the Montana van is similar to changing the oil in any other gasoline engine, requiring a few tools and basic mechanical knowledge. Pontiac recommends changing your oil every 3000 miles to keep the engine running properly. Fortunately the Pontiac Montana employs an oil life system meter on the instrument cluster that notifies you when to change the oil.
Drive the Pontiac Montana for approximately five to 10 minutes to warm up the engine oil. This makes the oil less viscous, making it easier to drain.
Park the Montana on a flat, even surface and shut the engine off. Engage the emergency brake.
Place a hydraulic jack beneath the front jack point. Lift the front of the van and place jack stands on the front side jack points, located behind the front wheels.
Put on Nitrile gloves and safety glasses. Gloves reduce mess and safety glasses protect your eyes in case any oil splashes in your face.
Slide beneath the Montana and locate the oil drain plug on the bottom of the engine oil pan. Position an oil drain receptacle beneath the drain plug.
Remove the oil drain plug with a 12mm wrench. Ensure the oil is draining into the oil drain receptacle. Open the hood and unscrew the oil fill cap on the top of the engine; this helps the oil drain easier. Allow the engine oil to completely drain out of the vehicle; this usually takes 30 minutes to one hour.
Locate the oil filter beneath the Montana. Position the oil drain receptacle beneath the old oil filter.
Turn the oil filter counterclockwise to remove it. Use an oil filter removal tool if you are having trouble removing the filter. Turn the oil filter upside down and allow the oil in the filter to drain out into the oil drain receptacle. Enclose the old filter in a plastic bag and throw it away.
Dip your finger in the new engine oil and rub it along the rubber seal on the new oil filter. This conditions the seal to help prevent leakage.
Clean the oil filter mating surface with a rag or shop towel.
Insert the new oil filter on the oil filter post and screw clockwise until tight. Turn it an additional 1/2 turn to ensure tightness. Do not over tighten or you may damage the rubber seal.
Clean the oil drain plug with a rag or shop towel. Clean the bottom of the engine oil pan.
Place a new washer on the oil drain plug and insert it back into the oil pan. Tighten the oil drain plug to 25 or 30 foot pounds of torque, using a torque wrench.
Open the oil fill cap and add four quarts of 5W-30 oil. Use a funnel if necessary to add engine oil.
Remove the oil drain receptacle from beneath the engine and lower the vehicle.
Reset the oil life system light by pressing the "Trip/Reset" button on the dash until "Oil" displays on the driver information system on the instrument cluster. Turn the key to the "Run" position and press the "Trip/Reset" button for five seconds.
