Removing Oil filter

[5tinger]

Has anyone tried removing the oil filter from the round access panel underneath? I cannot seem to get any tools in there because there is a motor beneath the filter housing.

 

[eflyguy]

No issues here but you're in AUS (would be handy to put that in your profile btw) and I've seen this come up once before.

Seems odd that we didn't hear of it a lot earlier, does hardly anyone in AUS change their own oil?

 

[CKeeler]

I thought the same thing. Maybe something slightly different with the right hand drive versions

 

[Jay Tea]

On the 3.3L, do NOT attempt to change the filter through that stupid removable round cover ... you will get oil EVERYWHERE!

It is too easy to remove both large bottom covers: 10 mm bolts, one 11 mm screw nut, and a dozen or so pop-clips (look at Harbor Freight's Trim & Molding set, #64126, less than $10). Takes less than 3 minutes to remove both covers.

This allows a good inspection (and wipe-down) of the suspension, inner wheels & brake calipers, and engine bottom.

For info, the oil filter 'nut' size is 1 1/16" (for SAE folks) ... no other special tools needed! Just make certain you do NOT over-tighten the plastic filter cover when re-installing (it seals with an O-ring).

BTW, I change my own oil, as I asked my local KIA service manager if a factory-trained Stinger tech did oil changes, the reply was "No, the oil-change dude does the stupid stuff". Does he use a torque wrench for re-assembly, I inquired? "No, he does it by feel".

 

[SteveCo]

I had no problem changing the filter through the access hole in the cover, and there was no mess.

You do want to drain the engine oil first, before unscrewing the filter housing ...

 

[eflyguy]

Another one here who changed the filter thru the access hole without getting oil "EVERYWHERE".. lol..

 

[robz32]

I find the opening very small to fit an appropriate ratchet tool to undo the filter housing.
I usually remove both panels, much easier to maneuver around without them and its only a couple extra screws to remove.

 

[SteveCo]

I find the opening very small to fit an appropriate ratchet tool to undo the filter housing.

Are you using a wrap-around strap like you'd use for a spin-on metal filter?

The KIA filter housing has a hex fitting for a conventional socket at the bottom. Pretty easy to get to through the access port, with a ratchet and an appropriate extension.

 

[moinmoin]

conventional socket at the bottom.

Correct. It fits a 27mm socket...

 

[robz32]

I am using a ratchet and a 27mm socket, the opening is too small in diameter and it takes too many turns from the ratchet to undo the filter housing

 

[Jay Tea]

steve & efly - you are both VERY talented guys!
I tried on my first oil change, and oil ran down my arms and onto the top of the cover (which needs removing anyway to access the oil drain plug). Are we talking about the same 3.3 V6 engine?

 

[SKStinger]

Has anyone tried removing the oil filter from the round access panel underneath? I cannot seem to get any tools in there because there is a motor beneath the filter housing.

Are you sure the "motor" you're referring to isn't the filter housing? It's black plastic and I guess it could look like a motor to the untrained eye.

I just changed mine on Tuesday and had no issues accessing the filter through the access hole and it was mess-free. Just make sure you drain the oil from the pan first and then do the filter. To avoid a mess just loosen the filter and let all the oil flow out before you yank it completely out.

 

[ShannonC]

No issues here but you're in AUS (would be handy to put that in your profile btw) and I've seen this come up once before.

Seems odd that we didn't hear of it a lot earlier, does hardly anyone in AUS change their own oil?

Oil change is included in our fixed price servicing. Filter housing is very close to power steering motor so not a lot of room. Much easier to drop the under body panel.

 

[5tinger]

Thankyou Shannon! This is exactly what i mean, that motor is covering 3/4 of access passage. I'm also concerned about oil dripping from filter all over the EPS motor.

Did Kia intentionally make changing oil and filter so difficult on these?

 

[nhcowboy28]

Thankyou Shannon! This is exactly what i mean, that motor is covering 3/4 of access passage. I'm also concerned about oil dripping from filter all over the EPS motor.

Did Kia intentionally make changing oil and filter so difficult on these?

Every manufacturer has their quirks. My Ford Explorer if you weren’t paying attention would drip near/on one of the cats. My moustang the frame.
The new us ranger, you have to remove a wheel. I chit you not.

you can also use the flexible / maleable open funnels to catch the running/drips and reroute.

 

[SKStinger]

Oil change is included in our fixed price servicing. Filter housing is very close to power steering motor so not a lot of room. Much easier to drop the under body panel.
View attachment 31726

Bizarre! That power steering motor is not in that same location on mine.

 

[CKeeler]

I have no problem removing the filter without getting oil everywhere. I had to buy a shallow 27mm socket to fit and have not had an issue

 

[SteveCo]

Bizarre! That power steering motor is not in that same location on mine.

I'm going to speculate that this is a RHD market concern. The oil filter is going to be in the same place, but the steering components are not.

 

[SKStinger]

I'm going to speculate that this is a RHD market concern. The oil filter is going to be in the same place, but the steering components are not.

Ahh yeah I bet that’s it!

 

[eflyguy]

Are we talking about the same 3.3 V6 engine?

I can only say I have a 2019 3.3 V6, and had no issues. Plenty of room. I don't have small hands.