Changing Oil Pan On 2006 Chevy Aveo: Step-By-Step Guide

Changing the oil pan on a 2006 Chevy Aveo can be a challenging task. While there are no specific instructions for this model year, general tips for removing the oil pan on a Chevy Aveo include loosening and removing the drain plug, using a mallet to gently tap the oil pan to free it, and ensuring all bolts are removed. It is also important to wear safety gear, such as gloves and goggles, when performing this task.

How to Change the Oil Pan on a 2006 Chevy Aveo

Remove the oil drain plug

To remove the oil drain plug from a 2006 Chevy Aveo, follow these steps:

• Park your car on a level surface and set the parking brake.
• Gather your tools and materials: a 17mm socket, a socket wrench, gloves, safety goggles, an oil drain pan, and an oil receptacle.
• Open the car's hood to access the engine bay.
• Locate the oil drain plug underneath the vehicle. It will be facing backward, as shown in the image referenced in the source.
• Place the oil drain pan under the plug to catch the draining oil.
• Use the 17mm socket and socket wrench to loosen the drain plug. Be prepared for a rush of oil once the plug is removed.
• Loosen the plug with the socket wrench until you can turn it by hand, then remove it by hand.
• Allow the oil to drain completely. This may take a few minutes.
• Once the oil has drained, replace the drain plug.
• Use the 17mm socket and socket wrench to tighten the drain plug securely.

Note: Some models of the Chevy Aveo may require a crush washer for the drain plug. If your vehicle requires this, be sure to place a new crush washer on the plug before tightening it.

Drain the oil

To drain the oil from a 2006 Chevy Aveo, you will need to prepare your workspace and gather the necessary tools. These include:

• Ramps, wooden blocks, or jack stands to raise the car
• A socket set with a 17mm socket
• An oil wrench (adjustable plier type or spider type)
• A drain pan
• Safety glasses
• Gloves
• A funnel
• Cardboard or another material to catch any spills
• A crush washer
• A container for the used oil

First, let the car run for about five minutes at idle. If it's cold outside, let the car idle for a bit longer. If you've just been driving, let the car cool down for 30 minutes to an hour. You want the oil temperature to be above 100 degrees Fahrenheit, but not so hot that it will burn you.

Next, raise the front end of the car using ramps, wooden blocks, or jack stands. Ensure the parking brake is set. Pop the hood and locate the oil drain plug underneath the vehicle.

Now, use the 17mm socket to loosen the drain plug. Have the drain pan ready to catch the oil. Loosen the plug until you can remove it by hand, then fully remove it and allow the oil to drain. Let it drain for a few minutes.

After the oil has drained, put the drain plug back on and tighten it with the 17mm socket. If your model requires a crush washer, put a new one on before tightening.

Finally, lower the car from the ramps or jack stands and start the engine to check for any leaks. Park the car on level ground, shut off the engine, and check the oil level with the dipstick. It should be between the "MIN" and "MAX" indications.

Remember to dispose of the used oil properly. In many places, any institution that sells motor oil must take used motor oil for recycling, including gas stations, auto parts stores, and even some big-box stores.

Remove the oil filter

To remove the oil filter from a 2006 Chevy Aveo, you will need an oil filter wrench, a new oil filter, a drain pan, safety glasses, and gloves. You will also need to raise the front end of the car, so you will need to use ramps, wooden blocks, or jack stands.

Before you begin, make sure you have driven the car for a while so that the oil is warm and flows more freely. Let the car idle for about five minutes, or longer if it is cold outside. If you have been driving the car for a while, let the car cool down for half an hour.

Now, raise the front end of the car. Make sure the parking brake is set. Once the car is raised, use a 17mm socket to loosen the drain plug. Be prepared for a rush of oil. Loosen the plug until you can remove it by hand. Once the plug is out, let the oil drain for a few minutes.

The oil filter can be difficult to remove. One method is to use an adjustable plier-type wrench. It is easier to use this type of wrench from underneath the car, as the clearance near the fan is not great. The oil filter is located to the left and below the yellow dipstick. It should be marked and might be black, orange, or white, depending on the manufacturer. Once you locate it, loosen the filter with a wrench from underneath the car, then remove it by hand from the top. Make sure you have the drain pan underneath the filter when you remove it, as there is still oil inside the filter.

Now you can put the drain plug back on and tighten it with the 17mm socket. If your model requires a crush washer, put a new one on before tightening.

Replace the oil filter

To replace the oil filter on a 2006 Chevy Aveo, you will need the following:

• Oil filter (Mobil M-101, Fram Ph3387A, DG3387A, AC/Delco PF47, STP S3387A, or K&N HP-1001)
• Funnel
• Oil, 4 quarts of 5w30 (Mobil 1 5w30 full synthetic, or any other 5w30)
• Gloves
• Safety glasses
• Towels, paper or cloth
• Socket set with a 17mm socket
• Oil wrench (adjustable plier type recommended)
• Drain pan
• Cardboard
• Something to raise the front end of the car (ramps, wooden blocks, or jack stands)
• Crush washer
• Something to put the used oil in

Before you begin, run the car for about 5 minutes to idle, or longer if it is cold outside. If you have been driving the car for a while, let the car cool down for half an hour. You want the oil temperature to be above 100 degrees Fahrenheit, but not so hot that it will burn you.

Now, follow these steps:

• Raise the front end of the car using ramps, wooden blocks, or jack stands. Make sure the parking brake is set.
• Position the drain pan under the projected path of the oil.
• Use the 17mm socket to loosen the drain plug. Be prepared for a rush of oil. Loosen the plug until you can finish removing it by hand.
• Let the oil drain for a few minutes.
• Remove the old oil filter. This can be done using an adjustable plier-type wrench, or a spider-type filter wrench. Loosen the filter from underneath the car, then take it off by hand from the top.
• Put the drain plug back on, using the 17mm socket to tighten it. If your model requires a crush washer, put a new one on before tightening.
• Open the new oil container and put some oil on your finger. Run your oiled finger around the rubber gasket of the new filter to ensure a tight fit and prevent leaking.
• Attach the new filter by screwing it on. You can hand-tighten it, or use a filter wrench for extra security.
• Fill the crankcase with the new oil, using the funnel to avoid spills. The Aveo uses 4 quarts of oil.
• Lower the car from the raised position and let it run for a minute or two to ensure there are no leaks.
• Park the car on level ground, shut off the engine, and check the oil level. It should be between the "MIN" and "MAX" indications on the dipstick.
• Dispose of the used oil and clean up. Pour the used motor oil into an empty container, such as a clearly labeled 5-gallon gasoline container.

Note: Always wear safety glasses and gloves when handling oil, as used motor oil is carcinogenic.

Refill the crankcase

To refill the crankcase of your 2006 Chevy Aveo, you will need 4 quarts of 5w30 oil. You can use Mobil 1 5w30 full synthetic, or any other 5w30 oil. You will also need a funnel.

Step 1: With the drain plug tightened and the new oil filter attached, pour the new oil into the crankcase using the funnel.

Step 2: Ensure you add 4 quarts of oil. Use the measuring strip on the side of the oil container to check the amount.

Step 3: Get your Aveo off the blocks or ramp and let the engine run for a minute or two to ensure everything is fine and there are no leaks.

Step 4: Park the car on level ground, shut off the engine, and check the oil level. It should be right between the "MIN" and "MAX" indications on the dipstick.

Step 5: If the oil level is correct, you're done! If not, adjust accordingly and recheck.

Frequently asked questions