Locating The Oil Pan: 2006 Chevy Impala Guide

The oil pan on a 2006 Chevy Impala is located at the bottom of the engine. Replacing the oil pan gasket is a complex task that requires mechanical expertise and special tools. It is recommended to seek professional assistance for this job.

Removing the engine

This guide will take you through the process of removing the engine of a 2006 Chevy Impala. This process is complex and time-consuming, so it is recommended that you seek professional assistance if possible.

Step 1: Prepare the car

Park the car on a flat, level surface and engage the parking brake. You will need to gather the necessary tools and safety equipment, including jack stands, a jack, and safety goggles. Place jack stands at the recommended lift points and raise the car. Once the car is securely raised, you can slide under the car and locate the oil pan.

Step 2: Locate and remove the oil pan

The oil pan is located underneath the engine, towards the front of the vehicle. It is a metal container with a drain plug and is typically black or silver in colour. Before removing the oil pan, you will need to drain the engine oil. Place a drain pan or container underneath the oil pan and remove the drain plug using a wrench. Allow the oil to drain completely, then replace the drain plug.

Step 3: Disconnect components

To access and remove the oil pan, you will need to disconnect several components. These include the A/C compressor mounting bolts, the three-way catalytic converter pipe, the oil level sensor wiring harness, the starter motor, and the transaxle brace. You may also need to loosen the transmission and slide it back slightly.

Step 4: Remove the oil pan bolts

The oil pan is secured to the engine with several bolts. You will need to remove these bolts to detach the oil pan. This can be a challenging task due to limited space and the need for specialised tools. One particularly difficult bolt is located at the back of the oil pan, closest to the transmission. You may require a short 13mm 1/4 inch drive and several small extensions to reach this bolt.

Step 5: Remove the oil pan

Once all the bolts have been removed, you can carefully pry the oil pan off the engine. This may require some force, but be careful not to damage any surrounding components. With the oil pan removed, you can now access the engine block and proceed with further repairs or maintenance.

Step 6: Engine removal

To remove the engine, you will need to unhook the main wiring harness, steering column, coolant hoses, transmission lines, and battery cables. Remove the radiator and unbolt the struts from the strut towers. Disconnect the front brake lines from the calipers and remove the clips fastening the hoses to the struts. Support the vehicle and remove the K-frame mounting bolts. Finally, lift the car off the engine cradle and suspension.

Tools required

• J 39505 Torque Wrench Adapter
• Jack
• Hoist
• Engine support fixture
• 1/4 in drive short socket on a long extension
• 3/8 sockets and long ratchet
• 13mm socket
• 1/4" wobble extension
• 13mm 1/4 in. drive
• Silicone (called the right stuff)
• Thread lock compound GM P/N 12345382 (Canadian P/N 10953489) or equivalent
• Engine support
• Pickle fork
• J 28467-360
• 2x6's and 5/8" plywood
• Flaring tool
• Hose clamps
• Wood (2x4, 1x4, and 5x8 piece)

Steps to remove the oil pan

To remove the oil pan from a 2006 Chevy Impala, you will need to follow these steps:

Firstly, it is important to note that while the engine can remain in the car, it is recommended to have a hoist for this job. You will also need to support the engine from the top. Begin by loosening the compressor from all mounting points and removing the timing cover, valve covers, intake, and water outlet. Remove the front engine mount nut that connects to the subframe and the engine mount at the top. You can then raise the engine as high as possible and use a piece of wood to slowly lower it, allowing the oil pan to clear the crossmember.

Next, remove the exhaust pipe under the oil pan. Carefully pry the oil pan off, being mindful of the power steering lines. Once the oil pan is removed, clean the oil pan and the engine block gasket surface.

To access the oil pan, you will also need to remove the engine mount struts from the engine, disconnect the A/C compressor mounting bolts, reposition and secure the A/C compressor, disconnect the three-way catalytic converter pipe from the right exhaust manifold, and drain the engine oil.

Additionally, you will need to disconnect the oil level sensor wiring harness connection and remove the starter motor, transaxle brace from the oil pan, and engine mount lower nuts. You may also need to loosen the transaxle mount lower nuts and use a specialised tool (J 39505 Torque Wrench Adapter) to remove the side bolts holding the oil pan.

Finally, lower the vehicle and use a tool (J 28467-360) to raise the engine. Remove the engine mount bracket with the engine mount from the oil pan. Disconnect the right lower ball joint and the right outer tie rod from the steering knuckle. Remove the right-side frame bolts and loosen the left-side frame bolts.

Please note that this is a complex procedure and it may be advisable to seek professional assistance.

Oil pan gasket replacement

The oil pan is located at the bottom of the engine, and the gasket/seal between the pan and engine block is subject to heat cycling of the engine, as well as weather and road debris. Over time, the oil pan gasket will harden, dry, and crack, causing an oil leak.

To replace the oil pan gasket of a 2006 Chevy Impala, you will need to first jack up the car and support it with jack stands. Then, drain the oil by removing the oil filter and drain plug. Next, remove the oil pan bolts, leaving one at each corner loosely in place. You may need to gently tap or pry the pan away from the engine block. Once the pan is loosened, remove the remaining oil pan bolts and carefully take out the pan without damaging the oil pickup located within.

Clean the area on the lower engine block where the oil pan attaches, as well as the oil pan itself, inside and out. Remove any old gasket material from the oil pan and engine block mounting surface, then wipe both surfaces clean and let them dry.

Following the directions on the RTV package, apply a thin film of RTV to the oil pan mounting surface. Once the RTV has set, apply the new pan gasket to the surface, applying even pressure all around. To minimize movement of the gasket while placing the oil pan against the engine block, take a few inches of wire, peel off the insulation, and loop the wire through some holes in the oil pan, twisting them loosely around the gasket. Once you have loosely installed a few of the pan bolts, untwist the wire and remove it.

Insert all the oil pan bolts by hand to start with, and then torque them to the manufacturer's specifications to avoid distorting the oil pan and causing future leaks. Reinstall the oil pan drain plug and new oil filter, then fill the engine with the recommended oil. Check for any obvious leaks before lowering the vehicle.

Remove the jack stands and lower the vehicle. Start the vehicle and let it run for a minute, then turn the engine off and check the oil level after a few minutes. Top off if needed. Once checked, start the vehicle again and let it warm up at idle. Check for any leaks after the vehicle has been warmed up and again after it has been driven.

This is a complex job that may be best left to professionals, especially if you do not have the required tools and equipment.

Tips and tricks

• The oil pan is located at the bottom of the engine, serving as a reservoir for engine oil. When the car is not running, oil drains from the engine and settles in the oil pan.
• To locate the oil pan, look for the lowest point of the engine. It is usually found directly beneath the crankshaft.
• The oil pan is sealed to the bottom of the engine with a gasket. Over time, this gasket can deteriorate and cause oil leaks, so it's important to inspect it regularly.
• If you notice oil leaks or see physical damage to the oil pan, such as dents or cracks, have your car towed to a repair shop immediately. Driving with a damaged oil pan can lead to serious engine problems.
• Replacing the oil pan on a 2006 Chevy Impala can be a complex task. It may require lifting the engine, removing the subframe, or unbolting the exhaust system. It is generally recommended to leave this job to a professional mechanic.
• If you attempt to replace the oil pan yourself, make sure you have the necessary tools, including a hoist or jack stands to safely lift the car, and a new oil pan, gasket, and wrench set.
• Before starting the replacement process, drain the oil from the engine and place a drain pan under the oil pan to catch any remaining oil.
• When installing the new oil pan, follow the recommended tightening sequence for the bolts and be careful not to over-tighten them.
• After installing the new oil pan, fill the engine with the correct type and amount of oil and check for any signs of oil leaks.
• Remember to take your time and prioritize safety during the replacement process. If you encounter any difficulties, don't hesitate to seek advice or assistance from a professional.

Frequently asked questions