How do you change the oil of a 1999 Chrysler sebring lxi coupe?

Answer 1

I have the same vehicle and have been doing my own oil changes since I bought the car. It's really easy, you just need about 30 mins free time.

First, a few sticky points... The oil filter is mounted VERY close to one of the oxygen sensors. I have found the only mainstream filter that screws on without any removal of the sensor is the FRAM brand. Mobil 1, nope, Bosch, nope... Also, the engine in your car is quite sensitive to maintenance done "on the cheap." I switched my oil changes to Mobil 1 Full Synthetic 5W-30 and the car runs WAY better. Less tappet clatter on cold starts, better oil pressure throughout oil life... the works. It's an extra few bucks that goes a long way. You'll need 5 quarts of oil and the filter - Roughly $30 in 2009 money.


The oil change itself is easy as pie. Pop the hood and remove the oil cap. Lay down next to the passenger front wheel and stick your head against the front bumper. The oil pan is the first bowl shaped thing you can see... with a round indentation right in the middle. On the back, is the drain plug. It measures 17mm and should be replaced every few years so you have a new gasket on it. Remove it and allow the oil to drain. Next, moving towards the front, is the filter - sitting above the oxygen sensor in the exhaust header pipe. Unscrew by hand or use a filter wrench. Be gentle lowering it out the car - and clean up any oil that spills out onto the exhaust parts. While the main drain is still dripping, it's a good idea to check the filter to make sure the gasket came off and isn't stuck to the filter housing on the engine.


Replace the drain plug on the oil pan. Tighten it up securely as you don't want to lose it going down the highway! But remember, not so tight that you can't get it back off in 3 or 4 months...


Pre-fill the filter with about half a quart of fresh oil. Also put a bead of oil on the gasket. Screw on the filter, being careful not to cross thread. Tighten down to the filter manufacturers instructions (usually 3/4 to 1 full turn after the filter touches the housing/bracket.


Put four quarts into the oil fill hole on top of the engine. Put the cap on and start the engine. The oil pressure light will go out right away, then the gauge will bounce up a few seconds later. Don't be alarmed if it takes a few seconds - it's just the filter filling up with new, nice oil. After a minute or so, park the car on a level surface and shut it off. Wait 5 mins and check the dipstick. The level should be right around the upper indent on the stick.


Congrats, you just changed your oil!