Self oil change and spoiler operations

I did my first oil change on my 22 this morning. Without a lift, it’s a little challenging for me and I’m curious of what others do.

I can get to the drain plug and start draining the oil. Then the oil filter access is what is in question. The felt dirt and dust guard has front bolts blocked by the spoiler. I know after engine shut off and holding up the wiper arm for must will put the spoiler in service mode. After all oil drained, I replaced the drain plug and did exactly that. (Not starting the motor). Then removed the dirt shield. That is where the problem started for me. I am way too fat and old to reach the oil filter with the spoiler down. I know going into gear will cause it to retract back up. This put me on nerve to ensure I didn’t start the motor when trying to retract it. I went to on by pressing the start button twice, put my foot on the brake and went into reverse and then drive on the shifter and went back to park. The spoiler didn’t retract. I repeated this again in thought I did something wrong. I performed this again and it did retract.

What are others doing for this action? Did I miss something or is there a better way to do it?

I really liked the reservoir for the filter removal oil drain and put a hose on it to direct it into the pan. After installing the filter, I am able to put the dirt guard back on with the spoiler down.

Thanks in advance for any inputs,
Mike

 

Greetings to a fellow old and fat club member. Yeah, the active spoiler is kinda dumb when you need to change the oil. I just come in from the side by the drivers door and then move towards the front to get at the filter.

 

I use ramps to make it a lot easier to slide underneath on a creeper. At 75 y.o. it makes it pretty easy.

 

Just did a 1,000 mile change on my 2024.

To increase clearance I rolled the passenger's side onto a curb. Lowered the spoiler, per instructions. From the driver's side, I slid completely underneath the truck (on my back, NOT a creeper) and accessed both the drain pan and the oil filter (was able to remove the "dirt shield" from the front, with the spoiler lowered). It was not comfortable but doable.

Side note: I noticed that the oil flow from the pan (almost down to a trickle with the old oil filter still on) increase somehow significantly immediately after I removed it. Not sure how significant that is but I would recommend NOT replacing the drain plug until after you have your new oil filter installed.

 

Agreed. Ramps for the win with the spoiler in service (down) position.

 

Get you some rhino ramps...that'll give you the gut clearance you need. A strap wrench helps getting that filter broke loose.

 

You can also install a Rci or talon skid plate then you won’t need to move the spoiler. The skid plates have an access panel for the filter that is clear of the spoiler.

 

With a decent skid plate its even easier.....

I have the RCI plate, it has an access hole in it to get in there and remove the oil filter.
As for the active spoiler.... Mine eventually had issues. Dealer replaced the 850.00 motor for it under warranty.
After I got it home, disconnected it, wrapped up the wires and have it held up in place. No more active spoiler.
(no error messages etc on the dash either)

As for getting the oil out, fumuto valve works nice. Get the oil blazing hot on a nice windy day and you'll appreciate the valve.
I put a clear flex hose on it and let it drain right into a oil pan. No spilled oil at all.

 

I believe you meant the new filter.


Mike

 

Correct! (I edited my post above)

 

Or just remove the spoiler all together.

 

Does it matter if I get 12k or 16 k ramps?

 

Harbor freight plastic ramps won

https://youtu.be/cM6rVfUnYP8?si=pFLgkIQSX8v5wo-0

 

Thanks. I’ll go look at it

 

Is there a location on the front of truck that can be used for a floor jack that can lift both wheels up at the same time? I’m not a fan of ramps since I don’t have a second set of eyes to make sure I’m straight on the ramps. I’ve done stupid things like drive over the ramps lol

 

Put it in 4 lo when driving up the ramps. Much easier to control the speed.

 

Personally I think that's a bad idea, one good stab at the accelerator pedal and those plastic ramps could shoot under the truck, very unlikely but it happens.
https://youtu.be/EMhQcEBzfwM?si=tqMfNpJmJd-kB_Zq

 

I bought the 16k ramps. Stronger is better and there is no down side.

Dan

 

You do have to be careful. I only use the ramps on the driveway, not the garage floor. The garage floor is poilished and they could slip while trying to climb the ramp.

On the driveway, no issues there. I very carefully position the ramps so they are lined up and centered on the front tires. I push them back so they are in contact with the tires so they will be even when I start up the ramps.

I have one foot on the accelerator, one on the brake and moderate while moving very slowly. I allow the tires to drop slowly into the depression on top of the ramps, then put it park and set the parking brake. I've had no issues and have done over 8 oil/filter changes with this setup.

Dan

 

That is not a failure of the ramps but of the driver stabbing the accelerator. It takes patience and a very slow climb with the left foot on the brake to moderate. Also I would strongly not recommend trying these on a polished garage floor, take it out to the driveway where the surface is rough.

Dan

 

Well, that was a painted floor which is a poor place to be using ramps. Like I said, easier to control speed in 4 lo. I also keep my left foot on the brake pedal just in case....