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2006 Chevy HHR Oil Filter Replace and Oil Life Reset

It is some time since I last changed the oil and filter and reset the oil life indicator in the 2006 Chevy HHR. The oil life indicator read 49% . I decided it was close to time for an oil and oil filter change. I purchased 5 qts of 5 W-30 motor oil, an oil filter… gathered my rags, pan, funnel, gloves, jack and  stand, and wheel blocks, and got ready to do my own oil change.

I decided to start the engine to warm the oil up and suspend the dirt particles while I blocked the tires and laid out all of my equipment. After turning the engine off, I raised the car, and positioned a jack stand underneath. Use a 15 mm socket to loosen the drain plug. I am using an additional 1⅟4 socket on a small 3/8 drive socket wrench to loosen the oil filter cap assembly. I used two different length socket wrenches.I use a long one for the drain plug and a stubby one for the filter cap.

Draining The Oil

I loosened the drain plug to let the old oil drain, while I worked on replacing the oil filter assembly on top. The oil filter assembly just unscrews. It is removed with the fingers after  loosening with the wrench. It is a bit tight at first, but soon reaches a point of being quite loose. I like to place some rags around the oil filter housing to catch the drips as it is being removed. Also, I  hold an additional shop towel in one hand, and position it under the filter to catch the drips.

Installing The New Filter

Once the filter assembly is on the work bench, I just pull the old oil filter from the cap and replace the cap’s sealing O Ring gasket. Then I push the new oil filter back into the cap. It is just that simple!  Now finger tighten the oil filter assembly back into its housing. Then final tighten it with the socket  previously used to loosen it. I then go back under the car and re-install the drain plug and remove the oil drain pan. Then I remove my jack stand and jack from the car, and  fill the engine with 5 qts of the new motor oil. Use a good funnel inserted in the oil filler cap spout.

Time To Reset The Oil Life Indicator

Finally, I start the engine to check my work for any oil leaks (have not found any yet). Time to reset my engine oil life indicator. The DIC (driver information center) is located in the speedometer cluster. I shut the engine off, and turn the key to the run position. Press the DIC button and Reset button on the steering wheel together and the menu will appear on the speedometer cluster. I continue to press the DIC button until I see oil life. Next, I press the reset button twice until I see “Oil-Life Reset”. Now hold the reset button down until the display says “Acknowledged.”  The oil life indicator will now say 100%.

Write It Down

Lastly, I like to write the oil change information in my log book. I take my old oil to the local parts store for disposal. This was not a difficult job and I did save some money.