Opel Vectra 1.6 16V (2006): Engine Oil and Oil Filter Change

Part numbers are from the manufacturer's original catalogue. Check them against your VIN before ordering.

• Wrench or socket for the drain plug
• oil filter wrench (strap or cup type)
• torque wrench
• funnel
• drain pan (5 L (5.3 qt) or larger)
• rags
• Torx wrench for the skid plate if needed

1. Warm up the engine for 5-10 minutes to normal operating temperature so the oil is thin and drains better. Park the car on level ground and apply the parking brake.
2. Shut off the engine. Raise the car on a lift or ramps, or drive it over a service pit. If there is a plastic skid plate, remove it. Never work under a car supported only by a jack.
3. Open the hood and unscrew the oil filler cap. This lets air into the engine so the oil drains faster.
4. Place the drain pan under the drain plug in the oil pan. Remove the plug, keeping in mind the oil is hot. Let the oil drain for 10-15 minutes, until the stream stops.
5. Clean the plug threads and the sealing surface. Replace the sealing washer. Install the plug and tighten it with a torque wrench to about 55 N·m (41 lb-ft). Do not overtighten, since the oil pan is aluminum.
6. Move the pan under the oil filter. Remove the filter with the filter wrench. If your filter is a cartridge in a plastic housing, unscrew the housing cap and replace the filter element together with the seals. In both cases, the remaining oil will run out of the filter.
7. Wipe the filter mounting surface. Lubricate the rubber gasket of the new filter with fresh oil. For a spin-on filter, pour some oil into it if it will sit upright. Spin it on by hand until the gasket touches, then tighten it a further 3/4 turn. Do not use the filter wrench to tighten it. Tighten the cartridge filter cap to the torque marked on the cap itself or given in the service manual.
8. Using the funnel, pour in about 3 L (3.2 qt) of oil and wait a couple of minutes for it to drain into the pan. Check the level with the dipstick, then top up to the MAX mark. The total capacity with the filter is about 3.5-4 L (3.7-4.2 qt). Go by the dipstick, not the number.
9. Close the oil filler. Start the engine and run it for 1-2 minutes. The oil pressure light should go out within a second or two after start-up.
10. Shut off the engine and inspect the drain plug and filter for leaks. Wait 5 minutes and check the dipstick again, topping up if needed. Reinstall the skid plate.
11. Reset the service interval indicator if there is one on the instrument cluster. Take the used oil and filter to a recycling facility.

• Hot oil and the exhaust manifold can cause burns, so wear gloves
• Do not overfill above MAX: excess oil foams and can get into the crankcase ventilation system
• Do not use oil that lacks the GM-LL-A-025 / GM-LL-B-025 approval, as it is less suitable for the engine
• Do not reuse the old sealing washer on the plug, as this is a common cause of leaks