Hoping to carry out an oil and filter change on my 1.4 2002 fabia this weekend. Have done a search but can't find a step by step guide for this model. Can anyone give me a quick run through on this please. Is the filter accessible from the top of engine or is it a case of getting under the car?

I dunno if the filter will be in the same place as on the vrs 1.9tdi, but I imagine its a paper filter element that needs changing? On the tdi engines I know it's accessed from the top, in a housing forward of the engine. The housing lid contains the element, and the top of the lid will have a big rubber hexagon for a big socket and a torque setting written on to tighten it to. I'll look in my Haynes manual when I get home if you like?

Nope.  It's more likely one of these;

 

http://www.eurocarparts.com/ecp/c/Skoda_Fabia_1.4_2002/p/car-parts/car-service-parts/regular-service/oil-filter/?501441260&1&d297a7c108086e7e6340b3d0ccf6bca0dd2329c3&000231

 

In my experience those sort are normally accessed from beneath the car.

Edited 11 December, 201312 yr by Chorlton

Thanks chaps. Just received filter from local motor factors and it is the canister type. So I guess it's accessible from underneath. The oil they sent was 5w 40 I guess thats what's recommended.

Are there any other tips I might find useful before I get my hands dirty?

Edited 11 December, 201312 yr by jdh780

Don't get your hands dirty, wear gloves.  Used engine oil is carcinogenic.

 

Make sure the oil is warm but not too hot.

 

Be careful undoing and tightening the sump plug so as not to strip the threads or damage the bolt head.

 

Always use a new washer when refitting the sump plug.

 

Don't over tighten the new filter and put a smear of fresh oil on the seal of the new filter.

I also fill the oil filter with oil as well (it doesn't take a large amount, but factor this in to how much you pour in via the oil filler cap!)

I'd recommended one of these if you haven't got one already.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Sealey-Oil-Fluid-Drain-Recycle-Container-10ltr-/271306051512?pt=UK_Hand_Tools_Equipment&hash=item3f2b19cfb8

I have a similar one and it makes it so much easier when emptying at your local waste site.

^^^+1

 

That's what I use also.

 

Don't attempt to catch the oil in one of those though it goes everywhere - use a bowl.

Edited 11 December, 201312 yr by Chorlton

Thanks for all the tips. How much oil is needed? I was given 5ltrs, dont suppose it needs that much.

That's plenty. You'll have some left over for top ups for sure.

Would anyone recommend using an engine flush prior to new oil going in. Never used the stuff before but it did look a bit gunky around the filler rim.

Just read a post on pistonheads forum about using an engine flush, I think I'll leave it well alone. Doesn't sound worth it.

Edited 11 December, 201312 yr by jdh780