If you want to change the oil yourself on a VRS how do you do it and do you need special tools? If you do the just the oil change (still have annual service done at a dealer) yourself does it effect the warranty?

obviously you will need the parts , oil and filter , plus a sump bung

tools required , to remove the filter you will need a 32mm socket , 1/2" extension and ratchet , this filter is under the the top engine cover , remove the filter first to drain the dirty oil into the sump

next you will require a pit/jack/ramps to gain access to the underside of the vehicle , once the car is suitably up in the air safely , you will need a 25 torx screwdriver to remove the undertray , remove the screws to access the sump , to drain the oil you need a suitable container to collect the oil and a 19mm spanner/socket to remove the sump bung , let oil drain , fit new bung + secure , refit undertray , fit new filter , fill engine with approx 4.3 ltrs of oil , run up engine check oil level

Hi thanks for that great detail and explained well - is the sump bung single use? and if I was using a trolley jack where would the jacking point be? Finally, if you did the oil change yourself would it affect the warranty?

You might also want to look into resetting the service light depending on your servicing type. Not sure about warranty affects

Dont reset the light if your only doing an interim service.

It shouldnt effect your warranty providing you use correct oil and parts etc.

As for jacking it up, try and get on the back edge of the front subframe.

strictly speaking the sump bung is single use , and as it is only about 86p + VAT at the dealers i see no reason not to fit a new one

Hi Everyone,

Thanks for all the advice - it is greatly apprciated - think that I might do my first oil change on my Dad's Fabia 1.9 TDI and see how it goes.

If you want to change the oil yourself on a VRS how do you do it and do you need special tools? If you do the just the oil change (still have annual service done at a dealer) yourself does it effect the warranty?

As most main dealers use a Vacuum pump to extract oil from your engine why not save yourself the trouble of jacking the car up and messing about underneath.

Buy a VACUUM PUMP at around

I've worked in alot of main dealers and have yet to see a dealer that does vacuum the oil out, but in theory its a good practice, nice and clean.

I've worked in alot of main dealers and have yet to see a dealer that does vacuum the oil out, but in theory its a good practice, nice and clean.

I have to say that I'm a convert to this way of doing oil changes having bought a Pelco Pump a couple of years back.

It makes oil & filter changes very simple, quick and clean & you can even vacuum the oil out of the oil filter holder before removing the filter keeping the mess down !

It also come in handy for priming diesel filters.

Yep, I'd recommend this !

It also come in handy for priming diesel filters.

i changed the fuel filter on my VRS yesterday , put it on dry , turned the ignition key on then off to pump some fuel up , then started the car no problem , i must admit that even i was surprised at that , was expecting a minute of cranking the engine over at least

I'd say you'd better get more security than just a trolley jack regarding the car dropping on top of you.

I've worked in alot of main dealers and have yet to see a dealer that does vacuum the oil out, but in theory its a good practice, nice and clean.

Gilders the main VW dealership in Sheffield use this method only more sophisticated in that it siphons the oil out and into a large tank.

I have read, but not sure if it is true that the new Mercedes do not have sump plugs fitted

Hi Everyone,

Thanks for the great advice - have been on e-bay and managed to win; axle stands, trolley jack and cool oil container all for under

I have read, but not sure if it is true that the new Mercedes do not have sump plugs fitted

The Smarts dont for sure.

i changed the fuel filter on my VRS yesterday , put it on dry , turned the ignition key on then off to pump some fuel up , then started the car no problem , i must admit that even i was surprised at that , was expecting a minute of cranking the engine over at least

No need with the electric lift pump, fills the filter straight up.

No need with the electric lift pump, fills the filter straight up.

was just surprised Ross , i know the Galaxy PD engine has an electric pump , but they can be a bu66er to get started

its certainly better than all the new Ford Focus/C-Max etc , they are a complete **** to get fuel up to the filter , no hand primer , unlike i suspect the peugeots with the same engine , cheapskate Fords:thumbdwn: