Oil Filter | Oil Change

Filters and Lifeblood...

49,500 Miles...  We had the oil changed by the dealer at 42,000 miles but for some inexplicable reason they put in Valvoline.  Not synthetic like all the other services we had.  So I pointed it out and asked that they remove it from the bill.  To my surprise, they did.  I had oil and filters waiting at home anyway so I took the time a few weeks later to do the job right myself.

I found that the oil extractor would not work on the Commander.  For some reason the probe would not reach into the oil pan through the dip stick.  So I did it the old fashioned way. 

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Engine Oil Filter

Fortunately the oil filter is mounted on the front of the engine so I was able to access it without having to worry about the skid plates.  The vehicle has a splash plate on the frame to guide the oil that drains from the oil filter so that it doesn't run all over the vehicle.  Nice touch, though it appears for some reason the vehicle was covered in oil, leading me to believe the last people who serviced it were sloppy.  No surprise there, they didn't impress me with the work they did replacing the rotors...

 

 Oil Filter | Oil Change

 

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Engine Oil

I chose Mobil 1 Extended Performance 5W-20 since the dealer who sold us the  vehicle had told us to use synthetic oil, and because this oil would provide a longer service interval.  I may not go the recommended 15,000 miles it promises, but I want some flexibility.  I found when I went to the Mobil web site that I can accumulate $5 credits for each 6-quart case I purchase.

Mobil 1 Extended Performance 5W-20

 

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Mobil 1 Extended Performance 5W-20 meets the following industry approvals: Recommended only for applications that specify 5W-20 or 0W-20 Viscosity Grades   ILSAC GF-4   ACEA A1/B1-04   API SM/SL/SJ   It also meets the requirements for diesel powered vehicles where an API CF or CD oil is recommended. Mobil 1 Extended Performance 5W-20 exceeds the warranty requirements for gasoline and turbo-charged engines in the following applications: Ford WSS-M2C930-A Chrysler MS-6395 All Mobil 1 Extended Performance viscosity grades have been tested to be fully compatible with engine seals and conventional oils. A special oil filter is not required. Mobil 1 Extended Performance motor oil is designed for today's longer service intervals. Mobil 1 Extended Performance with the Advanced SuperSyn System helps keep engines running like new and helps extend engine life by reducing wear and oil breakdown. Please follow the recommendations in your owner's manual while your car is under warranty. For more information, see the Mobil 1 Extended Performance Product Data Sheet and Material Safety Data Sheet.

 

Mobil 1 Extended Performance 5W-20 Mobil 1 Extended Performance 5W-20 fully synthetic motor oil is designed for today's longer service intervals. It provides guaranteed performance and protection for 15,000 miles or one year. Mobil 1 Extended Performance products with the Advanced SuperSyn System contain extra performance additives to help deliver outstanding engine protection.

 

Product Data Sheet | Mobil 1 Rewards Form

 

 

Oil Filter | Oil Change

Update 4/4/09 49,000 Miles - Changed Oil

Update 8/22/09 59,000 Miles - Change Oil

Reset Oil Change Reminder

• Turn the key fob in the ignition to acc

• hit the brake pedal 3 times (or is it the accelerator pedal?)

• turn the ignition to off

• This will reset the oil change reminder to remind again at 3000 miles.