How to Change the Oil in a 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
by Robert GoodThe 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander is a five-door sport utility vehicle, or SUV, with a six-cylinder engine. The oil pan is located on the bottom of the engine and the oil filter is secured to the oil pump under a plastic cover. The oil pan holds 4 1/2 quarts of 10W40 engine oil. Change the engine oil every 3,000 to 5,000 miles, changing the oil filter each time you change the oil.
Step 1
Park the Mitsubishi Outlander on level ground and open the hood. Allow the engine to cool before proceeding to avoid serious burns.
Step 2
Raise the front driver side of the frame off the ground using a car jack. Place a jack stand under the frame behind the front wheel and lower the frame onto the jack stand.
Step 3
Get under the engine on the driver side and position the oil catch pan under the drain nut on the bottom of the oil pan. Remove the drain nut using a ratchet and 1/4-inch socket.
Step 4
Drain the oil into the oil catch pan. Replace the nut on the bottom of the oil pan. Pull the cover off the oil filter and remove the oil filter with an oil filter wrench. Place the new filter onto the oil pump and tighten it until it is snug.
Step 5
Remove the catch pan from under the engine and raise the front end of the Outlander off the jack stand. Remove the jack stand from under the frame and lower the SUV to the ground.
Step 6
Turn the oil cap on the top of the engine counterclockwise and remove it. Insert the funnel into the hole and pour the 4 1/2 quarts of engine oil into the engine. Remove the funnel and start the engine. Check the oil level and add oil if needed. Replace the cap and close the hood.
References
- "2003 Mitsubishi Outlander Service Manual Original Set"; Mitsubishi; 2004
Things You'll Need
- Car jack
- Jack stand
- Oil catch pan
- Ratchet
- Socket, 1/4 inch
- Oil filter wrench
- Oil filter
- Funnel
- 10W40 engine oil, 4 1/2 quarts
Warnings
- Adding too much oil to the engine will damage it.
Writer Bio
Living in Tucson, Ariz., Robert Good has been writing from 2003 on a wide variety of subjects ranging from sports, gardening and cooking to auto repair, home maintenance and travel. Good holds a Bachelor of Science in psychology from the University of the State of New York.
