I'm planning on doing an oil change and filter too, never done it before, it's a 2009 1.6 diesel ecconetic is the oil 5w30 fully synthetic I use and how easy is it to do I'll be doing it from the drain plug thing, or if anyone is in the Glasgow area that could give me a hand dont want to mess something up 

i am not sure your engine will be like, but when i attempted on my 1.25L petrol engine the ford technician overtightened the drain plug from factory the car hadn't had an oil change for the past 4 services before i got it and i attempted it and the drain plug rounded off and was incredibly soft metal so not even vice grips worked, and this isn't even that uncommon, the worst that could happen is that if the sump plug rounds, you may have to either take it to a garage or drop the sump and remove the plug from the inside

The sump plug on the 1.6TDCi is pretty tough, but it's very thin so you can nobble the corners if you don't have the socket on perfectly straight.  It's honestly as easy as it looks though...literally unbolt the sump plug and the oil falls out.  Have the oil cap off before doing it so there's no vacuum effect to slow the oil draining.  Then replace and tighten the plug so you don't forget it.  (Top tip, unscrew the plug by hand and as you feel it pass the final thread push upwards, then sharply pull down and to the side to avoid getting an arm full of oil!)

The oil filter is in a plastic housing top right of the engine.  Literally unscrew the cap, pull out the old filter (this is the messy bit, wear gloves!) slide in the new filter and tighten the cap again.

Pour in about 3 litres of fresh oil.  Then start checking the dipstick and adding a little more at  time.  Fill it to the top notch on the dipstick as some will get 'lost' to the new filter.  Run the engine for a minute then switch off and let the oil settle for a few minutes.  Giving one final check to make sure the level is between the notches on the dipstick.

If you're a bit worried about doing it, there are loads of YouTube videos on oil changes.  It's also recommended to warm up the oil before changing it as it makes it thinner and any dirt should be suspended in it, rather than settled in the bottom of the sump.

 

1 hour ago, casuk said:

I'm planning on doing an oil change and filter too, never done it before, it's a 2009 1.6 diesel ecconetic is the oil 5w30 fully synthetic I use and how easy is it to do I'll be doing it from the drain plug thing, or if anyone is in the Glasgow area that could give me a hand dont want to mess something up 

By the time you've bought the oil, oil filter (you have to take the old oil to a recycling centre) isnt it easier to get it done at a local garage or ATS etc?

Cheers I have had a look and it's pretty easy looking hit I though I'd ask anyway it's the sump plug I'm worried about, and the filter housing, and is it definitely 5w30 oil I use