'07 Cobalt--where is the oil filter.

[another Todd]

Bought an oil filter to change MILs oil for the first time with 1000 miles. Gave a quick look under the hood, and glanced underneath without crawling under. I don't see the oil filter housing anywhere. It is a canister type, but where the h*** is it? I plan on changing this weekend.

 

[cmhj]

Under the engine cover.

It's on the drivers side towards the front. It's covered very well in your owners manual.

You'll also need a 1 1/4 shallow well socket to remove the top of the filter housing.

 

[Lost1]

My daughter has an '06 SS, and after doing an oil change on it a few weeks ago for the first time (dealer has been doing it till now) I wish all cars were that easy.
Grab the plastic engine cover on each side & lift up to remove. Look at the front of the engine towards the driver's side for the black canister with large "nut" on top for loosening.
Use 1 1/4" socket (or big adjustable wrench) to loosen & remove filter canister top. (Old filter comes out with top.)
Put new filter in the place of the old filter, put back into canister, tighten canister housing top, and put the engine cover back on.
No more than 5 minutes max.

I guess this oil filter arrangement makes too much sense for other automakers to follow suit...

 

[another Todd]

The owners manual says nothing about it (at least that I can find). I normally fill spin on filters with oil before installing. Can I fill the housing with oil before closing it up or does it just drain away to the pan.

 

[cmhj]

Originally Posted By: another Todd
or does it just drain away to the pan.


Drains away

 

[JTK]

 

[another Todd]

Excellent! Thanks for the picture.

 

[bdcardinal]

if you buy the socket for it, its a lot easier.