I have a 2008 GV and after owning a fun Sidekick without AC changing the oil filter was a PITA on the GV. I found as most posting on this issue the AC compressor and limited space, made changing the oil filter almost impossible.

Most shops tightened the filter to the point it will never come free using your hand. Most shop mechanics do not want the filter to come loose and cost them an engine, so they tighten the filter as much as possible.

I almost thought of cutting a hole in the wheel well, like on the old chevy blazers to get access to the filter, but I see there is a double wall and the frame is in the way, so this idea was not practicle.

What I found to make the job easier was purchasing a oil filter cup that fits the filter and a short (stuby) 3/8 rachet. I found a rachet that was only about 3 to 4 inches long, this with the cup gave me the enough leverage to break loose the filter and then spin it off by hand.

 

Just did this..

Well, the oil change place stripped my oil pan. I will be doing my own oil changes now. I know this thread is old, but I figured I'd update it if anyone needs this info. I was worried about struggling to change the filter. I had some 2x8 boards that I cut into 10 inch pieces or so and pulled the front tires up on them for a little extra space. I don't have a jack i would trust underneath a car. I take the temp oil plug off and look up. Surprisingly, the filter was well within reach. If you lay with the front end slightly raised for extra space to move your arms, legs out of the front, slightly by the drivers side, there is a perfect angle to reach your arm up there and wrap your fingers around the top of the filter. It took me less than 5 minutes to change. I havnt read all the comments here, sorry if I am just repeating someones post. Just thought I'd share.

 

Yes the V6 are a bit tough to reach the filter, like I found, a filter cup and stuby 3/8 ratchet works great loosening up a filter the dealer tightens to the extreme. Here in the US most GV are gas engines, so the price of a filter and oil in the auto parts stores are sometimes the same or more expensive than taking it to the dealer. If the dealer strips the drain plug, they are responsible to repair the damage. Taking the vehicle to the same place multiple times helps when they try to say someone else #**# the drain plug.

 

I spoke to the dealer here in Canberra and he stated that the mechanic needs to update the computer monitoring database as the system allows for the amount of diesel that "weeps" into the sump.

 

Were's the F plug for F9Q (GV 2010 diesel)

The plug is not on the traditional sump but on the front of the "oil screening" chamber.
Attaching a photo would be great. I have diagrams but can't find how to attach them here.

 

Renualt F9Q Oil Plug location images

http://www.suzuki-forums.com/3g-200...om/3g-2006-2014-vitara-grand-vitara/216602-gv-2010-2015-renault-f9q-diesel.html

 

Thanks (Also what Revs does Turbo kick in?)

Thanks McD. I only changed the oil. I couldn't get to filter. Tried ramps and all sorts of positions I could only touch it and not grab it. Even thought of what parts I could remove/loosen to be able to get arm in.

On another subject. What revs does your turbo kick in. My real world mileage is 8.5 Ltr per 100 (11.8 km / ltr). And from my understanding the turbo kicking in does not increase fuel consumption.

So if I'm right, dropping the the turbo kick in when taking off will improve fuel consumption??

 

I've chipped/power moduled mine, and the turbo spools up quicker / earlier now. I tow a trailer all week and it's better with fuel and power with the module.

 

Fnx ChopNGV

How'd you chip up?