2015 WRX Oil Change

[RallySport Direct]

The sweet little WRX is all broken in and it’s time for its first mod, and what is that you ask? And oil change! Okay, not exactly a modification, but it excites me all the same as this is our first step before we start the real modifications.

Those with a BRZ/FR-S will be very familiar with changing the WRX’s oil, and really this is one of the easiest oil changes I have ever done. Let’s get started!

What we used:
5.4 Quarts of Penrite Racing 5W30 oil
Prova Oil Filter
Dimple Magnetic Drain Plug M16x1.5x12
Note* if re-using your factory drain plug, make sure to pick up a new crush gasket for it

Tools needed:
14mm wrench
15mm wrench (required for new Dimple Drain Plug)
Oil Filter Wrench (not usually required, but someone at the factory ate their Wheaties that morning)
Clean Funnel
A few rags or paper towels



First I like to remove the oil fill cap, this helps the oil drain a bit quicker when you remove the drain plug.

Now get under the car, and get your 14mm wrench, you will see the drain plug exposed at the bottom of the pan, horray for nothing covering the drain plug!

Place your oil drop pan/catch under the drain plug and you will need to use a bit of force to remove the drain plug as it seems like Subaru paints over these and employs He-Man to torque these down.

Let all of the oil drain, clean the drain plug, apply the new crush gasket and thread it back into the oil pan. Don’t quote me on this yet, but the Torque specs should be 28.9 ft-lb for the oil drain plug. We used the Dimple drain plug, which required a 15mm wrench.

Now we move to the top of the engine. You will see the oil filter is incredibly easy to get to. We had to use a filter wrench to remove it, but normally you can get these off by hand. Once removed, I like to clean up any oil on the top of the oil cooler.

Make sure to lubricate the O-ring on the new filter, once done we can install the new filter with a toque spec of 10.3 ft-lb, but I always go off the German standard “GuttenTight” which is roughly hand tight plus about ¼ turn.

Use a clean funnel and pour in 5.4 quarts of oil. Put on the oil cap, start up the car, and make sure the oil light on the dash turns off. Get out of the car and visibly check for any leaks. Shut down the car, and check the dipstick to make sure the oil level is correct. Is it? Yay!

You've just completed your first oil change on your new WRX. Not only will your friends be impressed, but the car will now have more respect for you as well. Now go enjoy the car with a nice drive!

Thanks,
Rick

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[bjboucher]

I don't own one yet but am planning on getting one. My current vehicle, a 2012 Tacoma has the oil filter on top as well. I really like it. Quick question for you though. On my Tacoma when you loosen the oil filter, quite a bit of oil comes out of it. The Tacoma set-up is a little different and it has to drain the oil into a cup or something. Does the oil from the filter on the WRX just drain back into the engine when you pull it off?

[RallySport Direct]

Originally Posted by bjboucher

I don't own one yet but am planning on getting one. My current vehicle, a 2012 Tacoma has the oil filter on top as well. I really like it. Quick question for you though. On my Tacoma when you loosen the oil filter, quite a bit of oil comes out of it. The Tacoma set-up is a little different and it has to drain the oil into a cup or something. Does the oil from the filter on the WRX just drain back into the engine when you pull it off?

Correct, it has a small hole in the "cup" to allow the excess oil to drain, however very little oil comes out of the filter. We drain oil from the pan first, and then remove and replace the filter, which may help any excess oil drain from the filter. Usually it requires a quick wipedown of the seating surface if anything.

Thanks,
Rick

[bjboucher]

Originally Posted by RallySport Direct

Correct, it has a small hole in the "cup" to allow the excess oil to drain, however very little oil comes out of the filter. We drain oil from the pan first, and then remove and replace the filter, which may help any excess oil drain from the filter. Usually it requires a quick wipedown of the seating surface if anything.

Thanks,
Rick

Excellent thanks. The filter on my Tacoma dumps out quite a bit when you take it off, sounds like the WRX is even easier.

Thanks again!
Brad

[zivarah]

Thanks for the post. As someone with a DIY spirit, but who didn't learn anything automotive growing up, I have some newbie questions.

Originally Posted by RallySport Direct

Make sure to lubricate the O-ring on the new filter

What lubricant would you recommend?

Also, it looks like the drain plug you linked comes with its own crush gasket, but I would still need to replace that the next time I change the oil. I assume that the OEM crush gaskets fit the dimple plug just fine?

And finally, any thoughts on what oil to use for cold weather? Here in Wisconsin, I figure I should probably use a different viscosity for summer than I would in winter. My driving is mostly gentle with the occasional burst of fun, but I do plan on doing a little bit of auto-x this summer and perhaps some ice trials come winter, so any advice on oil would be appreciated.

[SycsFinest]

Nice write up! I always get a little nervous changing the oil for the first time on a new car. Followed this and it worked out great. It appears Subaru also painted the crush washer into the drain plug. I didn't spend too much time trying to pry it out as I replaced the drain plug with a fumoto. Thanks for putting this write up together.

http://i.imgur.com/ArIKaofl.jpg http://i.imgur.com/PA3qHj7l.jpg