How To Change VW Oil

Step-by-Step VW Oil Change Instructions

Includes Video & Images

Wondering how to change the oil and oil filter on your VW? Unsure what type of oil to use an VW? What is the oil fill capacity on the VW? Blauparts is here to help! Your VW oil change questions are answered in the video and instructions below.

2.0L TDI Oil Change

As an independent VW service garage with over 27 years of hands-on experience, we've seen many mechanical breakdowns on vehicles. Experience has shown that changing your fluids is the single most important preventive maintenance routine you can perform to avoid vehicle breakdowns. Yet, for many VW owners, this seems to be one of the most neglected areas of maintenance. Thoroughly flushing your fluids at the proper intervals can help your car reach 150,000 miles and beyond!

Basic Overview On How To Change VW Oil

Refer to the owner's manual and factory manual for VW oil change instructions.

Blauparts recommend having an A.S.E. certified VW mechanic perform vehicle maintenance.

Warning: Be careful when handling hot engine oil. Always wear gloves and wear safety goggles when handling VW fluids!

Example Vehicle 2007 VW Jetta V 2.0T FSI

VW Oil Change Tools Needed

  • 1/4" Socket Screwdriver with T-25 Torx Bit (For the under-body splash pan.)
  • 19mm Wrench (For the oil pan drain plug.)
  • 1/2" 36mm Socket and 6" Extension and Ratchet
  • Oil Drain Pan Container
  • Pouring Funnel

How to change Vw oil Step 1

How To Step 1

Allow your engine oil to warm up. Drive it for approximately 5-10 minutes, allowing the older used motor oil to warm up for optimal oil flow and thorough drainage.

How to change Vw oil Step 2

How To Step 2

The under-body splash pan is typically held in place by several T-25 screws. With 1/4" socket screwdriver and T-25 Torx bit, remove the under-body splash pan. Once all the screws have been removed, firmly pull the under-body splash pan to the rear of the vehicle.

Place a suitable container or oil drain pan below the engine's oil pan drain plug.

How to change Vw oil Step 3

How To Step 3

Open the hood. Locate the oil fill cap, loosen it, but don't remove it. This will minimize crankcase pressure, creating an easier flow and drainage of the old oil, while minimizing oil splashing.

How to change the VW oil step 4

How To Step 4

With a 19mm wrench, loosen and remove the oil pan drain plug. [On the 2007 Jetta V 2.0T FSI the oil pan drain plug is located on the rear side of the oil pan.]

Allow the oil to drain from the engine into the oil drain pan container.

How to change the VW oil step 5

How To Step 5

While the oil is draining, inspect the oil pan drain plug and sealing washer. If the threads on the plug look worn, replace the oil drain plug. Reinstalling a worn oil drain plug may lead to the damage of the internal oil pan's threads, causing replacement of the whole oil pan. A worn oil drain plug can also inhibit the factory torque causing a poor seal and possible oil leaks. If the washer looks crushed it should also be replaced. Failure to do so could allow for oil leaks. While the oil is draining, inspect the oil drain plug. Blauparts recommends a new drain plug and washer every 4-6 oil changes (depending on condition).

How to change the VW oil step 6

How To Step 6

Clean any excessive old oil from the oil pan. Install the engine oil drain plug and washer. Torque drain plug to 21 ft. lb.

How to change the VW oil step 7

How To Step 7

Place the oil drain pan container under the area of the oil filter to prepare for oil filter removal. [On the 2007 Jetta V 2.0T FSI this is located on the front side of the oil pan.]

NOTE: Recommended VW T40057 VW oil drain adapter tool allows for a complete draining of oil through the oil filter housing. By following the next step [How To Step 9] and allowing the oil to lightly stream before removing the filter and housing, you can save yourself the cost of purchasing VW T40057 oil change tool.

How to change the VW oil step 8

How To Step 8

Unfasten the oil filter housing drain access cover and allow to hang. With a 1/2" 36mm socket, 6" extension and ratchet, loosen the oil filter housing in a counterclockwise direction. It's best to be gentle with cartridge oil filter housings due to their being plastic. Ease off the oil filter housing just until the oil begins lightly streaming from it. Allow the oil to lightly stream from the oil filter housing for approximately 30 seconds or so, minimizing a big rush and resulting oil mess. Soon after, completely remove the oil filter and housing to finish draining the oil.

How to change the VW oil step 9

How To Step 9

Remove the oil filter and o-ring from the oil filter housing.

How to change the VW oil step 10

How To Step 10

Clean the oil filter housing and install the new o-ring seal which is supplied with your new oil filter. Lightly lubricate the new oil filter housing seal with new oil. Pop the new oil filter into the oil filter housing

How to change the VW oil step 11

How To Step 11

Thread the new oil filter and housing back into place. Torque oil filter housing to 17 ft. lb.

DO NOT OVER TORQUE! Over-torqueing may break the oil filter housing and can make the next oil change and removal of the oil filter housing extremely difficult.

How to change the VW oil step 12

How To Step 12

Remove the oil fill cap and begin filling with approved VW oil. In most cases it is best to use a funnel to minimize oil splashing and spill over onto and under the decorative engine covers.

How to change VW oil Step 13 - Max Oil Fill

How To Step 13

Fill the engine with 0.5 liter to 1 liter LESS than full capacity. Using the dipstick check the oil level, being careful not to over fill the engine. Add the oil until the proper oil level is obtained on the dip stick. The oil level should never be above the maximum oil level indicated on the dipstick. When the engine oil is overfilled, excessive engine oil burn and damage to the catalytic converters can occur. If the oil level is over the max dipstick level, the excess oil needs to be removed from the engine. [The VW oil capacity on a 2007 VW Jetta 2.0T FSI is 4.6 liters.]

How to change VW oil step 14

How To Step 14

Install the VW oil fill cap. Start and run the engine for about 30 seconds. This will allow the oil filter housing to completely fill with oil giving you the opportunity to check for oil leaks. Observe the oil filter and oil drain plug sealing areas for leaks. Turn engine off. If no leaks are found, install the under-body splash pan. Remove the vehicle from the automotive lift or jack stands.

How to change VW oil step 15 - Checking VW oil level

How To Step 15

With the vehicle back on a level surface, make a final oil level inspection. Add more VW approved oil as needed.

NOTE: The oil level should never be above the maximum oil level indicated on the dipstick. When the engine oil is overfilled, excessive engine oil burn and damage to the catalytic converters can occur. If the oil level is over the max dipstick level, the excess oil needs to be removed from the engine. [The VW oil capacity on a 2007 VW Jetta 2.0T FSI is 4.6 liters.]

How to change VW oil step 16

How To Step 16

Dispose of waist oil responsibly by taking it to a certified recycling collection center.

Note in your records the current mileage at time of oil change, as well as, when you'll need to change your oil next. You may also wish to reset the vehicles oil change interval system for future oil change indication. Keeping detailed service records is a must for proper vehicle maintenance and future resale value.