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Essential Guide to Using a 2017 Smart Car Square Drive Oil Drain Tool for DIY Oil Changes

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Changing your vehicle’s oil is a fundamental aspect of car maintenance, crucial for engine longevity and performance. For owners of modern vehicles, including those who might be working on a 2017 smart car or similar models, understanding the right tools for the job is essential. One such tool, the 2017 Smart Car Square Drive Oil Drain Tool, is designed to simplify the process of removing the oil drain plug. This guide will walk you through the process of performing an oil change and also cover another vital maintenance task: changing the rear differential fluid, using the example of a 2015 Acura MDX to illustrate the procedures and tools involved.

DIY Oil Change for Your Car (Using a Square Drive Oil Drain Tool)

Performing your own oil change can save you money and provide a deeper understanding of your vehicle’s needs. While the specific tools may vary slightly depending on your car model, the principle remains the same. For many vehicles, including some “smart car” models and the Acura MDX, a square drive oil drain tool is invaluable for easily removing and tightening the drain plug.

Tools and Parts for an Oil Change

Before you begin, gather all the necessary tools and parts. For a typical oil change, you will need:

  • 2017 Smart Car Square Drive Oil Drain Tool (or compatible): This is your primary tool for the drain plug. The size (e.g., 3/8″ or 1/2″ square drive) will depend on your vehicle’s drain plug.
  • Socket Wrench: To use with your square drive tool. A 3/8″ drive socket wrench is often sufficient, but a 1/2″ drive might be needed for stubborn plugs.
  • Oil Filter Wrench (65mm 14 Flutes End Cap): Specifically, a 65mm wrench with 14 flutes is mentioned as suitable for certain filters. Ensure compatibility with your car’s oil filter.
  • New Oil Filter: Use the correct oil filter specified for your vehicle. For the example of the MDX, a Honda 15400-PLM-A01PE (Filtech Toyo Roki) filter is used.
  • New Engine Oil: Purchase the correct type and quantity of oil for your vehicle. 0W-20 synthetic oil is recommended for the MDX.
  • Crush Washer (14mm): Always replace the crush washer on the drain plug to ensure a leak-proof seal.
  • Funnel: A long-neck funnel is helpful for adding new oil without spillage.
  • Oil Drain Pan: To collect the old oil.
  • Rags or Paper Towels: For cleaning up spills.
  • Gloves: To keep your hands clean.

Step-by-Step Oil Change Guide

  1. Prepare Your Vehicle: Warm up the engine by running it for a few minutes. This helps the oil flow more easily. Turn off the engine and ensure the car is parked on a level surface.
  2. Locate the Drain Plug: For most vehicles, the oil drain plug is located underneath the engine oil pan. In the case of the Acura MDX, it’s on the passenger side of the engine, facing the rear.
  3. Position the Drain Pan: Place the oil drain pan under the drain plug.
  4. Loosen the Drain Plug: Using your square drive oil drain tool and socket wrench, carefully loosen the drain plug. Be prepared for the oil to drain out once the plug is removed.
  5. Remove the Drain Plug: Once loosened, you can usually remove the drain plug by hand. Let the old oil drain completely into the pan.
  6. Inspect and Replace Crush Washer: Examine the old crush washer. Replace it with a new 14mm crush washer on the drain plug.
  7. Reinstall the Drain Plug: Screw the drain plug back in by hand first to avoid cross-threading. Then, use your square drive oil drain tool and socket wrench to tighten it to the manufacturer’s recommended torque specification. If you don’t have a torque wrench, snug it up firmly by hand – the crush washer helps ensure a good seal.
  8. Locate the Oil Filter: The oil filter is also typically located near the engine oil pan, often accessible from underneath or from the wheel well. On the MDX, it’s near the drain plug, higher up and closer to the wheel well.

Alt text: 65mm 14 Flutes End Cap Oil Filter Wrench, a specialized tool for removing and installing oil filters during car maintenance.

  1. Loosen and Remove the Oil Filter: Use your 65mm 14 flutes end cap oil filter wrench to loosen the oil filter. Once loose, you can usually unscrew it by hand. Be prepared for some oil to spill – position your drain pan accordingly.
  2. Prepare the New Oil Filter: Lightly lubricate the rubber gasket on the new oil filter with fresh engine oil.
  3. Install the New Oil Filter: Screw the new oil filter into place by hand until the gasket makes contact, then tighten it another half to three-quarters of a turn, as per the filter instructions.
  4. Add New Engine Oil: Open the engine oil fill cap (usually on top of the engine). Use a funnel to pour in the specified amount of new engine oil. For the MDX, 5 quarts are typically needed.
  5. Check Oil Level: Replace the oil fill cap. Start the engine and let it run for a minute or two. Turn off the engine and check the oil level using the dipstick. Add more oil if needed to reach the correct level.
  6. Dispose of Old Oil Properly: Take the used oil and old oil filter to a designated recycling center or auto parts store for proper disposal.

Rear Differential Fluid Change for AWD Vehicles

For all-wheel-drive vehicles like the Acura MDX, changing the rear differential fluid is another essential maintenance task. This fluid lubricates and protects the rear differential components.

Tools and Parts for Rear Differential Fluid Change

  • 3/8″ Drive Socket Wrench: This is used as the square drive tool to remove both the fill and drain plugs on the rear differential.
  • Extension (Optional): A 6-inch extension can be helpful for accessing the fill plug.
  • Differential Fluid Pump: Essential for pumping new fluid into the differential.
  • New Rear Differential Fluid: Use the fluid specified for your vehicle. Acura DPSF (Differential Pump System Fluid) is required for the MDX.
  • Crush Washers (18mm and 20mm): You’ll need new crush washers for both the drain (18mm) and fill (20mm) plugs.

Step-by-Step Rear Differential Fluid Change Guide

  1. Prepare the Vehicle: No need to jack up the vehicle for the MDX rear differential fluid change. However, removing the spare tire provides easier access.
  2. Remove Spare Tire (Acura MDX): Lift the trunk compartment and liner. Remove the rubber plug and use a crowbar to lower and remove the spare tire.
  3. Locate Differential Plugs: The rear differential fluid case is in the center, underneath the rear of the vehicle. The fill plug is higher up, and the drain plug is below. Both use a 3/8″ square drive. Look for “DPSF” etched on the case to confirm you’ve found the right location.

Alt text: Differential fluid pump designed for quart bottles, a practical tool for dispensing gear oil and differential fluids during automotive maintenance.

  1. Loosen Fill Plug First: Use your 3/8″ drive socket wrench to loosen the fill plug first. This ensures you can refill the differential after draining.
  2. Remove Fill and Drain Plugs: Remove both the fill and drain plugs, starting with the fill plug. Let the old fluid drain completely into your drain pan.
  3. Reinstall Drain Plug: Replace the 18mm crush washer on the drain plug and reinstall it. Tighten it to the manufacturer’s specification or snug it up firmly.
  4. Pump in New Fluid: Use your differential fluid pump to pump new Acura DPSF fluid into the fill hole. Fill until the fluid starts to overflow out of the fill plug hole. For the MDX, this is around 2.75 quarts, so have 3 quarts on hand.
  5. Reinstall Fill Plug: Replace the 20mm crush washer on the fill plug and reinstall it. Tighten it securely.
  6. Reinstall Spare Tire (Acura MDX): Put the spare tire back in place and secure it.

Essential Tools and Parts – Quick Links

For your convenience, here are links to some of the tools and parts mentioned, similar to those used in the original guide for the Acura MDX:

By following these steps and using the correct tools, including a 2017 smart car square drive oil drain tool or equivalent, you can confidently perform both oil changes and rear differential fluid changes on your vehicle, ensuring its optimal performance and longevity. Remember to always consult your vehicle’s service manual for specific instructions and fluid/part requirements.

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