Definitely makes it faster. 👍 Is the skid plate steel or aluminum?
Definitely makes it faster. 👍 Is the skid plate steel or aluminum?What you see in the picture is how the Activ is configured. No door for access. Just a cut out.
It's steel. I'd say it's about 1/4" thick. I'll take more pictures of it when I get home and start a new thread. I don't think there is a thread on the skid plate yet.Definitely makes it faster. 👍 Is the skid plate steel or aluminum?
Thank you. Pictures and details help us all learn about the Trailblazer. A new topic would be a good idea so the info doesn't get buried here. I can also take more pictures of the plastic splash shield that the RS and other models have.It's steel. I'd say it's about 1/4" thick. I'll take more pictures of it when I get home and start a new thread. I don't think there is a thread on the skid plate yet.
That's why I take the whole shield off, ocd here too, lol.I wonder what the thought process is for leaving the filter area open on the ACTIV model but covered on others? You would think that since that is the more rugged model, it would be covered to keep debris out.
Looks like a bigger opening, but I would still remove the shield. Oil never drains straight down for me, and I don't want to have dripping afterwards. Just my OCD😁
What size filter /socket it take ? 74/76Yes, however the filter might be a little more difficult to remove and install since it's harder to get your hands around it. I used a filter wrench/socket that fits the PF66 perfectly to remove and install the filter. With the right tools it's easy to do the oil change with the splash shield installed, but without the wrench/socket it would definitely be easier with the whole shield removed.
Steve
I believe the 74/76 is correct, but I'd double check that using the PF66 filter for reference. I'm just using a universal one that uses a 3/8" ratchet with self adjusting arms that fits all sizes. They're fairly cheap at Wal-Mart, but most stores have this style.What size filter /socket it take ? 74/76
I ordered a 74mm x 14 flute wrench, and it fit the PF66 perfectly.What size filter /socket it take ? 74/76
They are supposed to filter out smaller particles (micron rating), but that's the only difference I see. I always try to use the best filters available which is usually K&N for me, but they don't make a replacement for the PF66 yet. Royal Purple and Mobil 1 also make good filters.ZR2LIFE,
How do you like those UPF66R Ultraguard Gold Filters? Do you feel they are better than PF66 filter?
Thanks,
Dale
ThanksI ordered a 74mm x 14 flute wrench, and it fit the PF66 perfectly.
They are just plastic with an o-ring. It's funny that the plug with the o-ring is cheaper than the o-ring by itself. The o-ring should last a few oil changes before I'd replace it with a fresh one. Since the drain plug is made out of plastic and could break I just wanted to have a spare on hand just in case because you can't just run down to the parts store and buy a new one.@ZR2LIFE do you anticipate a failure mode on these plugs to be the o-ring or something related to plastic deformation? I don't think they are metal, right?
Found out about the electric brake not locking the rear wheels today when changing my tire... I was like WTH?!?I decided to do my first oil change today on my RS with the 1.3T engine which now has 3500 miles.
The 1.3T engine calls for 4.8 quarts of 0W/20 Dexos synthetic oil and a GM/AC Delco PF66 or UPF66R oil filter. K&N also makes an oil filter for the 1.3T, part number HP-1021. If you have the 1.2T engine the oil is 5W/30 and also requires a different filter. I bought Royal Purple oil since it's higher quality than most oils, but I would also recommend Mobil 1 which is factory fill on most GM's.
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I removed the whole plastic splash shield to get some pictures, but there is an access door that's easier to remove for oil changes.
If you remove the whole shield it's (13) 7mm screws and (3) plastic reusable rivets that hold the shield in place. The smaller access panel is just (3) 7mm screws.
The drain plug is a twist lock/unlock design with a large o-ring so it doesn't require a torque spec. The plug requires an 8mm allen wrench and is located on the plastic oil pan. If you would like to have a spare oil drain plug on hand the GM part number is 55498782.
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The first recommended oil change is at 7500 miles, but after only 3600 miles the oil was very dark which I figured it would be for break in oil, so don't wait 7500 miles, lol.
I also clean the MAF sensor when doing an oil change. If you decide to do this you'll need to remove (2) T20 torx screws and use CRC MAF cleaner.
One word of caution! When filling with new oil, the fill hole has a small drain into the engine so pour the oil in slowly or it will overflow and spill out.
Here are some random pics I took while I was underneath.
Cool Watts Link rear end location system which keeps the rear axle centered properly.
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Exhaust system.
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One thing I found interesting was that the electric parking brake locks the front wheels and not the rear wheels like most vehicles.
Exactly why I started a topic on this forum about it. You can see how it could be dangerous if you're not aware of it. I was a little surprised when I first noticed it too.Found out about the electric brake not locking the rear wheels today when changing my tire... I was like WTH?!?