How to Change the Oil Pan on a Suzuki Grand Vitara

The Grand Vitara is a mid-size SUV introduced by the Japanese automaker Suzuki, in 1999. The Grand Vitara is a larger version of the popular small SUV, the Suzuki Vitara. The need to change a Grand Vitara's oil pan may arise due to physical damage, such as running over an object, or because of a mechanical malfunction. The oil pan is a vital part of an engine and helps to distribute oil to its various moving parts.

STEP 1 - Park the vehicle on level ground, engage the parking brake and disconnect the negative battery cable. Lifting the vehicle is optional; the Suzuki Grand Vitara has ample clearance for most, however, if you have difficulty accessing underneath the vehicle, lift it and place it on jack stands for extra clearance.

STEP 2 - Make sure the engine has been off for 30 minutes, to cool. Drain the engine oil into the drain pan by removing the oil pan drain plug.

STEP 3 - Remove the 21 bolts securing the oil pan to the vehicle. The bolts are placed along the outer edge of the oil pan. Set the old pan to the side; keep the bolts in a safe place. Remove the old o-ring from the oil pan pickup tube. Discard the o-ring; you will be using a new one.

STEP 4 - Prepare the oil pan for installation by applying a layer of silicone sealant in the indentation around the opening of the oil pan.

STEP 5 - Install the new o-ring in the pickup tube. Attach the new oil pan to the vehicle and tighten all of the bolts enough to secure it.

STEP 6 - Use the torque wrench to adjust the 21 bolts. Every bolt should be tightened to 97 foot-pounds with the exception of the two at each corner of the front of the pan. These should be tightened to 20 foot-pounds.

STEP 7 - Refill the engine crankcase with oil. Use new oil if the oil is dirty; if it has been recently changed, it is acceptable to use the old oil. Reconnect the negative battery cable and start the engine to check for leaks.

THINGS YOU'LL NEED: Pliers, Socket wrench set, Drain pan, Torque wrench, Oil pan pickup tube o-ring, Replacement oil pan, Silicone sealant, Funnel, New engine oil (optional)

WARNINGS: Using anything other than a torque wrench for tightening the oil pan is unacceptable; the bolts must be tightened to a particular torque level, or leaks may occur, causing possible engine damage.