i have 04 neon sxt 2.0l i needed some help as far as how much oil i should put in it ill be doing a change tomomorrow and i want to be sure how much oil i need also do i really need a torque wrench for the oil plug or can i just use a wrench aaslong as i make sure its tight

 

4.5 quarts of oil when you change the oil and filter. I don't torque my drain plug. I lightly tighten it until it stops, then I snug it and done. Most people don't realize you don't need to torque a drain plug to infinity. Snug is just fine.

 

4.5 qts of oil. do you really need a torque wrench? no. do i, yes, but only b/c i have one. I wouldn't run out and buy one for just doing a oil change. (unless you are looking for an excuse to buy one...you can never have too many tools) just get it snug enough that it doesn't leak, but not so gorilla tight that you'll need a LOOONG breaker bar or air wrench to get off.
(unless you are looking for an excuse to buy a compressor and air tools..)

 

-I buy the 5 qt. jugs of oil. That way I have a full oil change then an extra 1/2 qt if I may need it between changes. But for the drain plug, I agree with the above. Thread it in until it stops, then snug it up a bit more. You don't need to grunt and strain while tightening it. Remember. The pan is aluminum and the plug is steel. Crank on it too much and you'll strip the threads right out of the pan. Easy does it...

L8R,
Matt

 

thanks alot all of you guys i really appreciate it alot all where great answeres lots of help thanks

 

I usually try to find the shortest wrench I can find to tighten the drain plug, easy does it.