10 Easy Steps To Change Oil On A Kia Soul

Kia Soul

Changing the oil in your Kia Soul is a relatively simple task that can be completed in about 30 minutes. By following these step-by-step instructions, you can save yourself the time and expense of taking your car to a mechanic. Before you begin, gather the following materials: new motor oil (check your owner’s manual for the recommended type and amount), a new oil filter, a wrench, an oil pan, and a funnel.

First, locate the oil drain plug on the bottom of your car’s oil pan. Place the oil pan under the drain plug and use the wrench to carefully loosen the plug. Be sure to wear gloves, as the oil will be hot. Once the oil has drained out, replace the drain plug and tighten it securely. Next, locate the oil filter and use the wrench to loosen it. Be careful not to spill any oil. Remove the old oil filter and replace it with the new one. Tighten the oil filter securely.

Finally, use the funnel to add new motor oil to your car’s engine. Check the oil level regularly and add more oil as needed. Once you have added the correct amount of oil, check for leaks and tighten any loose connections. Changing the oil in your Kia Soul is a simple and inexpensive way to keep your car running smoothly. By following these step-by-step instructions, you can easily complete this task yourself.

Gathering the Necessary Tools

Before embarking on the endeavor of changing the oil in your Kia Soul, it is essential to meticulously gather the requisite tools. This preparatory step will ensure a seamless and efficient process, minimizing the potential for setbacks and delays.

Essential Tools

To successfully complete the oil change, you will require the following tools:

New oil filter: Choose an oil filter specifically designed for your Kia Soul’s engine specifications.
New oil: Refer to your owner’s manual to determine the recommended type and quantity of oil for your vehicle.
Oil filter wrench: This tool will aid in loosening and tightening the oil filter housing.
Oil pan: Utilize an oil pan to collect the drained oil, preventing spills and messes.
Funnel: A funnel will facilitate the pouring of new oil into the engine, ensuring accuracy and avoiding spills.
Socket wrench with appropriate socket: This tool is necessary for removing the oil drain plug.
Wrench or pliers: These tools can assist in loosening and tightening oil filter housing. (Alternative to oil filter wrench)
Rags or paper towels: Keep these on hand to wipe away spills, clean tools, and maintain a tidy workspace.

Optional Tools

While not strictly necessary, the following tools can enhance the oil change experience:

Oil filter cap wrench: This specialized tool simplifies the removal and installation of the oil filter cap.
Torque wrench: Using a torque wrench ensures proper tightening of the oil filter housing and drain plug.
Nitrile gloves: Gloves protect your hands from hot oil and dirt.

Safety Precautionary Measures

1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.

2. Allow the engine to cool down completely.

Hot oil can cause severe burns, so it is crucial to wait until the engine has cooled down before proceeding. To ensure this, let the vehicle sit for at least 30 minutes after turning it off. Additionally, avoid touching the engine or exhaust components during this time, as they can still be very hot.

3. Gather necessary tools and materials.

Before starting the oil change, gather all the necessary tools and materials, including:

New engine oil (check your vehicle’s manual for the recommended type and capacity)
New oil filter
Oil pan
Funnel
Wrench or socket set
Gloves (optional)

Rags or paper towels

Locating the Oil Drain Plug and Oil Filter

Before starting the oil change process, it’s paramount to locate the oil drain plug and oil filter. The oil drain plug is typically a 17mm bolt situated at the bottom of the oil pan. To access it, you may need to use a socket wrench or a combination wrench.

The oil filter, on the other hand, is usually found near the top of the engine. It varies in shape and size depending on the Kia Soul model, but it’s typically a cylindrical component with a black or metallic finish. It is secured by a bolt or a cap that can be loosened using an appropriate socket or wrench.

Essential Tools:
– Socket wrench or combination wrench (17mm)
– Oil filter wrench or cap wrench

Once you have identified both the oil drain plug and oil filter, you can proceed with the steps outlined in the next sections.

Draining the Old Oil

Step 1: Gather your materials. You will need:
– New oil filter
– New oil (check your owner’s manual for the correct type and amount)
– Oil pan
– Funnel
– Wrench
– Gloves

Step 2: Safety first. Park your Kia Soul on a level surface and engage the parking brake. Allow the engine to cool completely.

Step 3: Locate the oil pan. Crawl under the front of your Kia Soul and locate the oil pan. It is a large, metal pan that is attached to the bottom of the engine. There will be a drain plug located on the bottom of the oil pan.

Step 4: Drain the oil. Place the oil pan under the drain plug. Carefully use a wrench to loosen the drain plug. Be careful not to drop the drain plug into the oil pan! Allow the oil to drain completely into the oil pan.

Tip
To prevent oil from spilling, place a piece of cardboard under the oil pan.
If your oil is very thick or sludgy, you may need to let it drain for a longer period of time.
Once the oil has drained completely, replace the drain plug and tighten it securely.

Replacing the Oil Filter

Locating the oil filter: The oil filter is typically located near the bottom of the engine, below the intake manifold. It is a cylindrical-shaped component with a black plastic housing and a metal cap. The cap will have a notch or tab that allows you to grip it with a wrench.

Unscrewing the oil filter cap: Use an oil filter wrench or a large pair of channel-lock pliers to grip the cap firmly. Turn the cap counterclockwise to loosen it. Be careful not to overtighten the new filter when you install it.

Removing the old filter: Once the cap is loose, pull the filter straight down to remove it. There will be some oil remaining in the filter, so be prepared for spills. Wipe away any excess oil from the filter housing before installing the new filter.

Lubricating the new filter gasket: Apply a thin layer of clean oil to the rubber gasket on the new oil filter. This will help to create a seal and prevent leaks.

Installing the new filter: Align the new filter with the filter housing and push it straight up into place. Turn the filter clockwise to tighten it. Hand-tighten the filter as much as possible, then use the oil filter wrench to give it an additional quarter-turn to three-quarter-turn.

Tightening the Oil Drain Plug

Once the new oil filter is in place, it’s time to tighten the oil drain plug. Here are the steps to follow:

Locate the oil drain plug on the underside of the oil pan.
Clean the area around the plug with a clean rag to remove any dirt or debris.
Apply a small amount of clean engine oil to the threads of the plug.
Carefully thread the plug into the oil pan by hand, turning it clockwise.
Once the plug is hand-tight, use a wrench to tighten it further. However, do not overtighten the plug, as this can damage the oil pan.
Use a torque wrench to tighten the plug to the specified torque, as outlined in the Kia Soul owner’s manual. This ensures the plug is properly sealed and prevents leaks.

The recommended torque for the oil drain plug on a Kia Soul varies depending on the model year and engine type. Refer to the following table for specific torque specifications:

Model Year	Engine Type	Torque Specification
2010-2013	1.6L	25 ft-lbs
2014-2019	1.6L	29 ft-lbs
2010-2013	2.0L	29 ft-lbs
2014-2019	2.0L	33 ft-lbs

Adding New Oil

After draining the old oil, it’s time to add new oil to your Kia Soul. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Locate the Oil Filter

The oil filter is typically located near the bottom of the engine. It’s a cylindrical-shaped component with a cap on the end.

2. Lubricate the New Oil Filter Gasket

Before installing the new oil filter, apply a thin layer of fresh oil to the rubber gasket. This will help create a seal and prevent leaks.

3. Install the New Oil Filter

Screw on the new oil filter by hand until it’s snug. Do not overtighten it.

4. Install the Oil Pan Drain Plug

Replace the oil pan drain plug and tighten it to the specified torque using a wrench. Refer to your Kia Soul’s service manual for the correct torque.

5. Add New Oil

Locate the oil filler cap on the top of the engine. Remove the cap and pour in the recommended amount of new oil. Refer to your Kia Soul’s service manual for the exact quantity.

6. Check the Oil Level

Use the dipstick to check the oil level. Pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean, and reinsert it. Pull it out again and check where the oil level is on the dipstick. It should be between the “min” and “max” marks.

7. Replace the Oil Filler Cap

Once you’ve added the correct amount of oil, replace the oil filler cap. Tighten it securely to prevent leaks.

Recommended Oil Type	Recommended Oil Capacity
5W-20 synthetic oil	4.5 quarts (with filter)
5W-30 synthetic oil	4.5 quarts (with filter)
10W-30 synthetic oil	4.5 quarts (with filter)

Checking the Oil Level

To ensure your Kia Soul’s engine is running smoothly, it’s essential to regularly check the oil level. Follow these steps to check the oil level:

Park your vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
Allow the engine to cool down for a few minutes after driving to obtain an accurate oil level reading.
Locate the oil dipstick at the front of the engine, usually marked with a bright handle or labeled “OIL.”
Pull out the dipstick and wipe it clean with a rag or paper towel.
Re-insert the dipstick all the way back into its tube, then pull it out again.
Check the oil level indicated by the oil film on the dipstick.
The oil level should be between the two marks on the dipstick, labeled “FULL” and “ADD.”
If the oil level is below the “ADD” mark, add the specified type and viscosity of oil through the oil filler cap. Check the oil level again after adding oil and ensure it’s within the optimal range.

Note: It’s recommended to check the oil level monthly or before going on long trips to ensure your Kia Soul has adequate lubrication.

Resetting the Oil Life Indicator

After changing the oil and filter, you need to reset the oil life indicator to avoid false alerts. Here’s a detailed guide on how to reset it in a Kia Soul.

Step 1: Turn on the engine and wait for the oil life indicator to display on the instrument panel.

Step 2: Press and hold the “OK” button on the steering wheel until the oil life indicator starts flashing.

Step 3: Continue holding the “OK” button until the oil life indicator resets to 100%.

Step 4: Release the “OK” button and turn off the engine.

Step 5: Restart the engine to verify that the oil life indicator has been reset.

Note: The specific steps may vary slightly depending on the model year of your Kia Soul. Consult your owner’s manual for precise instructions.

Additional Tips

It’s recommended to reset the oil life indicator every time you change the oil.
If you do not reset the indicator, it may give you false alerts, indicating that an oil change is needed even if it’s not.
Resetting the indicator is a simple and quick process that can be completed in a few seconds.

Disposing of the Used Oil and Filter Responsibly

It’s important to dispose of used oil and filters responsibly to protect the environment and avoid potential hazards. Here’s a detailed guide on how to do it:

1. Find a Recycling Center

Locate a recycling center or hazardous waste disposal facility that accepts used oil and filters. Contact your local municipality or search online for the nearest options.

2. Use a Funnel and Container

Use a funnel to carefully pour the used oil from the vehicle into a clean, sealable container. Ensure the container is labelled clearly as “used oil” for safe disposal.

3. Drain the Oil Filter

Allow the oil filter to drain for a few hours into a separate container before disposal. To expedite the process, you can pierce the filter with a nail or screwdriver.

4. Wrap the Filter in Newspaper or Plastic

Wrap the used oil filter in newspaper or plastic to absorb any remaining oil. This prevents leaks and spills during transport and disposal.

5. Place Items in Designated Containers

Place the sealed container of used oil and the wrapped oil filter in the designated containers provided at the recycling center.

6. Rinse Out Containers

Rinse out the empty oil container and funnel with a small amount of clean motor oil. Pour the rinse solution into the used oil container for proper disposal.

7. Recycle Metal Containers

If you’re using a metal container for the used oil, drain and rinse it thoroughly. Recycle the empty metal container at a designated scrap metal recycling facility.

8. Check Local Regulations

Be aware that disposal regulations for used oil and filters may vary depending on your location. Always check with your local authorities for specific instructions.

9. Avoid Dumping or Burning

Never dump used oil or filters in the trash, down the drain, or in nature. This can contaminate the environment and pose dangers to wildlife.

10. Education and Outreach

Educate yourself and others on the importance of responsible oil and filter disposal. Encourage participation in recycling programs and spread awareness to protect our planet.