I bought an 09 FIT 1.75 years ago. 40,000 effortless miles! I change my own oil. I am used to Toyotas and am used to hand-tightening and removing the filter, but find this difficult with the FIT because of the location of the filter.


Is there a tool you experts use?

 

I use one of these:



Attaches to a ratchet. Available at any auto parts store. Just make sure you get one small enough for the filter, they expand BIGGER but not SMALLER. I've used the same one on my last 4 cars (slightly different filter sizes).

 

I have four different style oil filter sockets.This is the one I have had for years being a mechanic. This is by far the best found at your local parts store.



^^^ +1

 

Use a strap wrench.

 

I use a claw type wrench. But I'm going to try a Fram XG next oil change, those things have a grippy end so you can just take them off by hand.

 

It a must have on any tool box :P

 

Everyone here has the grippy pliers type of wrench, perhaps what you call a claw, because it works for everything and it never fails. And its pretty inexpensive, too. The grippy ends on Frams are good for installing but not so good for removing so the pliers are better.

 

When you're at the auto parts store buying a filter, play around with wrenches and see what works well for you.

There are times when I use this pad I got somewhere that's made for opening jars... it's a thin piece of rubber.

If you remember to put some oil on the gasket the filter's easier to get off.

 

Just slam a flat head screw driver and twist jk

 

go from underneath, and use both hands to twist

Im 6 feet, 240 pounds right now and I can get it. Course I do my own oil since my dealer tried to charge me for the first oil change.

If you need tools, then you put it on too tight, or the engine is completely cool


I always make sure the engien is in that 3-4 hour cooldown window at most. Usually I do changes on my vehicles about 1 1/2 hours after running, cuz oil is still warm and oil changes go quick as crap!!

 

Large Channellocks.

 

Oh sure, plan on 10-15 minutes cleaning up. Besides its easier to grab the filter with a pliers type wrench and twist.

 

my bare hands!

 

The screwdriver does work as a last resort and I did have to resort to it once. I'm pretty sure I at least put the drain pan underneath first.

 

Mine is a clawed type that I picked up decades ago but Autozone still sells a version of it:


OEM/Professional 3 legged oil filter wrench with 3/8 in. drive (25413) | Oil Filter Wrench | AutoZone.com

They only work for getting the filter off because as we all know, you never use a tool to tighten on a spin-on type oil filter.

 

Normally, I can use my hands to get it loose, but I do have a strap wrench for those times that I can't.

 

Honda Filter wrench: Honda Fit Maintenance Items

 

This is what I normally use but I haven't changed the oil on this car since picking it up so I'm not sure how tight they put it on. Who puts on an oil filter so hard anyways? If I get a car that's not new, the oil filter seems like it's always over tightened. I put a little oil on the gasket, twist until its snug then a little bit more and done.