engine

Oil Change

for 2015 Kia Forte 1.8L I4 · FWD
Difficulty
Easy
Time
18 min
Tools
9
Steps
9

Replace engine oil and oil filter on a 2015 Kia Forte 1.8L I4 engine to maintain proper lubrication and engine longevity.

Warnings

⚠️Engine oil and components can be extremely hot. Allow engine to cool for at least 30 minutes before beginning work.
Always use jack stands when working under the vehicle. Never rely on a jack alone.
ℹ️Running the engine for 2-3 minutes before draining will warm the oil slightly and improve drainage, but ensure oil is not dangerously hot.

Tools required

17mm socket or wrenchEssential
Oil filter wrenchEssential
Drain pan (5+ quart capacity)Essential
Torque wrenchEssential
Funnel
Jack and jack stands or rampsEssential
Wheel chocksEssential
Clean rags
Gloves

Parts

  • Engine oil filter × 1 — 26300-35503 or equivalent
  • Oil drain plug crush washer × 1 — 21513-23001 or equivalent

Fluids

  • Kia Genuine 5W-20 — 4.5 qt

Preparation

  1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
  2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
  3. If engine is cold, start and run for 2-3 minutes to warm oil slightly, then shut off and wait 5 minutes
  4. Raise front of vehicle using jack and secure on jack stands, or drive onto ramps
  5. Locate oil drain plug on bottom of oil pan and oil filter on driver's side of engine block

Procedure

  1. 1
    Position drain pan and remove drain plug
    Place drain pan under the oil drain plug at the rear of the oil pan. Using a 17mm socket or wrench, loosen the drain plug counterclockwise. Remove the plug by hand once loose, keeping inward pressure to prevent oil from spilling prematurely. Allow oil to drain completely into pan (approximately 5-7 minutes).
  2. 2
    Inspect and replace drain plug washer
    Once oil has fully drained, remove the old crush washer from the drain plug and discard. Install a new crush washer onto the drain plug. Inspect drain plug threads for damage.
  3. 3
    Reinstall oil drain plug
    Thread the drain plug with new crush washer into the oil pan by hand to avoid cross-threading. Once hand-tight, use a torque wrench to tighten to specification.
    Torque spec
    Oil Drain Plug35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
  4. 4
    Remove old oil filter
    Reposition drain pan under the oil filter located on the front driver's side of the engine block. Using an oil filter wrench, turn the spin-on oil filter counterclockwise to remove. Allow residual oil to drain from filter mounting surface. Clean the filter mounting surface on the engine block with a clean rag.
  5. 5
    Prepare and install new oil filter
    Apply a light coating of clean engine oil to the rubber gasket on the new oil filter. Thread the new filter onto the mounting boss by hand, turning clockwise. Once the gasket makes contact with the engine block, continue turning by hand an additional 3/4 turn. Do not use the oil filter wrench for installation.
    Torque spec
    Oil Filter (Spin-On)20 Nm (15 lb-ft)
  6. 6
    Add new engine oil
    Lower vehicle from jack stands or ramps. Remove oil filler cap on top of valve cover. Insert funnel and add 4.0 quarts of Kia Genuine 5W-20 engine oil initially. Wait 1 minute for oil to settle.
  7. 7
    Check oil level and adjust
    Remove dipstick, wipe clean, reinsert fully, then remove again to check level. Add remaining oil in small increments (0.25 quart at a time) until level reaches between the MIN and MAX marks on dipstick. Do not overfill. Reinstall oil filler cap hand-tight.
  8. 8
    Start engine and check for leaks
    Start the engine and allow it to idle for 1-2 minutes. Observe the oil pressure warning light on the dashboard; it should extinguish within 2-3 seconds. Shut off engine and inspect drain plug and oil filter areas for leaks.
  9. 9
    Final oil level check
    Wait 3-5 minutes for oil to drain back into pan. Check oil level again with dipstick. Adjust if necessary to achieve proper level between MIN and MAX marks. Ensure oil filler cap is secure.

Reassembly

  1. Ensure all tools and materials are removed from under vehicle
  2. Properly dispose of used oil and filter at a recycling center or auto parts store
  3. Record mileage and date of oil change for maintenance records

Verification

  • Oil level on dipstick reads between MIN and MAX marks when checked on level ground with engine off
  • No oil leaks visible under vehicle at drain plug or oil filter after running engine
  • Oil pressure warning light extinguishes within 2-3 seconds of starting engine
  • Oil filler cap is secure and not leaking

More procedures for this vehicle

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