Ashamed that I can't find the oil filter on '02 Cavalier

[chargermick]

Bought an '02 Cavalier for my daughters to drive. I'm doing some general maintenance, but I can't find the oil filter to save my soul. Anybody know anything about bow ties? lol
Thanks

[burnt69]

well if it's like my 95 it's on the back of the engine half way up and horizontal and oil goes evrywhere when you take it off.

[chargermick]

Nope, not on back side either, I just looked. Is this crazy or what?

[mikepmcs]

http://autorepair.about.com/library/faqs/bl576g.htm


try this, hope it helps, i'm guessing you have the screw out hidden deal.

[mikepmcs]

some more info i found on ask jeeves just now

Answer
It depends on what engine you have. If it is a 4 cylinder, look at the pass side front of engine underneath. You may have to remove a shield to get to it. If it is a 6 cyl look at the pass side on the rear of the engine under the p/s pump.



[improve answer]Answer

All Cavaliers are 4 cyl.


[improve answer]Answer

If it is a 2200(or 2.2L) The oil filter is on the back of the engine block near the bottom of the block. It is tough to see, just feel around for it. I remove the filter from the top because underneath is the axel and the flex pipe for the exhuast.


[improve answer]Answer

^^^ To add in it is on the passenger side of the engine block.


[improve answer]Answer

I remove the computer box just above the power steering pump filler and just move it out of the way. There are only 2 nuts. One on the shock tower and one on the firewall. You do not have to disconnect the wiring, it has enough slack to move it out of the way. Now you have enough room to get your arm in to reach the filter on the back of the block.


[improve answer]Answer
The location that is being given is correct if your 8th vin# is a "4", if it is not you have the newer style paper cartridge filter that is located on the driver side, front of the engine block mid way up.

[chargermick]

Thanks Mike, that helps a lot. I'll check it out first thing in the morning.

[mikepmcs]

Well did you find it, i gotta know now.  was it the paper filter type or what??

[chargermick]

Yeah,I found it thanks to you! What a stupid place to put a filter. I'm willing to bet that the kids at Jiffy lube never replace that filter. Thanks again Mike. By the way, it was the standard metal screw on filter.

[mikepmcs]

 

[Mike DC]

   
I remember reading that the oil filter was an extra-cost option on the early smallblock Chevy motors.  Maybe that's why the filters are hard to find on modern Crapaliers.

   

[HAZZARDJOHN]

Yeah,I found it thanks to you! What a stupid place to put a filter. I'm willing to bet that the kids at Jiffy lube never replace that filter. Thanks again Mike. By the way, it was the standard metal screw on filter.

I worked at a Valvoline Instant Oil change, in high school. If they are the same as the 95-99 2.2 liter and you have an automatic, They are the biggest b**** of a filter made. Picture The middle of July and the car is running hot, Then they pull in and you have to stick your hand between the subframe rail and the exhaust flex pipe! I hated those, cause you would get either burn you arm from the exhaust or, the boiling hot oil that gets splashed everywhere, when you loosen the filter from the base. Who Designs these cars? what's their thought process? "Let's put the oil filter, which will get changed the most, in the hardest place to get to. Yeah that's a good idea!"

~HJ