2002 Firebird Oil Change

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The first thing I did was buy a jack set. It came with 2 Jack stands rated at 2 tons each. A hydraulic floor jack rated at 2 tons. And 2 wheel chocks.	I went to my local Kragen Auto Parts store and asked for a Oil filter for a 02 Firebird with a 3.8L engine. They gave me this FRAM - Tough Guard filter. (PN:TG3387A)	The dealer was using regular cheap oil so I decided to upgrade to Mobil1 Fully Synthetic motor oil. To select the right viscosity for your engine, consult your owner's manual. I used 10w-30. I used 4.5 quarts to refill my car.
When jacking up a car, you should always put something behind the wheels of the part that is not being jacked up to keep your car from rolling. Make sure the e-brake is on also. You can use a brick or piece of wood. You really should block both sides of the tires. NOTE: I later found out I had the chocks backwards. Go figure. =)	Jacking up the front end: There should be a large metal piece called the "K" member. I placed the jack in the middle of that piece and lifted the car untill I could slide the jack stands in.	Here is another picture of the floor jack. Since this was a new jack I also put another jack (the red one) that I knew worked just incase the new jack failed.
I slid the passanger jack stand under sub-frame rail. It is a little behind the tire.	Another side picture of the jack stand on passenger side.	The driver side jack stand is the same as the passenger side. I made sure they were equal distance from the front of the car to keep the weight of the car balanced.
This is the plastic Oil pan. Located in the middle of the car, between the front wheels. There is a 15mm drain bolt that lets the oil out. Put a bucket or container that can hold 5 quarts under the bolt. Take a wrench and loosen the bolt. When the bolt was about to come out, I used my hand to remove it. Be quick because that oil wants to come out.	The Oil pan drain plug screw. I let the oil drain for 45 minutes. Once the oil is out, replace the screw plug and tighten to 18 ft-lbs. If you don't have a torque wrench, make it snug but don't over tighten.	My skinny butt under the car. Mom saw what I was doing and took a picture. =)
The new Oil filter. I filled it with the NEW oil and let it absorb the oil to prime it. Then I rubbed oil around the rubber ring to ensure a good seal.	The Oil filter is located right in front of the engine. To take it off, all you need to do is unscrew it. BEWARE: oil will leak from it when unscrewing. Move your bucket underneath it.	I placed a piece of duct tape to divert the Oil that fell when taking off the filter. Without it, the Oil would drip down and go behind the "K" member.
This is the filter thingy with no filter. ;)	Here is the new Oil filter installed. Just screw it on by hand nice and snug. Since I filled it with oil, I had to put it on quickly when I turned it on its side.	Put 4 quarts of oil in. make sure there are no leaks. Lower the car so it's level then add the 5th quart while checking the dipstick until full. Start the car and let it idle for awhile. Now there is a bucket of Oil. Make sure you dispose of it correctly. You can't just dump it. I took mine to my local Kragen Auto Parts. Reset the computer oil change light. Turn the ignition key to RUN then press the TRIP/OIL RESET button for 12 seconds. The oil change light will blink to tell you the system was reset.