No Power after oil change.

izodmartin · Post by **izodmartin** » 09 Feb 2011, 11:54

I just returned from getting an oil change and 2 things happened..

1. The quick change place failed to get my oil filter (canister) off. They said it was "glued" to the car. I'm not really worried about this, I'll get it off or just buy another canister after i break it.

2. At this oil change place, cars are driven up a small ramp then the front wheel rolls down into spot where it prevents rolling. After the oil non-change my car then would not start. I was completely dead, no power at all. They tried to jump start it but no power was getting to the car past the battery. We then pushed my car off and out of the bay. Suddenly, the front end hit the ground with a thud and then everything turned on. I started it and then drove off. I later noticed the radio reset and was asking for the code, so that means the battery completely disconnected.

Now, I checked the battery cables and both are clean and tight, I looked for loose connections but did not see anything that was obvious. Where should i begin to look for the the "short".

Post by **precopster** » 09 Feb 2011, 12:35

The corrosion on the inside of the battery terminals is difficult to see unless they are properly removed.

Take off the terminals, and thoroughly clean them with sandpaper around a rounded object such as a file. Try not to take off too much material.

I poor boiling water on the battery's terminals after a clean then smear them with petroleum jelly to prevent further corrosion.

If the problem returns you may need to start looking at the earth strap to the chassis.

As far as the filter is concerned, skewer it with a large screwdriver and turn to remove. You may need to remove the plastic engine cover (two self tappers on either side of the chassis) I've seen some tightly fitted oil filters but never one I couldn't remove with this method. It also relieves some frustration

skeeter123 · Post by **skeeter123** » 09 Feb 2011, 13:21

The first time I changed the oil filter, I had to use a strap wrench to get the "cannister" loose. Dealer loved to really crank it on there. But, it's the rubber o-ring that makes the seal, tightening/overtightening the cannister doesn't make for a better seal. It is a mental challenge (for me, anyway) to resist the urge to overtighten it.

Post by **jimmy57** » 09 Feb 2011, 16:53

The plastic container for filter will give inwards and toll will slip. If you put a cloth shop rag in the cap tool for removing filter it usually works to get it loose. The strap wrenches will break an overtightened one easily as it bears preassure at one place if you get very muscular with it.

izodmartin · Post by **izodmartin** » 10 Feb 2011, 04:34

Dealer loved to really crank it on there. But, it's the rubber o-ring that makes the seal, tightening/overtightening the cannister doesn't make for a better seal.

You are so right! the last oil change was at the dealers.

skeeter123 · Post by **skeeter123** » 10 Feb 2011, 07:33

Yep, my last oil change at the dealer really was my last oil change at the dealer. FYI i used a plastic strap wrench with a rubber strap; and did my best to help it with both hands to spread the force. It also was not at the ideal angle, but was able to come off. Now, I hand tighten it and don't need a wrench at all.