Volkswagen Golf GTI MK4 Oil and Filter Change (2000-2006)

One of the most common tasks to perform is replacing your engine oil. Frequent oil changes are perhaps the most important procedure you can do to maintain and prolong the life of your engine. With the better oils that are available today, the requirement for frequent changes is diminishing. Even though Volkswagen recommends oil change intervals that are much further apart than in the past, I usually recommend that you keep the changes under the 5,000-mile recommended limit. If you don't drive your car too often, you should change the oil at least once a year to keep things fresh.
The first thing you need to do is to make sure that you have everything that is required for the job. Nothing is more frustrating than emptying your oil, only to find out that you don't have a replacement filter or enough oil. You will need an oil filter, a 19mm wrench, an oil filter removal tool, a new drain plug washer, a roll of paper towels, a very large oil pan or bucket, and 5 liters of oil. Start by driving the car around, and let it heat up to operating temperature. You'll want to empty your oil when it's hot, because the heat makes the oil flow a lot easier, and more particles of metal and dirt will come out when the oil is emptied.
Next safely jack up and support your car. Please see our article on jacking up and supporting your car. With the car safely off the ground you will need to remove the engine tray. There are four T25 Torx screws holding the tray on.
On the rear of the oil pan you will find the 19mm drain plug, use a socket and remove it. Remember the oil is going to be hot coming out of the motor so make sure you don't burn yourself and try not to drop the drain plug in the container you are using to catch the oil. Always dispose used motor oil according to the regulations where you live. Most oil change shops or your neighborhood parts store will take your old oil and filter to be recycled properly. Once the oil has emptied reinstall the drain plug with a new crush washer. I always like to make sure I reinstall the drain plug before I start working the filter, just so I don't forget it later.
The filter is located on the front of the engine under the intake manifold. It can be a difficult place to reach and if the person who installed it previously over tightened it, it can be a pain to get off. If you do not have an adjustable oil filter removal tool you might want to pick one up before you start this project. I simply place the cup part of the tool on the old filter, tighten down the two bolts and the filter came right off.
The filter mounts upside down to the cooler and will be full of oil in even after you drained the pan. Make sure you are ready to catch the overflow and be careful not to turn the filter over removing it and spill the oil all over you. Clean the mounting area. Apply a small amount of clean oil to the rubber seal on the filter and install the new filter until hand tight.
Move to the top of the engine and remove the oil fill cap in the engine cover. Begin by pouring 4 liters of oil into the engine and giving it a minute to get to the pan. The engine should take 4.6 liters of oil but it is easier to add oil than try and drain some out if you over fill. Start the car and let it warm up. Stop the car, let it sit for at least three minutes and check the level, add as needed but do not over fill. Note: on the turbo engines after an oil change ONLY run the engine at idle until the oil pressure warning light stops flashing. DO not touch the accelerator as revving the engine before proper oil pressure is restored could damage or destroy the turbo.
Project Time: 1 hour
Tab: $50
Tools: Oil filter removal tool, 19mm wrench,
Parts Required: Oil and Filter
Performance Gain: Longer engine life
Complementary Modification: Flush your cooling system and replace your radiator hoses
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Applicable Models:
Volkswagen Golf GL TDI Hatchback (2004)
Volkswagen Golf GLS TDI Hatchback (2004-06)
Volkswagen Golf GTI 20th Anniversary Hatchback (2003)
Volkswagen Golf GTI Hatchback (2000)
Volkswagen Golf TDI Hatchback (2005)
Volkswagen Golf GL and Golf GLS Hatchback (2000-06)
Volkswagen Golf GLS Hatchback (2000) Engine: AWD
Volkswagen Golf GTI 1.8T and Golf GTI 337 Hatchback (2002-06)
Volkswagen Golf GTI GLS and Golf GTI GLX Hatchback (2000-01)
Volkswagen Golf GTI VR6 Hatchback (2002-05)
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