I change when it's warm, but don't worry about getting hot oil on my hand because I have a fingertip drain plug. I too let the pan slow to almost nothing before removing the filter, but instead of a plastic bag I use an oil absorbent mat around the filter after it's loose. No mess ever.

 

The wiring harness on the 04.5 is for the A/C compressor. There is a quick disconect rite there. I just split the wire and move it aside. The filter drops straight down, not a drop spilled. The conector is a pain to figure out but easy once you do. At 7000 mile intervals I always have to re-figure it out every time.

 

Mine being only a 2 wheel ddrive and me being 6'4" I take my filter out from teh top. dont spill a drop and its easy to get out.

 

I changed mine this weekend. No lift. Have always done it hot... let pan drain for a hr or so before tackling the filter....with a baggie. As others have said...some oil siphons off.

This time, for some reason, I went straight to the filter without waiting a while. I WON"T do that again. I don't mind the hot oil from the pan..it's only for a sec., but a hot filter and a baggie with 200* oil spilling into it is not my idea of fun! No gloves...just a shop towel for some insulation. Luckily, the bag held...I had visions of the oil melting thru the plastic.

The one time I had it done at a quick lube, while away from home...the drain plug was way over tightened and the filter was so tight it took 15 min. fighting with a strap to get it off. Looked like no oil used to lube the gasket.

I do my own because TLC is better, in this case at least, than an expirienced mechanic. Also don't like the cheap grease used at the quick lubes.

RJ

 

You actually buy that stuff? Go buy hard clay kitty litter from Wally. In the red bag--$1.99 for 25#.

 

Who needs oil dry? I change mine on my back in my gravel driveway. The few drips that miss the pan just help settle the dust. No baggie used here since I change my oil fiter from the top.

 

The thing that I like about doing work myself is I know it is done right. Good oil and filter is used for less than paying someone to do it.