Problem

When trying to replace the oil filter element there is restricted access to the oil filter housing and, therefore, the housing cap can be difficult to remove. There is restricted access to the oil filter housing on various Citroën, DS, Fiat, Ford, Jaguar, Lancia, Land Rover, MINI, Mitsubishi, Opel, Peugeot, Toyota, Vauxhall and Volvo models.

Cause
The engine is mounted transversely on some of the cars listed above - including the Ford Focus, Land Rover Freelander II and the Range Rover Evoque models fitted with the 2.2 diesel engine. As a result of this design, the oil filter housing is located very closely to the radiator fan.

Solution
Working from underneath the vehicle, first remove the engine’s under shield - which is protecting the engine sump - in order to access the oil filter housing.

For applicable Land Rover models, the vehicle manufacturer suggests removing the front bumper to gain access to the housing when servicing the oil filter. However, the filter can be replaced without carrying out this operation by using a 27 mm flexi-head ratchet ring spanner to remove the filter housing plastic cap. (Fig.1) Drain the engine oil and undo the filter-housing cap with the 27 mm flexi-head ratchet ring spanner (ADG05527).

Remove the plastic housing and filter, replace the filter and ‘O’ ring seal, refit the housing and tighten to 25 Nm.

Clean off any spilt oil after changing the filter and fill the engine with fresh oil of the recommended grade and level.

Before refitting the under shield, it is important to start the engine and check for any potential leaks.

If this procedure is part of a routine service, reset the service lamp and oil quality indicator using suitable diagnostic equipment.

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