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[greatbear]

rockvillewoof strolls into the shop with this dilemma:

Q: I went to the "Jiggylube" to get my first oil change with the new (ok used but still new to me) 2000 Dodge Intrepid, and they couldn't do the oil change because they couldn't get the oil filter off without forcing it - and of course they didn't cause they didn't want the problem to become THEIR problem, and told me to take it back to whoever did the last oil change.

I got the vehicle in November, so I have no idea who was last one to do the change.

So, if the threads are stripped (shudder) what can I expect for a repair bill, and should Fitzgerald Auto Mall be responsible for the cost?

Tough one. In many cases, the filter is simply tightened way too tight causing the rubber seal to essentially glue itself to the filter base. In most cases, simply mangling off the old filter and cleaning up any residue from the old o-ring the installing a new filter hand-tight (no more than 3/4 turn after the seal contacts the base. In rare cases where the improper filter was fitted and the threaded post stripped, a new post (or base in some cases) can be had and installed at a nominal cost. As for who's responsible, you might try asking the dealer where you bought the car from, they might or might not help there. Otherwise, it's off to an independent shop to have the filter swapped. Hell, I can help out there if you want.


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