new owner, any oil change advice?

[bxd20]

Hi-

We bought a new 2007 Rendezvous CXL with lux pack and a couple other things. 3.5L of course as they all are for 07.

I've got a lot of experience with these GM V6's, mostly the 3.1/3.4. But this is my first vehicle that wasn't a car. Certain jobs under the hood seem like they'd be a pain compared to the same engine in a car. Like changing the alternator.

Anything to look out for when I do the first oil change? Looks like reaching the filter from underneath isn't too bad.

Thanks
Brian

 

[05RendezvousCXL]

Oil change is very straightforward compared to a car. Nothing unusual here. You can easily reach up and grab the filter from under the vehicle. Drain bolt is also easy to access.

Just by looking in the engine compartment, I also realize some things like changing an alternator or even spark plugs will be difficult on this vehicle compared to a car.

My main concern is the front struts which I plan to do at 50k (I believe plugs and alternator will come after the 50k mark). Access to the bolts looks very tight. If you find out how to do this one, let me know. I too am not as familiar with working on this type of vehicle as opposed to a car.

I am also looking for a haynes or any brand repair manual. If you find one for this vehicle, let me know. The procedures in such a manual would be helpful. Thanks.

 

[jaswasup]

Just did the oil and filter on my 02 CXL today
You'll definatley need an oil filter wrench on this one to remove it ( not too much room for a large hand ) and pan bolt (15mm socket ) has a unique ruber gasket on it (watch for that ) other wise pretty straight forward
First time i have used the oil filter wrench in awhile
Note i did this oil chande whil all tires were on the ground however if you jack up the front 4 inches youll be way better off getting up to the filter easier

Jay

 

[bxd20]

Nice. I always used ramps with my cars, but if I can squeeze under without them on the RDV all the better!

 

[GallagherPreach]

Synthetic Oil

May I ask what oil you are using?

I just purchased a used 2006 Buick Rendezvous for my wife. In my other cars I used Mobil 1 Synthetic 15,000 mile oil and I change the filter every 7,500 miles. Is anyone doing this on their Rendezvous?

Thanks

 

[bxd20]

15,000 may be okay, or it may be a tad long. I know Mobil 1 rates their oils for that long, but the proper way to determine how long you can run is by Used Oil Analysis (UOA). I assume i can mention non-competing web forums here?? I would go to www.bobistheoilguy.com when you have a lot of time on your hands. 🙂 You will learn SO MUCH about oil properties, brands, run intervals, etc.

Personally I am going to run a semi-synthetic with an AC Delco filter, and go by the Oil Life Monitor built into the car, as long as I have a warranty.

The AC Delco filter - because it's been found to be one of the best and is reasonably priced. (Avoid the plain jane Fram at all cost.)
The semi-synthetic oil because I know it will stand up to the interval that the OLM dictates. Regular oils *should* be ok as that is what GM had in mind when they designed the monitor, but this gives me a little extra buffer.

There are a lot of good semi-synths out there, once again, suggest spending some time on bobistheoilguy. Mobil 7500 is one, Ford semi-synth is great and usually 2.70 in stores, etc. etc.

Now on my out of warranty cars- the Ford SVT Contour I do use Mobil1. But since I'm in Cleveland and winters are cold, I change it once a year, including the filter. That's usually like 10,000 miles.

The Nissan Altima we just got rid of was HARD on its oil. So no more than about 8000 miles with synthetic.

The Olds Cutlass Supreme 3.1 is very easy on its oil... that one can go 12,000 or so. But being higher mileage I tend to use Valvoline MaxLife in it.

 

[GallagherPreach]

Thanks for the information.

I have read Bob the Oil Guy on another forum I am on; excellent material there.

I do not use Fram filters because of the research, I will try the AC Delco. I used Ac Delco on a Grand Am we had and it ran to 158,000 before I traded it.

I usually never make it to 15,000 miles, but I thought abotu running synthetic from the first day I got my RDV. I might do it wo see how it works.

Thanks again.

 

[95scpa]

I have an '03 CXL with the 3400motor and about 59K miles on it and I've used Mobile 1 oil and change it usually @ 7500-8000 miles with Delco filters. I buy the oil in 5qt jugs b/c I find I save a lot of money here.
You probably have the 3.5L? maybe..