How easy is it to self service a megane?

[iand123]

My 2003 megane is due a service, and i usually like to service my own cars rather than pay high dealer prices. im a complete car novice so usually my father in law does them and i stand and watch pretending i have a clue what hes talking about. I have seen this on ebay - http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=360206117412&ssPageName=ADME:X:RTQ:GB:1123

can someone tell me how easy it is to fit these parts? i had a 51 reg clio before and remember that removing the spark plugs required a "special" spanner (was basically a long spanner to fit down the hole to get them out), is this the same on the megane?

sorry if this has been discussed before but any thread/guides would be greatly apreciated

thanks

[anth_dci]

what engine are you working on? Get a haynes manual, that will talk you through doing a service yourself. Its pretty easy to do really once youve got the right equipment. You will need a spark plug socket on 99% of engines. You may also need a key for the sump plug. Some are a funny shape some are a regular (all be it large) nut. Id also recommend a oil filter removal tool, getting one off by hand is nearly impossible.

[iand123]

thanks for the reply.

its the 1.6 auto engine. will look around to see if i can find a haynes manual

[markren2004]

there is nothing difficult doing the basic servicing items (air filter /oil filter /oil /spark plugs/cabin filter).
spark plugs are down holes in top of engine, so you need a normal sparkplug socket and short extention bar.
your father-in-law should have no problems with these items.
for sump plug you need a standard 7mm square oil drain key (same as clio as i recall), i use a big boa strap wrench for getting oil filters off (https://www.tools4trade.com/d-3584007-So ... nch--.aspx), which are great for meganes with the filter mounted horizontally as you can get good leverage.

[iand123]

thanks mark.

i figured it would all be pretty standard. is the oil filter easy to get to? also, they guy who listing the item on ebay recommended a pollen filter for an extra £16, he said you can access it by the pedals from inside the car, is that correct?

[davelowe]

As mentioned get a Haynes manual, it really does make a big difference as you are able to read through the various procedures before even opening the bonnet. That said, you will still need to apply some basic mechanical problem solving techniques whilst doing the work. Haynes also often omits tool sizes particularly any torx sockets (google for images if you don't know what these are) T20 and T27 are frequently needed sizes for small parts.

On the 03 plate 1.4 and 1.6 litre engines, for tools you will need a long socket for the spark plugs (these are very standard but there are two sizes - the bigger ones are for much older cars - mostly pre 1999), a hex socket set, or from memory at least a 10 and 13 mm socket and wrench (1/2" drive), and the sump plug is probably an 8mm square socket. Halfords sell the sump sockets for around £4 although this has a 3/8" drive so you will need an adaptor for the 1/2" drive wrench. You will need to buy or borrow axle stands (around £25 a pair for cheap ones). If you are going to regularly service (ie get to know!) your car, it's worth the investment in the tools. You might need some other miscellaneous stuff such as a feeler gauge set to gap the plugs (or suitable alternative)

I would get the various air, pollen and fuel filters from https://www.opieoils.co.uk/ as they will send you the exact parts for your model as well as proper oil.

Best get the manual (£20), then study it while comparing the illustrations with the actual parts. That way you can decide how to proceed. Probably an idea to get the father in law to supervise while you do the first service if you are a complete beginner (and loan you the tools so you can match them up and get your own).

The first time I changed the oil and filter on my megane it took me about 2 hours. I could probably do it in 45 minutes the second time.

[markren2004]

thanks mark.

i figured it would all be pretty standard. is the oil filter easy to get to? also, they guy who listing the item on ebay recommended a pollen filter for an extra £16, he said you can access it by the pedals from inside the car, is that correct?

cabin filter (AKA pollen filter) is on cars with Air Con...it is found in a large slot down by the clutch pedal.
oil filter is on the front of the engine...you can easily get to it from within bonnet, or from underneath, A warning though..you can't help but get oil everywhere as the oil drains out before you can get the filter completely off. so plenty of rags and newspapers required underneath.