Newbie Question - Which way does oil drain plug turn to loosen....

[willyc32]

Hi Guys,I have been a GenVibe watcher for years, and have been helped so much customising and fixing things on the Vibe through this awesome group!Here's the thing...I have been having a dealer change the oil on our 2003 Vibe since I bought it new. I am gonna start changing it myself since it's so much cheaper and need to ask the experienced here which way the oil drain plug turns to loosen. Do you turn it toward the driver's side or the passenger side (I will be on my back with feet out the front end of the car if that matters)? I got under there and tried what I thought would be the natural choice (I have done many oil changes in my life on various vehicles, and have also changed the Vibe's auto tranny fluid) but the drain plug would not budge. I don't wanna strip it so I need to be sure which way it loosens before I put an impact on it to loosen it. Just wanna make sure it's not backwards before I put the power to it I appreciate it any help! WILLYC

[kevera]

Lefty loosey,righty tighty

[Raven]

a.k.a. counterclockwise

[joatmon]

standard right hand threads. SInce the drain bolt is on the back of the oil pan, to loosen it, turn the bolt so that the top moves towards the drivers side and the bottom moves towards the passenger side. Or, if you put a wrench on it so that the wrench hangs straight down, push the free end of the wrench to the passenger side

[Burns1210]

If you're having trouble picturing which way to turn since you're upside-down, set a ratcheting wrench to the direction that will loosen, put it on the drain plug and start turning. Once you get it loose, or just get the feel for which way to turn, break out the crescent wrench.

[willyc32]

Thanks so much everybody! That is EXACTLY what I needed, and being upside down, I wanted to make sure I was going in the right direction for sure Much Appreciated!