None of the filter wrenches in your tool box fit the last filter installed on the car!

 

True, the oil filter manufacturers keep changing the size of the can, the dimple pattern on top or coating the can with krinkle paint so the cap wrench you bought last time will not work this time.

 

... and Arnold Schwarzenneger put the last one on! Had to use the time honored hammer and screwdriver technique.

 

A LARGE pair of channel lock pliers is often a useful tool to have in the tool box too!

 

I just changed the oil and filter on my saturn I recently bought and my god was that filter on there tight... Never had one so hard to get off in my life

 

I had the same issue!!! Never seen a filter as tight as the one I took off the wagon....I did learn that the filter interchanges with a Toyota number, so that saves me an extra stop when I need one, working in a Toyota parts dept and all....

 

... and I thought the Saturn was an original design!!

 

It was an original design, Bill, BUT, every engine needs oil and a filter and no matter where you put that frigging filter, you still have to be able to access it and remove it.

 

I was selling cars at a Chrysler/Plymouth/Dodge dealer when the Saturn was announced. I followed the trade news closely. I was really surprised that GM set them off on their own and they were allowed to do things differently from the GM norm. The styling never impressed me but the enthusiasm of early owners still rings. So many of them still praise the car highly.

Anyway, back on topic... There wasn't much room to swing the hammer or screwdriver as I removed the filter. Had to pierce and turn the filter about 60 degrees three times before it was loose enough to spin off.

New filter went on with the time honored FL1a default technique. Spin down until gasket makes contact then tighten 3/4 turn

 

That's the way, un-huh, un-huh, we like it.