0.9 TCe Oil Change: Accessing the Filter

It's a common quandary for modern car owners: with the advent of comprehensive under-engine covers, accessing vital components like the oil filter and drain plug can feel like navigating a labyrinth. David from his 2017 Stepway 0.9 TCe Summit is facing just this issue, questioning whether a routine oil and filter change is possible without dismantling the protective undertray. Let's delve into the specifics of the 0.9 TCe engine and address this common concern.

Understanding the 0.9 TCe Engine and its Covers

The Renault-Nissan Alliance's 0.9 TCe (Turbo Control Efficiency) engine, found in vehicles like the Dacia Sandero Stepway, is a compact and efficient unit. Designed with fuel economy and reduced emissions in mind, it often features a plastic undertray, or engine cover, as standard. This cover serves multiple purposes: it aids in aerodynamics, protects the engine's underside from road debris and water ingress, and can also help to contain noise.

However, as David rightly points out, these covers can be a barrier to simple maintenance tasks. While they offer protection, they also necessitate the removal of bolts and clips to gain access to the oil drain plug and oil filter, adding an extra step to what was once a straightforward procedure.

The Crucial Question: Oil Change Without Undoing the Cover?

David's question is direct: can the oil and filter be changed without removing the bottom cover? The short answer is: it depends on the specific design and accessibility points provided by the manufacturer. For many vehicles, including some iterations of the 0.9 TCe, the manufacturer may incorporate access holes or panels within the undertray specifically for oil drain plug access. This allows for a drain without full removal.

However, access to the oil filter is a different matter. The oil filter is typically a cylindrical canister that screws onto the engine block. Its location can vary, but it's often situated in a position that, while perhaps reachable from above, is far more conveniently accessed from below. If the undertray completely encloses the filter housing, then its removal becomes a necessity for a clean and efficient filter change.

Accessing the Oil Drain Plug

Many undertrays are designed with a specific cutout or removable panel that aligns with the oil drain plug. This allows a mechanic (or a DIY enthusiast) to place a drain pan underneath and remove the plug without needing to unbolt the entire tray. If your Stepway's undertray has such a provision, you may not need to remove it for the oil drain itself. It's worth inspecting the underside of your vehicle closely to identify if such an access point exists.

Accessing the Oil Filter

The oil filter on the 0.9 TCe engine is generally located towards the front or side of the engine block, often near the sump. While some filters might be accessible through a gap in the undertray, it's more common that the undertray will need to be at least partially removed, if not fully, to allow for the proper seating of an oil filter wrench and to catch any residual oil spillage during the removal and installation of the new filter. The filter is a critical component, and ensuring it's correctly tightened is paramount to preventing leaks.

What the Mechanic Would Likely Do

Given that David's car has been taken to a local mechanic for its MOT and service, it's highly probable that the mechanic would follow the most efficient and least messy procedure. This almost certainly involves removing at least part, if not all, of the undertray to gain proper access to both the drain plug and the oil filter. While some might try to work around it, the risk of making a mess, not fully draining the old oil, or not being able to properly tighten the new filter often outweighs the time saved by not removing the cover.

DIY Considerations and Best Practices

If you're considering tackling this yourself, here are a few points:

• Identify Access Points: Before starting, get under the car (safely, using jack stands!) and visually inspect the undertray. Look for a removable panel or a specific cutout for the drain plug.
• Tools for the Job: You'll need a socket set for the undertray bolts, an oil filter wrench, a new oil filter, new engine oil (refer to your owner's manual for the correct grade and quantity), a drain pan, and rags.
• Safety First: Always use jack stands to support the vehicle when working underneath it. Never rely on a jack alone.
• Filter Location: The exact location of the oil filter can sometimes be tricky to reach. Having a good quality oil filter wrench and perhaps an extension can be invaluable.
• Correct Tightening: Overtightening or undertightening the oil filter can lead to leaks or damage. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations (often hand-tight plus a quarter or half turn).

The Undertray Debate: Necessity vs. Convenience

There's a common debate among car enthusiasts and mechanics about whether removing the undertray is strictly necessary for every oil change. For experienced mechanics with the right tools and knowledge of a specific vehicle, it might be possible to minimise disassembly. However, for the average DIYer, or even for a professional who wants to ensure a thorough and clean job, removing the undertray is often the most practical approach.

Consider the potential for stripped threads on the drain plug or filter housing if attempting to force access or work in an awkward position. These are risks that are mitigated by proper access.

Common Issues and What to Look For

David mentioned a rattling sound from a vertical cover near the bottom engine cover. This could be a few things:

• Loose Undertray Bolt: One of the bolts holding the undertray might be loose or missing, allowing the cover to vibrate.
• Damaged Clip or Fixing: The plastic clips or fixings that secure the cover could be broken or worn, leading to a rattle.
• Aerodynamic Flap: Some undertrays have small, flexible flaps designed to improve airflow. These can become loose or damaged.

When the mechanic removes the undertray, they can properly inspect these fixings and ensure everything is secure. The fact that the rattle subsides when underway could indicate that the engine vibration at idle is enough to cause the loose part to move, but once the engine is under load and at higher RPMs, the vibration characteristics change, or the component is held more firmly by engine torque.

Summary Table: Undertray Removal for 0.9 TCe Oil Change

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Is it safe to drive without the undertray?

It is generally not recommended to drive for extended periods without the undertray. While it might not cause immediate catastrophic damage, it exposes vulnerable engine components to road debris, water, and dirt, which can lead to premature wear or damage. It also affects the vehicle's aerodynamics.

Q2: How often should the oil and filter be changed on a 0.9 TCe?

Consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the manufacturer's recommended service intervals. Typically, for modern turbocharged engines, this is often around 10,000 to 15,000 miles or annually, whichever comes first. However, driving conditions can influence this.

Q3: Can I reuse the undertray bolts?

It's best practice to replace any bolts that show signs of corrosion or damage. If they are in good condition, reusing them is usually acceptable, but ensure they are properly torqued to prevent them from vibrating loose.

Q4: What type of oil does the 0.9 TCe engine need?

The 0.9 TCe engine typically requires a low-viscosity synthetic oil, often meeting specific Renault/Dacia specifications (e.g., RN 17 or similar). Always check your owner's manual for the exact specification and quantity.

Q5: My mechanic said he didn't need to remove the undertray. Is this possible?

While less common for a full service, it's possible your specific vehicle has an unusually generous access point, or the mechanic has specialised tools to reach the filter without full removal. However, for thoroughness, most would opt for removal.

Conclusion

In response to David's query, while it might be theoretically possible to drain the oil without removing the undertray if an access hole is present, changing the oil filter on a 2017 Stepway 0.9 TCe almost certainly requires at least partial, if not full, removal of the bottom engine cover. This ensures the job is done correctly, efficiently, and without unnecessary mess. The rattling sound David mentioned is also best addressed by the mechanic when the undertray is off, allowing for a proper inspection of the fixings. For peace of mind and a proper service, it's standard practice for mechanics to remove these covers.