2001 Elantra GLS 4 door

I had my oil changed along with an alignment at Brakes Plus (got a coupon for the alignment with the new tires) this past Friday. Was told when I picked it up that I needed to have the oil pan replaced. Was also told that the plug is stripped (and the opening I suppose) but mechanic was able to temporarily seal it. I asked if this should be covered under my warranty (I only have 37,000 miles on it) and he said that he had 4 other people that had the same problem in the last few months and the warranty did not cover theirs. He said that its a 'common' defect on my type of car.

I called the dealership and was told that they could put a bigger plug in it and that's what they usually do when the plug gets stripped and that this usually happens when the mechanic removes the plug wrong. He said this bigger plug would maybe cost me $5 instead of the $300.00 that Brakes Plus wants to replace the whole oil pan.

I now have an oil leak and will take it to the dealership tomorrow to get it fixed. I do need to know if this is something that is known to be an issue with my type of car, or what the dealership says (that they can just put a bigger plug in it and do it all the time) is correct.

I feel I'm being ripped off from all sides. Please advise.

the dealership is right this is what happens when a garage messes up. this is not a defect in your car just stupid people messing up other peoples cars and saying that its a manufacture defect. you can go to a parts store and buy an over sized plug that will make new threads (make sure you get one with a magnet on it). this is why I (and only I) do my own oil changes so if I mess up I can only blame myself.

It is unnecessary to replace the oil pan. The thread can easily be repaired with a “HELI-COIL”, which is better than new.

This post has been edited by duke: Jun 15 2005, 12:40 PM

EXACTLY RIGHT, It's so much easier/quicker/more convenient to just do your own oil changes & only takes about 15 minutes. And you dont have to worry about some moron stripping the oil pan threads or not tightening the oil filter or forgeting to put oil in it, etc.

And if you install one of these very handy little gadgets (see www.fumotovalve.com) all you do is flip the lever to drain the oil

I've installed one of these on every car that i've owned for the last 25 years. And i have one on my 02 Sonata.

This post has been edited by 87-XLT: Jun 15 2005, 12:58 PM

THANK YOU! Just what I was afraid of and I will certainly start doing these changes myself.

And thank you for that link to that plug. I will order one of these and install it and not worry about it anymore.

Thank you!

Heres how i change the oil on my 87 Ranger & 02 Sonata

Step 1: drive the front wheels up on ramps

Step 2: Roll under the car on a mechanics creeper & flip the lever on the Fumotovalve, drain it into a sealable container & close the valve. Dont forget to open the air bleed on the container or you will have a mess. Been there/done that

Step 3: Move the container under the oil filter & remove the oil fiter by hand. A small amount of oil will drain when you remove the oil filter. Make sure that the seal for the old oil filter comes off with it. If it doesnt you will have a mess when it blows out after you start it. Been there & done that one too.

Step 4 install the new oil filter & tighten it about 3/4 turn by hand after the gasket contacts the engine. If you tighten it by hand, you will also be able to remove it that way on the next oil change.

Step 5: Use a funnel & pour in the oil.

Duke can probably tell us if the threads will be the same after the helicoil is installed.

Need to find that out before ordering the Fumotovalve.