I am a new Soul owner (2 weeks) I have always done my own oil changes on past cars. I just took a quick look under her today. im getting old and getting on the ground takes a little effort lol. Anyway I noticed that plastic cowling covering the filter and oil pan I did see the cutouts for the filter and pan bolt, My question is does everybody access the filter and bolt through these cutouts or do you just remove the whole cowling change oil then replace it. is that a lot of work removing the whole thing.
Jeff A
41 - 60 of 105 Posts
2017 KIA Soul base, Titanium. Bought some better taars.
Joined
·
2,730 Posts
And he forgot the KIA oil filter. Other than these two critical elements, excellent.
Also, do NOT set the oil fill cap on top of the engine cover. Murphy's Law dictates that it will fall into an inaccessible crevice or crevasse. Good luck with that!
And he can DX the irritating background sounds. Other than that, complete. Oh, they're ramps, not stands. :culpability:
Joined
·
301 Posts
Ramps/stands...why?
I just drop a piece of cardboard under the bumper, slide the drain pan, socket wrench and filter wrench (old style band clamp). Plop my fat azz down slightly to the right side and reach under. Got to put the whole filter wrench thru the hole first then wiggle it on the filter. Probably be a lot easier (not like it's all that difficult in the first place) with one of those cup type oil filter sockets.
No, I aint skinny, large frame/bones, a bit snug but no problems getting my big mitts up thru the access holes.
I just drop a piece of cardboard under the bumper, slide the drain pan, socket wrench and filter wrench (old style band clamp). Plop my fat azz down slightly to the right side and reach under. Got to put the whole filter wrench thru the hole first then wiggle it on the filter. Probably be a lot easier (not like it's all that difficult in the first place) with one of those cup type oil filter sockets.
No, I aint skinny, large frame/bones, a bit snug but no problems getting my big mitts up thru the access holes.
Joined
·
3,108 Posts
Well, this is the Gen-2 forum and you and I are both driving Gen-1 Souls.
Kia, in their questionable wisdom, put a plastic shield under the motor on the 2014 and later models of the Soul. That adds a whole layer of difficulty to doing a DIY Oil Change.
If it were MY Gen-2 Soul, that plastic shield would be just taking up space in my storage shed.
For those who never looked under a Gen-1 Soul, they have no idea how absolutely easy it is to change the oil on any Gen-1 Soul.
This is a 2.0L Soul. The only difference with the 1.6L engine is that the oil pan is much smaller.
But, everything is right there, like a red nose on a wine'o.
I'm a big guy, and now 74 yrs old, but I still slide under my car and do my own oil changes.
I like being able to see everything on the 'dirty side', and not just on the shiny side.
"Keep the dirty side down, and the shiny side up and may the Good Lord take a likin' to ya."
Bye Bye!
Joined
·
301 Posts
What difficulty? See my previous post.Well, this is the Gen-2 forum and you and I are both driving Gen-1 Souls.
Kia, in their questionable wisdom, put a plastic shield under the motor on the 2014 and later models of the Soul. That adds a whole layer of difficulty to doing a DIY Oil Change.
Joined
·
14 Posts
I purchased a 14 "certified pre-owned" base with manual transmission. I let the dealer do the first oil change at no cost. I did the second one about a month ago. It was, perhaps, the easiest oil change I have ever done.
Use a decent oil filter (NAPA Gold / Wix) and 100% 5-20w synthetic. The plastic cut-outs under the engine snap right out. If you've ever done an oil change, you will have no problems with this one.
One caveat. Be careful with the quantity of oil. The specs say 3.8 qts.
Use a decent oil filter (NAPA Gold / Wix) and 100% 5-20w synthetic. The plastic cut-outs under the engine snap right out. If you've ever done an oil change, you will have no problems with this one.
One caveat. Be careful with the quantity of oil. The specs say 3.8 qts.
Joined
·
3,108 Posts
Duh! I can't believe, that you've been here for 9 months or so and you still don't know about using Brand X oil filters. ???
Kia even put out a Service Bulletin, telling all Kia Soul owners to use Nothing But the Genuine Kia Oil Filters, because they have a special valve in them, that controls the oil pressure to the Variable Valve Timing mechanism, which depends on that correct pressure for the proper operation of that mechanism.
The brands of filters you mentioned DO NOT have that special valve and may cause miss-operation or even damage to the engine.
Now for the 1329th time:
![]()
And, those Brand X filters DO NOT come with the Drain Plug Crush Washer, that should be changed on every oil change.
I buy my Oil Filters ONLY from my Kia dealer, where I do get a FREE Crush Washer with every filter.
And I know that I'm getting the best Oil Filter possible for my 1.6L engine.
![]()
Happy Motoring, and GOOD LUCK,
FL Hamster
Kia even put out a Service Bulletin, telling all Kia Soul owners to use Nothing But the Genuine Kia Oil Filters, because they have a special valve in them, that controls the oil pressure to the Variable Valve Timing mechanism, which depends on that correct pressure for the proper operation of that mechanism.
The brands of filters you mentioned DO NOT have that special valve and may cause miss-operation or even damage to the engine.
Now for the 1329th time:
And, those Brand X filters DO NOT come with the Drain Plug Crush Washer, that should be changed on every oil change.
I buy my Oil Filters ONLY from my Kia dealer, where I do get a FREE Crush Washer with every filter.
And I know that I'm getting the best Oil Filter possible for my 1.6L engine.
Happy Motoring, and GOOD LUCK,
FL Hamster
Joined
·
301 Posts
Smallchange, dont let some people scare you about the NAPA/Wix filters, they are of high quality.
Kia only RECOMMENDS their filters (more sales). Also that washer is reusable, I've had MANY cars with the factory washer go for the life 150-200k+ without ever replacing it. A clean surface on the washer, bolt and pan is all that really matters.
Some people here like to cry the sky is falling "Kia says only this...Kia says only that..." yet some of them will go 10% against the Kia manual and use snake oil additives....go figure !
NOTE; there are indeed some truly crap filters out there but NAPA/Wix isn't one of them.
Kia only RECOMMENDS their filters (more sales). Also that washer is reusable, I've had MANY cars with the factory washer go for the life 150-200k+ without ever replacing it. A clean surface on the washer, bolt and pan is all that really matters.
Some people here like to cry the sky is falling "Kia says only this...Kia says only that..." yet some of them will go 10% against the Kia manual and use snake oil additives....go figure !
NOTE; there are indeed some truly crap filters out there but NAPA/Wix isn't one of them.
Joined
·
3,108 Posts
I don't think that I or anyone else has ever said that the NAPA/Wix filter is junk. I'm sure it's just fine within its own design parameters.
But it was NEVER designed for the Kia Soul. The Kia oil filter WAS!!!
Why would you ever risk common sense and the welfare of your Soul engine by using a filter that was never designed for your car?
But it was NEVER designed for the Kia Soul. The Kia oil filter WAS!!!
Why would you ever risk common sense and the welfare of your Soul engine by using a filter that was never designed for your car?
Joined
·
240 Posts
I have 201,xxx miles on my soul, it's had 1 Kia oil filter on it since the day I bought it. All other filters were Bosch, k&n, or royal purple. It still runs strong even after 7 years of abuse. No weird noises, no lose in power, no mechanical failure. I guess if you are still under warranty and want to cover yourself if anything happens, then great. If you're warranty is gone then I don't see any reason to use Kia filters, except price, I'm not sold on the magical valve. Not to mention most eBay listing have the soul filter listed for Hyundai/Kia from 1986-2017, 1.5-3.5 liter engines.
Joined
·
1,400 Posts
I'm with the crowd that will not take a chance - and based on at least some fact - and will use only a Kia Filter. The Mobil One Oil Change center here uses generic and Mobil filters for virtually ALL cars EXCEPT KIA and HYUNDAI. . I'm not saying there are no filters out there that can match the specifications of the Kia filter but be very sure you get one that does.
For those that doubt it there was a letter to the FTC by a consumer group to fine KIA for saying you should use their filter and it was denied. Further Consumers Reports agreed with Kia that you should probably use a KIA filter. That doesn't mean CR is saying only use a KIA filter more likely they are saying there are enough filters that do not meet the specs for the pressure needed that you are better off not taking a chance. That is what I am saying. The knocking problem is real and documented, and you can find posts of people who have experienced it on the internet.
For those that doubt it there was a letter to the FTC by a consumer group to fine KIA for saying you should use their filter and it was denied. Further Consumers Reports agreed with Kia that you should probably use a KIA filter. That doesn't mean CR is saying only use a KIA filter more likely they are saying there are enough filters that do not meet the specs for the pressure needed that you are better off not taking a chance. That is what I am saying. The knocking problem is real and documented, and you can find posts of people who have experienced it on the internet.
Joined
·
3,108 Posts
It's no big secret....go to any Kia dealer and ask the parts man about the Oil Filter for the Kia four cylinder engine, and you'll find out that all four cylinder Kia engines use the same filter.
Sure the engine will run with a Mickey Mouse filter, but how much better will it run with the Filter that was designed for that engine by Kia engineers.
I'm not an automotive engineer, but I've worked with enough engineers to know that they spend thousands of hours and millions of $'s developing an engine, to run at optimum performance.
I respect that effort enough to pretty much treat my engine the way that Kia tells me.
However, I have to take some of their statements as 'suggestions'. And if I can go one step better, I have the experience and education to know if I can do it safely. I would never knowingly do anything that would harm my great little engine (1.6L).
I guess I'm on the right track because she just keeps running betterer and betterer.
Y'all have a great day now, Y'hear?
Joined
·
1,760 Posts
I suspect that a company like Wix would make sure that their filters really are fully compatible before certifying them for our engines. They're a class act. If I were going to use any aftermarket filter, it would be Wix (or NAPA, which are just re-badged Wix filters).
On the other hand, the best mechanics I know will only use OEM filters on Kia and Hyundai cars, even though they use aftermarket filters (usually NAPA around here) for most other cars. How much that has to do with the filters themselves, liability concerns, or the fact that the Hyundai / Kia filters are inexpensive, I can't say. All I know is that they use OEM for Hyundai and Kia cars.
For my part, I just don't see a reason not to use the OEM filters. Aside from being cheap, they're excellent filters. Their quality level rivals aftermarket filters that cost two or three times their price. I'm surprised that they cost as little as they do given the materials and build quality.
Just out of curiosity, if someone who uses Wix / NAPA filters would be kind enough to cut one open after they replace it, I'd be interested in knowing whether or not it contains the check valve. That's the thing that makes the difference. If any aftermarket filter has the check valve, I'd think it would be Wix.
On the other hand, the best mechanics I know will only use OEM filters on Kia and Hyundai cars, even though they use aftermarket filters (usually NAPA around here) for most other cars. How much that has to do with the filters themselves, liability concerns, or the fact that the Hyundai / Kia filters are inexpensive, I can't say. All I know is that they use OEM for Hyundai and Kia cars.
For my part, I just don't see a reason not to use the OEM filters. Aside from being cheap, they're excellent filters. Their quality level rivals aftermarket filters that cost two or three times their price. I'm surprised that they cost as little as they do given the materials and build quality.
Just out of curiosity, if someone who uses Wix / NAPA filters would be kind enough to cut one open after they replace it, I'd be interested in knowing whether or not it contains the check valve. That's the thing that makes the difference. If any aftermarket filter has the check valve, I'd think it would be Wix.
Joined
·
301 Posts
Hmmmm, so the "magical" Kia filter changes flow to compensate for 10w-30 and 5w-20 both Kia spec??? I guess the "magical" filter also knows when it's zero degrees or 120°??? I guess too it knows when your fully loaded on a 90° in stop&go traffic or going 40mph (very low load) at zero degrees with all that freezing cold air almost keeping the engine from hitting the minimum operating temps??? Hmmmmm dont take no injuneerin daygree to figger dat out.
And...IT'S NOT THE VALVE that determines the flow, it is the media size and type. The valve every one keeps mentioning is an anti-drainback valve. That keeps oil in the filter when the engines not running rather then draining back into the engine, obviously it only matters for filters mounted at angles rather then vertical.
You DO realize the computer senses the cam position and varies the amount open/closed of the OCV9 oil control valve! Here's another secret for y'all, that (the computer and cam position sensors) is also how it compensates for the different viscosity and temps.
Again, I find it funny when people claim they follow "THE MIGHTY LAWS OF KIA".......(except when Kia says DO NOT use ANY oil additives but...shhhhhh dont bring it up, it'll seem rather, ummm...uh...hypocritical, m-kay?!?!? wink wink)
edited to add; First oil change at 5k was by the dealer free, second I did and used an Amsoil filter, third change I used a Kia filter and will for the next 4 years. Was at the dealer for their "5 minute check up" (with new car purchase you get this for as long as you own it, they top off fluids and check tire pressure and a car wash) and spied 5-6 filters on service writers desk, loose. Some yo=yo cut the case opened and scratched the filters. He gave me 4 for $5 each.
When the Amsoil filter was in, the mpg and power was consistent with previous and current Kia filter.
My wifes 55+/- daily round trip to work and back the *readout* , is high 32s to mid 33's summer, 27.5-28.5 winter.
This August was 3 years and 51,000 miles ago, (after it was broken in) those figures haven't changed.
And...IT'S NOT THE VALVE that determines the flow, it is the media size and type. The valve every one keeps mentioning is an anti-drainback valve. That keeps oil in the filter when the engines not running rather then draining back into the engine, obviously it only matters for filters mounted at angles rather then vertical.
You DO realize the computer senses the cam position and varies the amount open/closed of the OCV9 oil control valve! Here's another secret for y'all, that (the computer and cam position sensors) is also how it compensates for the different viscosity and temps.
Again, I find it funny when people claim they follow "THE MIGHTY LAWS OF KIA".......(except when Kia says DO NOT use ANY oil additives but...shhhhhh dont bring it up, it'll seem rather, ummm...uh...hypocritical, m-kay?!?!? wink wink)
edited to add; First oil change at 5k was by the dealer free, second I did and used an Amsoil filter, third change I used a Kia filter and will for the next 4 years. Was at the dealer for their "5 minute check up" (with new car purchase you get this for as long as you own it, they top off fluids and check tire pressure and a car wash) and spied 5-6 filters on service writers desk, loose. Some yo=yo cut the case opened and scratched the filters. He gave me 4 for $5 each.
When the Amsoil filter was in, the mpg and power was consistent with previous and current Kia filter.
My wifes 55+/- daily round trip to work and back the *readout* , is high 32s to mid 33's summer, 27.5-28.5 winter.
This August was 3 years and 51,000 miles ago, (after it was broken in) those figures haven't changed.
Just because I like seeing oil threads extended (especially oil filter threads!!!), I've had zero problems (doing hundreds of oil changes) using Purolator, Fram, Motorcraft, Mann/BMW/Mahle, KIA/Hyundai,and TOYOTA oil filters. I tend to pick up whichever decent-brand is cheaper via Amazon or Walmart nowadays. Using strictly and ONLY one of those would be analogous to using only one brand of oil because it's "the best" (and ANY other brand will cause catastrophic failure = AAAAAHHHHHHH!!!).
ALL the known brands are good. What I won't do is buy some no-name brand that is unrecognizable and selling for $1 or $2. For all the FRAM haters, if it'll work on Ferraris, it'll be OK for your KIA. Bottom line...if it's your car, use whatever the hell you want for your reason.
Toyota-branded filters are the only ones I will NOT use anymore only because I've not been impressed by their o-rings.
What surprised me was changing the filter on a 2017 ford cmax - the original filter is a generic gray one that simply has a sticker with only "FoMoCo" on it. That's it! I suspect all the vehicle brands that filter fits simply changes the sticker for the different car brands.
Greg
ALL the known brands are good. What I won't do is buy some no-name brand that is unrecognizable and selling for $1 or $2. For all the FRAM haters, if it'll work on Ferraris, it'll be OK for your KIA. Bottom line...if it's your car, use whatever the hell you want for your reason.
Toyota-branded filters are the only ones I will NOT use anymore only because I've not been impressed by their o-rings.
What surprised me was changing the filter on a 2017 ford cmax - the original filter is a generic gray one that simply has a sticker with only "FoMoCo" on it. That's it! I suspect all the vehicle brands that filter fits simply changes the sticker for the different car brands.
Greg
Joined
·
4,434 Posts
Q: Why would you ever risk common sense and the welfare of your Soul engine by using a filter that was never designed for your car?
A: Why...not because the filter was "designed" for the souls as I'd wager it was probably around in other applications while the soul was still wet ink on the drawing board.
More so because Kia is Judge, Jury and Executioner when it comes to warranty claims and if an oil related claim did arise, an o.e.m filter is 1 less juror to worry about.
I used purolator filters for years with no adverse issues.
This is more feel good factor then fact itself (I.M.O.) but an ounce of prevention IS worth a pound of cure given the price of filters and the drama that could potentially ensue.
With many of us buying filters online, it's just a matter of time before dealers claim "counterfeit filter" and once again find a reason to deny warranty coverage...
A: Why...not because the filter was "designed" for the souls as I'd wager it was probably around in other applications while the soul was still wet ink on the drawing board.
More so because Kia is Judge, Jury and Executioner when it comes to warranty claims and if an oil related claim did arise, an o.e.m filter is 1 less juror to worry about.
I used purolator filters for years with no adverse issues.
This is more feel good factor then fact itself (I.M.O.) but an ounce of prevention IS worth a pound of cure given the price of filters and the drama that could potentially ensue.
With many of us buying filters online, it's just a matter of time before dealers claim "counterfeit filter" and once again find a reason to deny warranty coverage...
Joined
·
301 Posts
Thats it? So in other words, you cant explain how the magical oil filter compensates for the different viscosities, different temps?!?!?!?! I see!
Actually you'd be glad if I serviced your car I'd change the oil as often and sell you what ever filter you wanted, your money....becoming mine.
Yup, pretty much all those filters are good.
What people dont realize is there are just a handful of manufacturers relatively speaking, of oil filters for thousands of applications. same with the manufacturer that makes filters for Kia. Its' all the same media and anti-drain back valves for ALL of them (other then sized to fit different apps), most, if not all make filters for several brands, only difference are paint colors and stickers. Nothing really special about the Kia filters from the other ones that manufacturer makes.
Your forgetting Fram filters have been dissected thousands of times, most of their lines are inferior.
BTW, Ferrari is a bad example, the 'delicate little flowers' are constantly needing maintenance, it seems like they need tune ups every thousand miles. Watch plenty of car shows and auctions, never seen a high mileage one yet.
Common sense tells us there really is NO magical filter.
Common sense tells us, as you touched upon, the filter spec'd for our cars predated the car. Also as I mentioned before, the filter manufacturer makes filters for multitudes of applications. It wasn't designed by Kias engine engineers.
Some of us dont fear a big boogieman at dealerships denying claims.
Fact of the matter is the chances of any of us here having an oil related issue is slim to none as we regularly maintain our cars. I wouldn't be surprised to here of someone, with constant regular maintenance, going well over 200,000 with Fram filters and walmart brand oil.
Joined
·
4,434 Posts
With sooooo many quality filters out there, what it really comes down to is the "feel good factor"
What, after all, can make you feel as good as a warranty still in place though.
Don't get me wrong though...manufacturers and dealerships would love to blame owners and weasel out of an expensive warranty claim if they could.
Blaming you for putting 6 oz. of oil too little in your car or using a filter whose color is incompatible with you cars color is on the horizon perhaps?
With o.e.m. filters being as cheap as they are and often deeply discounted on ebay it does make sense to use them when possible.
But with paranoia truly being the destroyer and all...just use what lets you sleep at nite!
What, after all, can make you feel as good as a warranty still in place though.
Don't get me wrong though...manufacturers and dealerships would love to blame owners and weasel out of an expensive warranty claim if they could.
Blaming you for putting 6 oz. of oil too little in your car or using a filter whose color is incompatible with you cars color is on the horizon perhaps?
With o.e.m. filters being as cheap as they are and often deeply discounted on ebay it does make sense to use them when possible.
But with paranoia truly being the destroyer and all...just use what lets you sleep at nite!
Joined
·
3,108 Posts
If it were not for the Oil and Filter threads, this would surely be a dull forum!!!! rofl
Sorry Jeff, I wasn't picking on you. I used to just love taking a weekend off and driving up to Chicago for some R&R.
(I lived in Peoria at the time). But getting caught on the Damn Ryan Expressway at rush hour is a harrowing experience,
And, not one that I ever want to repeat.
Is there still a "Black Forrest Restaurant" on N. Clark St. ? I used to love going there for REAL German food and beer.
We don't have anything comparable to that, anywhere around here.
Y'all have a good day now, Y'hear?
Sorry Jeff, I wasn't picking on you. I used to just love taking a weekend off and driving up to Chicago for some R&R.
(I lived in Peoria at the time). But getting caught on the Damn Ryan Expressway at rush hour is a harrowing experience,
And, not one that I ever want to repeat.
Is there still a "Black Forrest Restaurant" on N. Clark St. ? I used to love going there for REAL German food and beer.
We don't have anything comparable to that, anywhere around here.
Y'all have a good day now, Y'hear?
41 - 60 of 105 Posts
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
