Location of oil filter and plug

Could someone direct me (with pictures if possible) to where the oil filter/plug is located at on a 2004 3.5L V6 Saturn VUE. I am attempting my first oil change but cannot find the oil filter and plug. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

David

It is right behind the passenger site wheel well.

fyi,
The drain plug is a 17mm.

Also, it is easier to get at the filter if you turn the steering wheel all the way to the right.

The '17mm' post saved me. I think I was working on a completely different plug (perhaps the transfer case?)-- I was in front of the driver side wheel and it had a 3/8" (female) square drive. Lucky it wouldn't budge, or I'd never have come inside to look this up. No more crack for me.:smokin:

I also noticed that the oil-pan has an embossed "engine oil" label nearby, once I got onto the correct side (passenger) of the car. Also, it helps to be left-handed when turning the filter.

QUESTION: Is there any way to keep the filter from running over as you remove it? It seemed like the housing to which the filter connects was still holding a few ounces, even after the oil-pan had finished draining.

QUESTION: Is there any way to keep the filter from running over as you remove it? It seemed like the housing to which the filter connects was still holding a few ounces, even after the oil-pan had finished draining.


on my S-series i always put the pan under the filter, loosen it a turn or two, wait for it to drain, then remove the filter, it keeps things a little cleaner

This thread definitely saved me some time - I had crawled around under my 2005 Vue for 20 minutes looking for the filter. :)