Car FactsIE

VW Golf Mk7 1.2 / 1.4 TSI oil and filter change + service light reset (step by step)

This is how to change the oil and filter on a Mk7 Volkswagen Golf with the 1.2 or 1.4 TSI petrol engine, the most common Mk7 Golfs for sale in Ireland, and how to reset the service reminder when you're done.

🎬 The video of this job goes live on our YouTube channel on Sunday, 15 November.

Parts and tools

eBay.ie searches: check the part fits your car (by registration or part number) before you buy. These are eBay Partner Network links: the site may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you.

Oil filter 04E 115 561 (example photo)Oil filter 04E 115 561See on eBay.ie →🔧5W-30 oil, VW 504 00See on eBay.ie →Torque wrench (example photo)Torque wrenchSee on eBay.ie →🔧Oil drain panSee on eBay.ie →

Example photos, not the exact part (Wikimedia Commons): Dvortygirl, CC BY-SA 3.0; Heron2 (assumed author), CC BY-SA 3.0.

Before you start: Is it the 1.2 or 1.4 TSI?

First, check it's the right engine. On the 1.2 and 1.4 TSI, the oil filter sits low on the front of the engine, and you reach it from underneath. Other Golf engines have the filter somewhere else, so this video is only for these two.

Parts

You'll need about 4 litres of 5W-30 oil that meets VW 504 00, a new oil filter, and a new sealing washer for the drain plug. The filter's part number starts 04E 115 561, with a letter at the end, so check it matches your engine.

Tools

Tools: a socket set, a drain pan, gloves, rags, a funnel, and ramps or axle stands.

Safety: Lift it safely

Safety first. Park on flat ground, and lift the front on ramps, or on axle stands at the proper lifting points. Never work under a car that's only held up by a jack. A short run warms the oil so it drains better, but the oil and exhaust can be hot, so take care.

Step 1: Take off the filler cap

Open the bonnet and take off the oil filler cap. Letting air in helps the old oil drain out faster.

Step 2: Remove the undertray

Under the front of the car, remove the plastic undertray. It's held on by screws and a couple of clips.

Step 3: Drain the oil

Put the drain pan under the sump and undo the drain plug. Keep hold of it on the last turn, and let all the old oil drain out.

Step 3: Refit the drain plug

Fit a new sealing washer, screw the plug in by hand, then tighten it. 30 newton metres is the figure commonly quoted for this engine. Don't overdo it, the sump is aluminium.

Step 4: Take off the old filter

Move the pan under the oil filter, at the front of the engine, and unscrew the old filter. It's full of oil, so keep it upright as it comes off.

Step 4: Fit the new filter

Wipe the face where the filter seals. Put a thin film of new oil on the new filter's rubber seal, screw it on by hand until the seal touches, then turn it another ¾ to 1 full turn, by hand.

Step 5: Refit the undertray

Check there's nothing dripping, then refit the undertray with its screws and clips.

Step 6: Fill with new oil

Through the filler, pour in most of the oil, but not all 4 litres at once. Wait a minute, check the dipstick, and add a little at a time until the level is near the top of the marked area, but not above it.

Step 6: Run it, then check again

Put the cap back on, start the engine and let it run for a short while, so the new filter fills with oil. Switch off, wait a few minutes, check the dipstick again, and top up if needed. Then look underneath for leaks.

Step 7: Reset the service reminder

Reset the service reminder. With the ignition off, press and hold the 0.0 SET button at the lower right of the instruments. Keep holding it, and switch the ignition on, without starting the engine.

Step 7: Confirm the reset

When the oil change message appears, let go, then press the button again to confirm the reset. On some cars with the touchscreen, you can also do it in the vehicle settings, under service.

Afterwards: Old oil: recycle it

Don't pour the old oil away. Keep it in a sealed container, don't mix it with anything, and bring it to your local civic amenity site. Ask them about the old filter too.

Figures and where they come from

Every figure in this guide is checked against at least two independent sources. Where sources disagree, we say so.

A guide, not advice on any one car. If in doubt, use a garage. NCT record and typical prices for this car. More DIY guides.