How Do I Change the Oil in My John Deere Riding Lawnmower?

Start the mower and let it run for two minutes to warm up the oil. The warm oil will drain from the engine more easily. Park the mower on an even surface and open the engine hood.

Place the oil drain pan beneath the mower under the oil drain pipe. The drain pipe on the John Deere is located on the lower right side of the engine. Remove the drain plug from the drain pipe. Loosen the dipstick. Allow the oil to completely drain from the engine then replace the oil drain plug.

Place the oil drain pan beneath the oil filter. Turn the oil filter counterclockwise using the oil filter wrench. When the filter is loose, finish removing it by hand. Use a shop towel to clean the oil filter mating surface on the engine. Use your finger to lightly coat the rubber gasket on the new filter with oil. Screw the new filter on by hand. Turn the filter until it is snug against the engine then turn it another half turn. Do not over-tighten.

Check your user's manual to determine how much oil to put into the engine. If you do not have a manual use the funnel to add 1 quart of oil to the engine. Replace the dipstick. Start the engine and let it run for a minute, shut it down, and check the oil level on the dipstick. If the oil level is to low, add 1/8 quart and check the level again. Continue adding and checking until the oil level reaches the top of the "Full" mark. Add oil in small amounts to avoid overfilling.

Use shop towels to clean up oils spills on the engine and the frame of your John Deere riding lawn mower.