Here at Minicarspares, we explain how to perform an oil change on your Ligier / Microcar / Chatenet / Grecav equipped with a Lombardini LDW 442 / 492 / 480 HDI / DCI engine, including how to replace the oil and oil filter on your microcar. Oil service with filter replacement and fresh engine oil should be performed every 7,000 or 10,000 km, or once a year—whichever comes first—according to the manufacturers' recommendations.
Which microcar models does this apply to?
This guide applies to the following models with Lombardini DCI / HDI engines:
- Ligier JS60, JS50 / JS50L, Ixo, JS RC, Xtoo
- Microcar MGO6, MGO4, MGO3, MGO2, MGO1, M8, Microcar Due 6, Due 3
- Chatenet CH46, CH40, CH28 (CH26 with DCI)
- Casalini M20
- JDM Roxsy, Aloes
- Grecav Sonique
What tools and spare parts do you need?
1. Jack and jack stands, or alternatively a car lift to access the underside of the microcar.
2. Allen key for the oil drain plug
3. Oil filter for Lombardini DCI / HDI engine available here
4. Drain plug gasket available here
5. Engine oil (you need 2.1 liters for an oil filter change) available here
6. Other service parts for your Ligier JS60, JS50, etc. can be found here
7. Other service parts for your Microcar M.GO, Due, etc. can be found here
8. Other service parts for your Chatenet CH46, CH40, CH26, etc. can be found here
How to perform the oil change
1. Start by lifting your microcar using either a car lift or a jack, and then secure it with jack stands to safely access the underside.
2. Remove the engine undertray. These are usually held in place with plastic clips/plugs. If they break during removal, new clips can be found here.
3. Loosen the oil drain plug with an Allen key and collect the old oil in a container. The drain plug is located at the bottom of the oil pan.
4. Reinstall the drain plug after all the oil has drained, using a new drain plug gasket.
5. Unscrew the oil filter and let any excess oil from the filter housing drain into the container.
6. Install the new oil filter in the same way, making sure to lubricate the filter gasket with a little engine oil.
7. Remove the oil filler cap and pour in 2.1 liters of engine oil using a funnel, preferably with a filter to prevent debris from entering the engine.
8. Check the oil level with the dipstick. If the level is correct, reinstall the oil filler cap.
9. Reset the service light and perform a service reset on your Ligier/Microcar by following this guide.
For Chatenet, follow this guide.
Your oil service is now complete, and your microcar is ready to drive!