whatever happened to the old "stab a screwdriver through the oil filter" method of breaking the seal so you can then unscrew it by hand?

its how i used to do it in the past when i actually did the work myself when my oil wrench would not grip enough,

Brilliant piece of info, I've always done my own oil changes, but the Note had me baffled. Thanks mate.

The 1.5dci engine in the Note is a Renault unit so the oil and fuel filters are the same as used in the Clio/Megane.

Removing of the oil  filter is as follows

Filter wrench used - Draper OFW3

Remove the plastic insert that secures the air intake to the front panel. Then remove the air intake from the air filter box and set aside.

To the right of where the plastic insert was removed and lower down, there is a black relay type unit with a grey round cap approx. 20mm diameter. Grip the main body of this unit and pull upwards to slide it of its bracket. The loom coming from this runs under the front panel and is held in place with a white coloured cable tie. Using  pliers, press the tangs to allow the tie to drop from the hole. The loom and the relay unit can now be moved aside to allow access to the filter.

KEEP IT AWAY FROM FAN

Place an elastic band over the three legs of the filter wrench ( holds tool to filter ) and fit wrench onto filter body. Attach universal joint, extension bar  and ratchet, slacken filter and remove tools. A 1 pint plastic milk carton is perfect for collecting oil dripping from the filter. Cut the top of the carton leaving some of the handle and place beneath the filter. Undo the filter and allow to drain and then remove completely.

To remove the oil from the sump, i use an Oil Vac - model CJ-169. This draws the oil out via the dip stiick tube.

Hope this info is of help.

Hi there

I'm struggling with the oil filter as well. My old Notey has got an after market filter on it so you can't use the Nissan special tool. I've tried 2 different strap wrenches and one of those plier type wrenches that you can incline the jaws of. I can't get any sort of grip and if I do there's no room to get any sort of swing.

Terry B... What are the "right tools" exactly.

Yes it is but not sure whether I want to be waiting 12 months before its due.  Its already beginning to look rather black. I'd like to change it sooner and prefer to do it myself rather than pay silly prices.

Cheers