So I took my 5th Gen 4Runner KDSS in to Kwik Kar to get the oil change since the free ones ran out. Told them about my skid plates and they said no problem. Watch them take a while and seem to struggle. When done they said they couldn't change the oil filter through the door on the RCI skid plates so they charged me an additional $5 to remove the skid plate. $100 total because they said it also takes 6.5 quarts of synthetic oil.

So now I have oil dripping on my driveway. I checked and it looks like the oil filter is leaking and there is oil all over my skid plates.

Is it really that hard and should I do this myself instead of trusting someone else? Should I just take off the skid plate or is it possible to do it through the RCI door? I have no idea either if they really took off the skid plate. I kinda doubt it.

You can do it through the RCI door. Most likely they got the O-ring out of the groove. Look for the oil change thread if you plan to do yourself. To fix you will need a fresh O-ring (comes with a new filter) and a Toyota filter wrench. Coat the new O-ring with oil and make sure it’s in the grove before screwing in the filter housing.

Thanks. Bummer is the place is closed until Wednesday. I suppose you would have to drain the oil before you can take off the oil filter? If so I may just fix this myself. Seems like these oil change places could do a better job since that is all they do. I guess that's what cheap labor gets you.

That sucks bro, there is so much incompetence in the auto industry it’s not even funny. I would either A: remove your skid before hand, or B: find a reputable shop that specializes in Toyotas and modified trucks and use them instead.

My 18 has a RCI skid plate, very easy to change filter with skid plate installed, my guess they didn’t put a O-ring on center plug

Yea, easy fix if a regular auto parts store has the oil filter tool and I don't have to drain all the oil to replace the filter. On previous vehicles I have had you did have to drain the oil.

I'll have to remove the skid just to clean all the oil off anyway.

You can remove the filter cartridge with a large set of channel locks, but be careful and coat the jaws with electrical tape, hose, or something so you don't chew up the filter housing (because then it won't work well with the correct tool). You can screw in the housing using the 3/8 drive socket on the lower cover, just don't overdo it. On mine there is a marker on the side that tells when it's fully screwed in. It doesn't take much force if you lube the O-ring.

I'm not sure on whether you need to drain the oil, but I suspect not. You might get more than usual out when you remove the filter, but most of it should be in the pan. If you buy a new filter (you should just for the new O-rings) it should come with a drain spigot that plugs into the bottom of the filter housing to drain the oil before you unscrew it. Remove the lower access port cover (and there should be a small O-ring in there that you also lube and replace) and push the spigot in there. It takes a bit of force to to seat the spigot, but it should snap in and drain the filter within a minute.

it can definitely be done through the access panel. That's one of the best parts of RCI skids vs. others. It's sometimes a little hard to do it and not get oil on the top of the front skid or around the access hole, but it's minor if you are careful.

I've heard horror story after horror story from folks getting their oil changed by someone else, a buddy of mine had his done by a shop and his filter leaked badly (something similar with the o-ring). Do it yourself, it's so easy and way cheaper. Oem filters are $3 on amazon if you buy 10 and ~$30 for 6.6 of Mobil 1 0w-20 if you buy it in 5 qt jugs and rotate (basically not buy the single quarts).

They sell an oil filter housing wrench on amazon for getting the housing off. Cheap and effective. May consider upgrading to the aluminum housing vs. stock plastic too while you're at it.

I suggest you read Antman's oil change thread. I has all the info you need to do it correctly including part numbers for the items needed - oil, filter kit (filter cartridge, O rings and drain tool) Torque values, etc. Amazon has all that stuff. Remove the skid plate (being careful not to strip bolts or get them trapped. Use anti-seize when you put them back in.

Changed my oil this morning. Thanks for ruining my Christmas Eve Kwik Kar.

Bought the tool from the Toyota dealership for $40 and bought a Toyota oil filter that came with the plastic drain tool and the two O-rings. I drained all of the oil and filled it with new. Oil I drained was dark so I don't even think they changed the oil. Maybe they got frustrated with the oil filter and quit, who the heck knows.

I am pretty sure it was leaking out of the smaller O-ring. When I put a new one on it was slightly bigger than the ring it was supposed to go into so I had to work it in there and take my time. Once it fit in without moving I screwed the cap on. No leaks now.

Had to take off the front skid and wash it thoroughly as it was caked in oil inside and out. Plus had to wipe down the trans skid on the outside.

I guess I'll be changing it myself from now on. I used to change my own oil but I guess I got lazy and tired of the mess.

Most of this already was said but:

-the whole point of the RCI skid is to not have to drop it to change the oil

-it can get messy draining out of the filter especially if you don't use the tool correctly and that residue often looks like a leak for several days after until it totally drains off the top of the skid

-you can (and I do) delete the whole part about draining the filter first and then removing it... just remove the filter housing with the drain plug still in place; you save a few steps, and never have to worry about the small O-ring. It is messier though so use a 1L soda bottle with the bottom cut off and the cap still on (or a plastic bag or Ziploc or something) over the filter housing to catch the oil as the filter housing loosens

-do it yourself, only way to make sure it's done right

I was installing my new RCI plate today and thought of this post.

1) umm, what torque did the oil change guys use to re-install your skid plate? I found a stripped skid plate thread today...

2) Did they manage not to lose the spacers that go on the rear bolts?

Hello,
So I just took delivery of a new RCI skid plate, I got the Steel powder coated, to replace the rusted away engine factory skid on my 2013 trail. Haven't installed it yet, very impressed with it just sitting in my garage, it seems like it would be bomb proof. I read the earlier posts, and its confirmed the Oil filter cartridge contraption fits through that little removable door right????

I take my 4Runner to Toyota for oil changes,(used to do those myself) I will most likely remove the little cover myself before I go. Not even sure they removed the factory skid when they did prior oil changes. But I am certain they arent going to remove this one because of the extra weight. So Again these guys at Toyota should be able to figure this out????

You would think they could "figure it out". Would I trust them to? No. I don't even trust them to do the oil change correctly.
But if they haven't overtightend the filter housing, the drain plug, or the skid plate bolts in the past (have you ever checked?) then you may be ok. Until they put the new guy on your oil change.

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I was allowed in service area to check, and see how bad rusting had advanced, because i wanted to take off and remove rust and repaint skid plates. I havent checked their work, other than look for leaks or drips after. I did notice 1 of the tiny screws or bolts for the plastic piece btwn front bumper cover and the mounting rail for skid plate was sheered off. I guess I will find out when i remove old one and put on the RCI one. prior 94 4runner skid was easy to deal with. 1 one the techs is a 4ruuner guy, whether or not he is still there, who knows,, he did compliment me on the Trail when I first brought it in, and said he worked on it, and he had a 4th generation. i know its always a roll of the dice.