2009 Limited V6 Oil Plug Access Panel ... Missing ?

[JCSTEW]

Could someone please confirm if I should of had a an access cover panel to get to my oil drain plug. I seem to remember that about 3.5 years ago when I purchased my 2009 4runner Limited V6 there was an access panel in place to get to the oil drain plug and now there appears to be no panel. Should there be an access panel ? If yes, is it any big deal not having the panel ? Do I need to purchase a replacement panel ? I don't really off road. Thanks for all your help.

 

[morphious]

If you talking about the oval access hole in your skid plate then yes, it is just a plastic cover and mine has been gone long ago with no problems.

 

[JCSTEW]

Yes, it is the oval opening in the skid panel that allows access to the oil drain plug. Do people ever replace them if they go missing?

 

[morphious]

I thought about it for a second when I first noticed because I am anal about things like that, but then thought it is only plastic, it really does nothing as far as protection and who is going to know except you.

 

[CookieRoe]

Mine is long gone too. B/C I'm so anal about these things, I went to Toyota to look up the part number. Seems as though it comes with the whole cover (cover under the engine). I was told it doesn't come separately. I didn't pursue it. Unless of course someone has a part number they would like to share. :naughty:

 

[Jerm]

Every 4Runner I looked at prior to purchase was missing it. I don't see a reason to replace since its only plastic.

 

[BlueHenT4R]

Saves half an ounce of weight. Adds 0.000001 hp.

 

[blind squirrel]

Funny... neither of the two runners I've had came with one. I just thought it was like that for ease of access to the drain plug....:rockthrow:

 

[TechWrench]

I would be willing to bet that a large percentage of 4gen V6's are missing it. The way it is supposed to snap into place isn't very secure. I 'lost' mine years ago, and haven't missed it a bit.

 

[JCSTEW]

Ok thank you for all your replies. This is good to learn that I am not alone on this one.

 

[4RunnerFan]

Bought my '08 new and lost that rubber thingy the first time I had the oil changed... and that was at the selling dealer (first oil change was free). I now change my own oil and don't miss it a bit.