Accessing Oil Filter On 2003

[Dream Theater]

Hey all,
I just crossed 1000 miles on my new 4Runner and am planing to change the oil in the next day or so. After taking a quick look at the oil filter's location it looks like it's a little tricky to get to. Reaching under the vehicle the skid plate gets in the way, and trying to get to it from the engine bay is a far, awkward reach. There are also two hoses the run close to the filter that you have to work around. Any tips for the easiest way to change the filter? Should I pull the skid plate off or is there a better way that I'm not seeing? Sorry if this sounds like a silly *novice* question but it's my first time working on this rig and I don't want to screw up!
Thanks in advance for any suggestions!
-Scott

 

[scottp999]

Sorry, no suggestion I have the V6. I thought I was really happy that in the V6 the filter is right up front and at the top, in easy reach? Anyone confirm this? maybe I was wrong, have to run out and look.

 

[Capitan]

Scott,
I took a look at my underside yesterday afternoon after finding the oil filter. I'm planning on just taking the front bottom skid plate off and seeing if I can access it that way. It honestly looks like the only way to do it to me.
Jon

 

[Dream Theater]

Just Finished It Up

Well, I just finished changing the oil, and for anyone else who is attempting to do so 2003 for the first time, I must say it's quite simple.
The skid plate does have to come off to access the filter. There are 4 12mm bolts that hold it on. Once the plate is off it's very easy to get to. The rear skid plate covers up the oil pan, so to get to the drain plug there is a plastic shield on the skid plate that you have to pry off with a flathead screw driver.
Hope this helps!

 

[testrider]

Re: Just Finished It Up

Well, I just finished changing the oil, and for anyone else who is attempting to do so 2003 for the first time, I must say it's quite simple.
The skid plate does have to come off to access the filter. There are 4 12mm bolts that hold it on. Once the plate is off it's very easy to get to. The rear skid plate covers up the oil pan, so to get to the drain plug there is a plastic shield on the skid plate that you have to pry off with a flathead screw driver.
Hope this helps!

Me too I just changed the oil/filter 1st time on my 2003 SR5 4Runner V8. All the bolts (including the oil drain plug) and oil filter were so tight that I was so afraid that I would snap the head off!
Are your bolts/oil filter as tight as mine?

I could never get a correct reading on the dip stick. I just filled in 6.5 quarts as per manual...

-Mike-

 

[Dream Theater]

Yeah the bolts were on there pretty tight, I was afraid I was gonna strip the heads before they would start to loosen. I finally got them to break free though, smooth sailing after that!

 

[YZThumper]

Two questions for you guys who have changed your own oil on the V8.

1) What kind of filter wrench did you use.

and

2) According to the manual, there is a service indicator that needs to be reset. How do you do it?

Thanks

 

[Dream Theater]

The filter wrench I used was the kind that has a metal band that wraps around the filter. As you pull the handle in the direction you're turning it tightens around the filter. Sorry I don't know the actual name for this type of wrench :arrow: It was a tight fit, but it worked. Normally you don't need one because the filter only needs to be hand tightened, but Toyota really cranked that thing on at the factory!
As for the reset procedure, you can find it on page 121 of the manual. I'm not 100% on this, but I believe it says to put the key in the ignition, hold the reset button down while you turn the key to "ON" and when the light stops flashing it's reset. You may have to try it a couple of times to get it to work.
Hope this helps!
-Scott

 

[YZThumper]

That would be called a "strap wrench" I believe. Thanks for the info on the service indicator. I had looked in the manual and didn't see it, but I will check again. It seems like they want you to head to the dealer for just about everything. Personally, I would rather do the maintenance myself. It's quicker, less stressful, and I know it's done correctly!