Doing My First Oil Change on the 4Runner

[JimKW]

I do all my own oil changes and have been doing it for well for a very long time. I have yet to do the 4Runner, but it's due and I will be doing it later today.

Anything I need to know before I start?

Not sure what oil to use either. I called the dealer where the previous owner had it serviced and they said they use Penzoil 5W20. That's right they said 20. The manual says to use 5W30.

I just started using Mobil 1 in my BMW, 0W40 which is BMW approved. I use Valvoline 10W30 High Mileage synthetic blend in all my Volvos. This is what I was thinking of using in the 4Runner too.

I got the OEM filter for the 4Runner.

Oh yeah it's a 03 Limited with the V8.

 

[snowbrdr033]

I believe you will have to take off the skidplate in order to get access to the oil filter from below. It is much more difficult to get to on a V8 than a V6 (I've had both types of motors). although it is not impossible to get at, just takes a little elbow grease! :bash:

 

[MikeInNH]

Use what the owners manual says....5W-30 is what you want to use.

As for brand...that doesn't matter as long as it meets or exceeds the recommended API rating.

My V6 filter is EXTREMELY EASY...It's right on top of the engine...One of the easiest filters I ever did.

 

[BluSkies]

Make sure you don't drain the transmission fluid instead of the oil, seen a couple threads about folks removing the wrong plug.

 

[Zuke]

You only need to remove the front skid plate to access the V8 oil filter. Its 4 bolts. You can reach it from the top if you have long arms and want to try to catch the oil in before it drains out. There was a Toyota service bulletin that said 5w-20 is now recommended for the 4.7 V8. I still use 5w-30 since I got tons of it for practically free from rebate.

 

[Veritas]

Make sure you don't drain the transmission fluid instead of the oil, seen a couple threads about folks removing the wrong plug.

This.

Be careful, many have made this mistake and it is a real pain.

 

[bergs]

Is Shell Rotella too heavy then for the 4.7?

 

[JimKW]

Finished it. Wasn't too bad. Skid plate makes it kind of a pain to do though. Hard to wiggle it to get it off and the same putting it back on, but not that bad.

I used Mobil 1 5W30. Got two 5.1 Quart bottles for $27.00 each. So with the filter the Oil Change costs about about $40 using Mobil 1 full synthetic oil. I marked it down to change it again in 7,000 miles.

 

[blaniac22]

Glad it all went well.

Don't know if you are interested or not, but regarding the dealer stating 5W20....there is a TSB out stating it can be used in the GR engines....but you have the V8, so that's pretty interesting. Especially in light of some of the dealer stories that have been appearing on the board lately.

FWIW, I have a V6, and contacted both Toyota and my local dealer about its use, and the response I received was:

- From Toyota: "...you may use the 5W-20 per the TSB and it will not compromise the engine's performance or longevity."

- From the dealer: "If you get an oil change from our dealership, we will use 5W-20 on your 2007 4Runner since the GR series engine is compatible with 5W-20."

You can read a short discussion, view another members oil analysis and read the TSB here:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/maintenance/97733-07-1gr-fe-switch-5w-30-5w-20-used-oil-analysis.html

Personally I switched to M1 5W20 on my last two oil changes. Can't say I've noticed a significant, if any, increase in fuel mileage. Though I did obtain 22MPG on a recent trip to Cali (running about 70-75 MPH, pretty well loaded Yakima Skybox18 cargo box on the roof, no AC).

In the end, it's a personal choice. Some say 5W30 is what it was designed for, others say 5W20 is approved, so there's no issue. The board is loaded with discussions if you do a search and are really intereste/bored.

 

[KB084RUNNER]

I use any 5w30 synthetic oil that is on sale. But a 5w20 oil won't hurt it either.