first oil change

[bull]

I did my first oil change today and have a couple of questions and comments. BTW I have a 2007 Sport Edition.

1. Any way to remove the oil filter without dumping oil out of it? If not how do you clean it up? I just used paper towels but there has to be a better way..

2. I had to remove my skid plate in order to get a good handle on the wrench to get the drain plug out. I am wondering what everyone else does..remove skid or leave skid on?

Please respond... If there are easier ways that I am not seeing please tell me. THANKS.

 

[CJ3Flyr]

I use a socket with an extension for the drainplug. The plastic thingy in the skidplate pops right out and makes removing the plug is easy.

The oil filter: There's a rubber nipple cover on the bottom side of the cup. If you remove that and place a little catch cup underneath it the filter change is neat and easy. All of the oil from the filter drains out through the bottom of the metal cup looking thing...


:cheers:

 

[nated05]

I have never had to remove the skid plate, just use a socket extender. For the filter, I usually pull off the little rubber plug, place a small container under the hole then unscrew the filter.

 

[peter78]

For the catch basin, I use a 12 ounce plastic cup. I remove the rubber nipple, put the cup underneath with one hand and unscrew the already loosen filter with the other hand. The oil from the filter drains into the cup. I use a paper towel to pick up the little bit of oil that was left in the metal contianer. I have only done it once, perhaps others may have a better method. Oh, be sure to put the rubber nipple back on.

 

[peter78]

The plastic thingy in the skidplate

metal cup looking thing...

I love your describtion, "thingy" and "looking thing".:biggrin2:
Hey, you get your point across. That is what I call them too.

 

[bull]

Thanks to all for your response that helps a lot!!

One more question...

What do I do to get the "MAINT" dash light to go off?

 

[peter78]

Thanks to all for your response that helps a lot!!

One more question...

What do I do to get the "MAINT" dash light to go off?

Good question, I looked it up in my manual. Hey, I have had my car for 20 days now, I haven't come to that yet.

On page 142 of my 2004 4Runner manual:

"You need to reset the light after the engine oil replacement. Reset the light by following the procedure below:

1. Turn the ignition key to the "OFF" position with the odometer reading shown. (For details, see "Odometer and two trip meterers" on page 136 in the Section.)

2. Turn the ignition key to the "ON" position while holding down the trip meter reset button.

Hold down the button until the light goes off. Before the light goes off, it illuminates for 3 seconds, flashes for 2 seconds and illuminates for 1 second.

If the system fails to reset, the light will remain flashing."
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( I think I understand what the manual is saying, it is like trying to reset the odometer, which hopefully, it doesn't do, instead it will reset the light. Good luck.)

 

[bull]

Ok, I found the section in the manual that you are referring to. I could not find it earlier. Anyway.....It worked! Thanks Peter78.

 

[peter78]

Ok, I found the section in the manual that you are referring to. I could not find it earlier. Anyway.....It worked! Thanks Peter78.

I am glad it worked, I was a bit curious myself about that light.

I find it interesting that in the manual they talk about do it yourself maintenance, they talk about checking your oil, but they say nothing about changing it yourself.

I am a little surprised they tell you how to turn off the light, at least they didn't say, go to your dealer to turn it off.

 

[<<<<]

DIY Part of Toyota manual is full of crap. The answer for all maintenance issues is "See Your Toyota Dealer". That just plain dumb not to give basic maintanence instructions for owners in that manual. My family sedan (Accord) has all steps and pics on how to change oil, coolant, spark plugs and whole lot of other things printed in owners manual.

 

[Uneek]

The oval circle under the skid plated, removed never put it back on.

The rubber plug/cap for the oil filter catch, removed and never put it back on.

The maintenance light is merely a mileage reminder. It doesn't monitor engine operating conditions or oil quality. It blinks for a couple seconds at 4500 miles and stays lit at 5000 miles since the last reset.