Oil Change 5th Gen: How To- LOTS of PICS!

[Barry694]

Oil Change procedures

The manufacturers try to make many thinks seem complicated so you will take it to the dealer to have it done. Another is the cabin filter... in my Lexus the switch has to be set to recirulate on the air or you will damage the unit inside and it is extremely expensive to have fixed.

 

[RubiconSS]

Cost Savings Tip:
Ask your Toyota dealer Parts Dpt (Mgr. if available) what kind of deal can you get if you buy several oil filters. $4.25- $4.75 very doable.
Buy your 0w-20 synthetic at Walmart and try the same tactic, ask what price if you buy a case. Even normal price a 5qt. of FULL Stnthetic is $22-$26 Makes the whole oil change DIY very inexpensive in comparison to a dealer or an oil change shop.

 

[vicpick58]

I just performed my third oil change and finally took Antmans advice and ground off those stupid extra bends in the skid plate tabs.

What a difference, makes it go back on so much easier.

Thanks again Antman.

 

[Antman]

I just performed my third oil change and finally took Antmans advice and ground off those stupid extra bends in the skid plate tabs.

What a difference, makes it go back on so much easier.

Thanks again Antman.

Can I say "I told ya so?" :

 

[vicpick58]

Can I say "I told ya so?" :

Yes you can.

I should have done this the very first time. But at least it is now done at 15k miles and I will have many more future oil changes with out struggling to get those tabs into the slots..

 

[qnyla]

How much worse does access to the oil filter get with heavy skids, like BudBuilt ? What about with a bumper like a Shockworks on the 4Runner?

It would seem like there is a opportunity for a nice bolt-on access panel with a good skid plate that could make things easier.

EDIT: Found the answer: BudBuilt has an access panel that looks to be easier than the factory skid removal:

http://budbuilt.com/index.php?page=...tegory_id=14&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=170

 

[psiems]

Gulp!...I think I will pay to have it done. Some shops will allow you to bring in your own oil and filter and only charge the labor portion. This will significantly lower the cost of an LOF, providing you are able to buy the oil and filter at a reasonable price.

 

[qnyla]

Just changed my oil on the new TE for the first time. Mobil 1 0W20 in at 278 miles. This write-up took the guesswork out of it. Thanks for taking the time to write this up.

A small error or difference between vehicles:

With the cover removed, you will see the 15mm oil drain plug.

The drain plug on my 2012 TE is 14mm like many other Toyota Trucks such as my Tacoma.

 

[thebwlife]

Just changed my oil on the new TE for the first time. Mobil 1 0W20 in at 278 miles. This write-up took the guesswork out of it. Thanks for taking the time to write this up.

A small error or difference between vehicles:



The drain plug on my 2012 TE is 14mm like many other Toyota Trucks such as my Tacoma.

278 miles? Don't forget to rotate your tires every 150 miles too!

 

[qnyla]

278 miles? Don't forget to rotate your tires every 150 miles too!

LOL, I run Mobil 1 in other vehicles 10k between drains. I just wanted to start off with Mobil 1 from the first day as I did with my Tacoma, which now has 295k miles.

 

[jambo]

Yeah, especially with the plenty of room in the engine compartment for a remote oil filter location. Seems like it could have been put up near the power steering reservoir.

I still think someone could engineer an aftermarket adapter to screw into the existing engine side of the canister and run braided pressure hoses up to a remote filter location. It could even run the oil though an additional cooler on the way.

Has anybody installed a quick release oil drain plug ? My truck still very new, so I have three more free oil change to go before I get under the hood .

 

[toyslug]

I have installed a Fumato Oil Drain Valve which makes it easier to drain without making a mess; you can also attach an appropriate size and length of plastic tubing onto the end to not only eliminate "splashing" while it's draining but also help in directing the draining oil into the catch pan.

 

[Victor_inox]

Just changed my oil on the new TE for the first time. Mobil 1 0W20 in at 278 miles. This write-up took the guesswork out of it. Thanks for taking the time to write this up.

A small error or difference between vehicles:



The drain plug on my 2012 TE is 14mm like many other Toyota Trucks such as my Tacoma.

Every 4runner drain plug is 14mm there is no difference between TE limited or SR5.

 

[Sputnik]

Thanks Antman.

I must confess. I was doing mine wrong. I took off the whole filter assembly first and changed my filter only. I never had luck taking out that small plastic thing because I couldn't get the bolt off.
Now I know it needs to be on the truck and you take it off first. Thanks you sir for that info lol

 

[Shamish]

Thank you harper7 for that information. That was very helpful!

 

[flyrv9]

Great thread Antman - thanks. As a new 4runner owner I can use all the help I can get. FYI in my 2013 owners man the reset maint data procedure is on P515. They must have revised the book.

 

[tcpoob]

what's up with the 5th gen engine oil filter? you don't replace the whole piece including the filter housing, but rather you actually replace the paper/fabric like filter inside? They don't make the "regular" filter that's just plug and play like the 4th gen or most other rides or is the goal to save a few bucks on the filter?

thanks

 

[Atlanta_man]

you can feel good about saving the planet, but it is a giant step backwards for mankind

can't wait to hear about the fun Jiffy Lube will have with these, they have enough trouble with the simple cartridge filters

 

[Lakelander]

Antman - Thanks for this great post!

Just finished changing the oil on my T4R & even though I've changed the oil on all my toyotas your post saved me alot of time from trying to figure out what to take off & in what sequence to get at the filter.

 

[Antman]

Antman - Thanks for this great post!

Just finished changing the oil on my T4R & even though I've changed the oil on all my toyotas your post saved me alot of time from trying to figure out what to take off & in what sequence to get at the filter.

You are welcome! Glad it's helping so many people out. It's really not that hard, just take a little more time than most oil changes.