Oil Changes Are Ridiculous!

[Architect]

I changed the oil on my 2016 4Runner for the first time yesterday and I have two words for the Toyota Engineer who redesigned things this go round "F@&$ Y$&".

What a royal pain in the a$$ to perform what should be labeled as simple maintenace. An oil change shouldn't require four sockets (10mm, 12mm, 14mm and 24mm), extensions, a screw driver and numerous words that would embarrass a sailor.

I mean really. Remove the lower balance, drop one skip plate, then remove a secret trap door in a second skid plate to get to a canister type filter that I haven't seen since Nash was a car manufacturer.

I traded a 2012 Tacoma in for this and oil changes took 10 minutes on that vehicle. The 4Runner took an hour.

WTF Toyota.....:crazy:

 

[TOY2G]

If it makes you feel any better at all, when I change the oil in my old John Deere, you have to lift the engine off the frame.

Okay, so I know that did not make you feel better, but I had to let you know i feel your pain.

 

[Northern 4Runner]

I changed the oil on my 2016 4Runner for the first time yesterday and I have two words for the Toyota Engineer who redesigned things this go round "F@&$ Y$&".

What a royal pain in the a$$ to perform what should be labeled as simple maintenace. An oil change shouldn't require four sockets (10mm, 12mm, 14mm and 24mm), extensions, a screw driver and numerous words that would embarrass a sailor.

I mean really. Remove the lower balance, drop one skip plate, then remove a secret trap door in a second skid plate to get to a canister type filter that I haven't seen since Nash was a car manufacturer.

I traded a 2012 Tacoma in for this and oil changes took 10 minutes on that vehicle. The 4Runner took an hour.

WTF Toyota.....:crazy:

I own both a tacoma 4.0 and a '16 runner, Runner is a PITA!

Dealer messed up the first oil change, oil leaking everywhere, so next time the service manager will make sure the person doing the change knows what's what.
I can't change my oil as cheap as dealer can.

 

[WreckTheShop]

I own both a tacoma 4.0 and a '16 runner, Runner is a PITA!

Dealer messed up the first oil change, oil leaking everywhere, so next time the service manager will make sure the person doing the change knows what's what.
I can't change my oil as cheap as dealer can.

How much does your dealer charge? I haven't even checked my dealer yet. I just assumed doing it myself would be best.

 

[Redsoxx1918]

I had my last free service done at my dealership. They did a good job with my first two oil changes....no leaks or dripping oil. I asked for a price for the upcoming 30k mile service, minus the air and cabin filter I'll do myself, and they said "about $100." Thinking it's not even worth looking around for a cheaper price if some random shop is likely to screw it up.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[sweaty]

... The 4Runner took an hour...
WTF Toyota.....:crazy:

Sorry, but I kinda enjoy going through removing all those nuts and bots and having dirt dropping in my month while I was down there, maybe I am just a sick individual.

 

[Northern 4Runner]

How much does your dealer charge? I haven't even checked my dealer yet. I just assumed doing it myself would be best.

I'm in Canada, so $80 after our provinces lovely 15% tax.

A gallon of oil is ~$30 on sale, regular price is $50. Then I'd need to buy the tool, filter, 2nd gallon of oil, and lay under the thing. and I'm getting older and have 2 young kids, dealer can deal with oil changes now

I still rust proof my vehicles myself because that is important to me and fell I do a better job myself. So I still get the mess dripping on me once a year.

 

[Arc.]

How much does your dealer charge? I haven't even checked my dealer yet. I just assumed doing it myself would be best.

$40, or less if there is a special

 

[sn_85]

How much does your dealer charge? I haven't even checked my dealer yet. I just assumed doing it myself would be best.

Anywhere from $40-60. I always look for places that have specials and just go there. They'll typically have a coupon on their website.

Sent from my ONEPLUS A3000 using Tapatalk

 

[Jetboy]

I bought all the stuff and did it once. Probably won't do it again. For $70 at a dealer vs around $50 in synthetic oil and filter, it's not worth doing on my own to save $20.

 

[mvt4r]

I changed the oil on my 2016 4Runner for the first time yesterday and I have two words for the Toyota Engineer who redesigned things this go round "F@&$ Y$&".

What a royal pain in the a$$ to perform what should be labeled as simple maintenace. An oil change shouldn't require four sockets (10mm, 12mm, 14mm and 24mm), extensions, a screw driver and numerous words that would embarrass a sailor.

I mean really. Remove the lower balance, drop one skip plate, then remove a secret trap door in a second skid plate to get to a canister type filter that I haven't seen since Nash was a car manufacturer.

I traded a 2012 Tacoma in for this and oil changes took 10 minutes on that vehicle. The 4Runner took an hour.

WTF Toyota.....:crazy:

Remember that shop services at dealerships are often charged by the hour. With that in mind, it could be that the vehicle is performing exactly as designed. :frusty: What are the odds you do this yourself the next time?

I hope the aftermarket skids I have coming in simplify this whole thing. Apart from the skid, the oil doesn't look so bad. The filter looks like a real pain for no good reason.

 

[northcoast]

And if you're psychotic about oil change intervals, it's a reason to go along with the suggested 10k mile interval -- just so you don't have to deal with it as much. It's definitely not a user friendly set up. Man, if it was 5k miles like the 2nd gen. Tacoma, I'd go crazy changing my oil 5 times per year on this thing.

 

[CS223]

$35 for 7qts Mobile 1 & filter & piece of mind. Dealer lost bolts and the air damn push pin on the last oil change. Same dealer tossed the drain plug cover and bolts entirely on my buddies FJ and left a bolt out of the skid plate. Same dealer did a warranty repair on the drivers seat on our 2014 and ruined the plastic trim. Wife made it a mile down the road and the trim fell off. Had to order new trim and fasteners.
It's a pain compared to other vehicles but I don't mind it. Especially now that my FJ buddy has a lift and we get together and service both vehicles at the same time.

 

[Bumbo]

The 4th Gen 6V 4Runner which is probably the same as a Tacoma, with the oil fill and oil filter (with catch can drain hole) conveniently located under the hood... to whats going on in the current 5th Gen made me think the same thing.

100% agree with you OP.

I actually enjoyed doing my oil changes on the old way... and it was so well designed I often did it without literally spilling a drop or making any sort of mess.

 

[sinks88]

I got rid of the valence
Changed the drain plug to a Lever Valve Style
And changed to the 4 bolt TRD Skid

Now I just have to drop the main skid and open the service area on the trans skid and I'm in business. Since I have owned mine I have done all my own changes due to the process. I don't trust the techs to do everything right every time.

Do it a coupe times, and the only difference is the front skid. (its a pain by yourself-TRD one is heavy)(but youll get fast after a couple of times)

 

[sbronemann]

I can't justify all that BS for $14.86 that our local dealer charges. I take my Amsoil and Wix filter and have them do it. Can't beat it! And get a free carwash to boot!

 

[99problems]

Hope for the future then?

I haven't had the pleasure of changing a 1st or 2nd Gen, but so far it's been:

3rd Gen: Fu@&ed :redbrick:

4th Gen: Easy-peezy :hail:

5th Gen: Sponsored by Satan :lalala:

6th Gen: ?

 

[1engineer]

I changed the oil on my 2016 4Runner for the first time yesterday and I have two words for the Toyota Engineer who redesigned things this go round "F@&$ Y$&".

What a royal pain in the a$$ to perform what should be labeled as simple maintenace. An oil change shouldn't require four sockets (10mm, 12mm, 14mm and 24mm), extensions, a screw driver and numerous words that would embarrass a sailor.

I mean really. Remove the lower balance, drop one skip plate, then remove a secret trap door in a second skid plate to get to a canister type filter that I haven't seen since Nash was a car manufacturer.

I traded a 2012 Tacoma in for this and oil changes took 10 minutes on that vehicle. The 4Runner took an hour.

WTF Toyota.....:crazy:

Maybe if you had went to school to become an engineer instead of an architect you would be fine...

Sorry man, just kidding! Welcome to the forum!

 

[alphabeast]

I guess im strange.. I don't mind doing the oil change myself. Yes its not easy and yes, you better set aside an hour, but I kind of enjoy it...

 

[05Rrunner]

You need patience , After the first one it's not a big deal. The 2016 and up Tacoma 3.5 also has the same type of oil filter. you can get the old spin on type filter on the Tacoma 2.7 I4. It's hard to believe people would complain about a 10,000 mile oil change interval. LOL
If you're not the do it yourself type roll the dice and bring it to the dealer or take your time drink an extra beer or smoke an extra J and enjoy the feeling of a job well done.

Note : spend the money for the correct oil filter wrench that fits that housing perfect.