Oil filter location on 2010 4Runner
To change the oil in a 2010 Toyota 4Runner locating and accessing the oil filter is the most difficult part. The new filter is not the old typical screw off. It is a paper cartridge in a non-replaceable canister. This canister is located on the underside center of the engine, below the fan. I would recommend placing the vehicle on front ramps to allow adequate access.
To access the canister you will have to remove 4 – 14mm bolts and 2 – 10mm bolts that hold on the front portion of the skid plate. The four 14mm bolts are slightly recessed and accessed through holes in the skid plate. The two 10 mm bolts also hold on a plastic panel and are close to the outer edges of the skid plate. It is not necessary to remove the rear portion of the skid plate, which covers the oil pan. Once the bolts are removed the pan hinges down to the rear.
The filter canister can now be seen and easily accessed. The canister is black with a silver threaded cap in the center. The cap has a square 3/8” indention in the center used for removal. First unscrew the silver cap using a 3/8” ratchet extension. Note the small 0-ring behind this silver cap. I used a WIX #57173 replacement oil filter, which came with two replacement 0-rings and a small plastic plug in addition to the filter. Once the silver cap is removed insert the slotted end of the small plastic plug into the filter canister in the hole the silver cap covered. It takes a little bit of force to insert this plug. Once inserted, excess oil in the filter will drain out through this plug, so be prepared. I placed a short length of clear plastic tubing on this plug to divert the oil into my drain pan.
To remove the body of the canister I used a LISLE End Cap Filter Wrench for Toyota #54930. The cap wrench slips over the fluted end of the canister and unscrews using a 3/8” drive. Have some shop towels ready, as there will still be some oil remaining in the paper cartridge once the canister is removed. Clean the canister and replace the large 0-ring on the canister body. Insert the new cartridge and replace the canister. Replace the silver cap, inserting a new small 0-ring behind the cap in the round slot. Lift the skid plate back into its original position and replace the bolts.
To drain the oil, there is a small access panel to access the oil pan located to the rear and in the second portion to the skid plate assembly. This oval panel is held in place by two 14 mm bolts. Remove this panel and the 15 mm oil drain plug is easily accessible.
I have to say Toyota didn’t do us any favors in ease of access, but after you go through an oil change once it’s really not that bad. Since Toyota now recommends oil changes at 10K intervals a lot of folks will only have to do this once a year.
