Toyota 4Runner Oil Change: A Step-by-Step Guide

Changing the oil in your Toyota 4Runner is a vital part of keeping your SUV running at its best. With the right tools and a little time, you can handle this task yourself, saving money and ensuring it's done right. This guide will walk you through every step with clear instructions and helpful visuals.

Why Change Your Oil Every 5,000 Miles?

While Toyota recommends oil changes every 10,000 miles, changing it every 5,000 miles ensures optimal engine performance, especially under these conditions:

• Extreme Temperatures: High heat or cold can strain engine components.
• Heavy Towing: Hauling trailers or heavy loads increases engine stress.
• Frequent Off-Roading: Dust and debris can contaminate oil faster. Regular oil changes keep your engine clean, lubricated, and ready for your next adventure.

What You’ll Need

Before starting, gather these essential tools and supplies to make the process efficient and stress-free:

• Pro-Lift 300 Lbs Mechanic Creeper: Provides comfort and mobility while working under your vehicle.
• RhinoGear 4 Piece RhinoRamp Vehicle Ramp: Safely raise your 4Runner for better access to the underside.
• Chapin 78005 Low Profile 12 Quart Oil Drain Container: Catches old oil to avoid messes.
• CRAFTSMAN Socket Set: Required for removing bolts on the oil pan and skid plate.
• Motivx Oil Filter Wrench: Makes removing the filter cap effortless.
• Toyota Oil Filter Cap - 15620-31060: If yours is damaged or worn.
• Fumoto Original F133 LC-10 Lever Clip FS-Series Engine Oil Drain Valve: Simplifies future oil changes (higher flow than the F-103).
• APSG Locking Oil Funnel: Keeps oil from spilling when refilling.
• Genuine Toyota 04152-YZZA5 Replaceable Oil Filter Element: Always use a genuine filter for the best performance.
• Mobil 1 Advanced Fuel Economy Full Synthetic Motor Oil 0W-20: Toyota recommends 0W-20 synthetic oil. You’ll need 6.6 quarts.
• Norpro 4-Cup Capacity Plastic Measuring Cup: To measure out the exact amount of oil needed to refill.
• Mechanix Wear: Utility Work Gloves: To protect your most important tool, your hands.
• Coquimbo Rechargeable LED Work Light Grill Light with Magnetic Base: Provides visibility in hard-to-reach areas.
• Intex Cloth-like Shop Rags: Keeps the workspace clean and your hands oil-free.
• Fast Orange Hand Cleaner: Removes the oil from your hands.

Step 1: Drive Up on the Ramps

Start by parking your 4Runner on a flat surface. Position RhinoGear vehicle ramps in front of the tires and carefully drive up. Engage the parking brake and use RhinoGear wheel chocks to ensure the vehicle is secure.

Safety Tip: Never rely solely on a jack to support your vehicle. Ramps or jack stands are much safer.

Step 2: Remove the oil pan cover and Skid Plate

Locate and remove the oil pan cover plate using a 12mm socket wrench. Next, use a 14mm socket wrench to remove the skid plate bolts. The front bolts will stay attached via retaining clips, while the rear bolts will come off completely. Be cautious when removing the skid plate—it’s heavy.

Pro Safety Tip: Use your jack to lower the skid plate down safely.

Step 3: Drain the Old Oil

Place the Chapin oil drain pan under the drain plug. Using a 14mm socket wrench, loosen the plug and let the oil flow out. Be patient—this can take a few minutes.

Optional Upgrade: Install a Fumoto Oil Drain Valve for quick, tool-free oil changes in the future with the flip of a lever.

Once it stops dripping, clean the area and securely reinstall the drain plug.

Pro Tip: If any oil drips onto your driveway, use Fast Orange Hand Cleaner to break up the stain. Apply directly to the spot, scrub lightly, and rinse with water. It's an eco-friendly and effective solution.

Step 4: Drain Oil from the Filter

Before removing the oil filter, it’s important to drain the oil from the filter housing to avoid spills. Position the Chapin oil pan under the filter housing. Remove the filter drain plug using a 1/2-inch drive socket, then attach the provided plastic drain port included with your new Toyota Genuine Oil Filter.

This will drain the oil from the filter housing before you remove it, making less of a mess than if you tried to remove the whole filter housing before draining.

Next use the Motivx Oil Filter Wrench to loosen the filter cap and pull out the old filter. Wipe the inside of the housing clean with a rag.

Step 5: Install the New Filter

Remove the old seals from the oil filter housing, there will be one around the drain plug and one around the outside rim of the filter housing, replace both with the new ones that came with your new filter. I like to lubricate my new ones in some clean oil before inserting them to make sure they get a good seal.

Take the new Toyota Genuine Oil Filter (04152-YZZA5) and insert it into the filter housing. Screw the filter cap back on by hand, then use the Motivx Oil Filter Wrench to tighten it snugly. Don’t overtighten—it only needs to be secure.

Reattach the plug at the bottom of the filter cap to close the drain port.

Step 6: Add Fresh Oil

Remove the oil filler cap on top of the engine. Using the APSG Locking Oil Funnel, slowly pour in 6.6 quarts of Mobile 1 Advanced Fuel Economy 0W-20 Motor Oil. This amount ensures the engine is fully lubricated.

Once you’ve added the oil, replace the filler cap and check the dipstick to confirm the level is correct. Wipe the dipstick, reinsert it, and pull it out to see where the oil reaches. Add more if needed.

Pro Tip: Pour slowly to avoid overfilling and spillage.

Step 7: Reattach the Skid Plate

Reposition the skid plate under the engine and secure it with the bolts you removed earlier. Double-check that all bolts are tight.

Step 8: Check for Leaks and Test

Start the engine and let it run for a couple of minutes. Look under the vehicle to check for any leaks around the drain plug or filter. If you see any, shut off the engine and tighten the components as needed.

Safety Tip: Address leaks immediately by tightening loose components.

Step 9: Dispose of the Old Oil

Pour the old oil into a sealed container and recycle it at an authorized facility. Most automotive retailers will accept used oil for free.

Final Thoughts

Changing your oil is an easy yet critical part of maintaining your Toyota 4Runner. With this guide, you’ve not only saved money but also gained confidence in handling your vehicle’s upkeep.

By following these steps every 5,000 miles, you’ll ensure your 4Runner remains ready for any adventure that comes your way.

Happy driving, and here’s to many more miles of exploration!s