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Easy⏱ 30 min - 2 h20 steps·Original on iFixit ↗

1995-2002 Toyota 4Runner Oil and Oil Filter Replacement

Follow this video guide to replace the oil and oil filter on a 1995-2002 3rd generation Toyota 4Runner.

Tools (7)

Parts (2)

  • 6× 5W-30 Motor Oil buy ↗
  • Oil Filter Toyota 4Runner 1995-2002 buy ↗

Step-by-step instructions

Step 1 · photo 1
1
  • Make sure the engine oil is hot so it can flow out of the engine easily
  • [link|https://youtube.com/watch?v=ZD5GeHTy5nk&t=32.92s|Either drive the] vehicle or run the engine for about 5 minutes before starting the oil change.
Step 2 · photo 1
2
  • Begin with removing the steel guard from underneath the vehicle
  • [link|https://youtube.com/watch?v=ZD5GeHTy5nk&t=57.04s|Start by removing] the three 12mm socket bolts located at the front of the guard.
Step 3 · photo 1
3
  • [link|https://youtube.com/watch?v=ZD5GeHTy5nk&t=102.75999999999999s|Remove the two] 12mm socket bolts located deep within the front plate.
Step 4 · photo 1
4
  • [link|https://youtube.com/watch?v=ZD5GeHTy5nk&t=131.32s|Remove the rear] bolts, but the steel guard will not fall off because it has hooks attached to the front frame.
Step 5 · photo 1
5
  • [link|https://youtube.com/watch?v=ZD5GeHTy5nk&t=138.51999999999998s|After removing all] the bolts, put the steel guard on the side.
Step 6 · photo 1
6
  • [link|https://youtube.com/watch?v=ZD5GeHTy5nk&t=145.4s|With the steel] guard removed, locate the engine oil pan and use a 14mm socket wrench to remove the drain plug.
Step 7 · photo 1
7
  • [link|https://youtube.com/watch?v=ZD5GeHTy5nk&t=150.0s|Let the engine] oil drain into the drain pan.
Step 8 · photo 1
8
  • Open the filler cap located in the engine bay, which should indicate the required oil type (5W30)
  • [link|https://youtube.com/watch?v=ZD5GeHTy5nk&t=201.84s|Clean the area] around the cap and remove it, but place it back loosely to prevent any dirt from falling into the engine.
Step 9 · photo 1
9
  • [link|https://youtube.com/watch?v=ZD5GeHTy5nk&t=253.44s|Allow the engine] oil to drain for an extended period, such as 30 minutes, to ensure maximum oil removal.
Step 10 · photo 1
10
  • [link|https://youtube.com/watch?v=ZD5GeHTy5nk&t=264.32s|While the oil] is draining, inspect and clean the splash shield and check for any leaks.
Step 11 · photo 1
11
  • Remove the old engine oil filter by reaching it from the front and coming around the lower radiator hose
  • [link|https://youtube.com/watch?v=ZD5GeHTy5nk&t=338.24s|If the filter] is not overtightened, you should be able to remove it by hand.
Step 12 · photo 1
12
  • [link|https://youtube.com/watch?v=ZD5GeHTy5nk&t=381.2s|Prepare the new] engine oil filter by applying a small amount of oil to the rubber gasket.
Step 13 · photo 1
13
  • [link|https://youtube.com/watch?v=ZD5GeHTy5nk&t=393.2s|Install the new] engine oil filter and hand-tighten it.
14
  • [link|https://youtube.com/watch?v=ZD5GeHTy5nk&t=661.2s|Check for any] leaks around the newly installed oil filter.
Step 15 · photo 1
15
  • Reinstall the drain plug with its washer and tighten it using the 14mm socket wrench
  • Be careful not to overtighten it, as it could damage the threads on the oil pan
  • [link|https://youtube.com/watch?v=ZD5GeHTy5nk&t=443.2s|The torque for] the drain plug is 33 foot-pounds if you want to use a torque wrench.
Step 16 · photo 1
16
  • Fill the engine with the recommended 5W-30 engine oil using a funnel
  • [link|https://youtube.com/watch?v=ZD5GeHTy5nk&t=541.2s|Add 4 quarts] initially, then gradually add more while checking the dipstick to avoid overfilling.
Step 17 · photo 1
17
  • [link|https://youtube.com/watch?v=ZD5GeHTy5nk&t=507.2s|Fill the engine] with a total of 5.5 US quarts of engine oil, as specified in the manual for an oil change with filter replacement.
Step 18 · photo 1
18
  • [link|https://youtube.com/watch?v=ZD5GeHTy5nk&t=637.2s|Start the engine] and let it run for a few minutes, then check for any leaks.
19
  • [link|https://youtube.com/watch?v=ZD5GeHTy5nk&t=745.2s|Reinstall the steel] guard using the 12mm socket wrench, making sure to apply anti-seize to the bolts for easy removal in the future.
20
  • [link|https://youtube.com/watch?v=ZD5GeHTy5nk&t=759.2s|Perform a test] drive to ensure everything is working properly.

Conclusion

To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.

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