🔧 Engine Oil & Oil Filter - Oil Change

Changing the oil and filter on your Tacoma keeps the engine clean and protected. This job is straightforward, but the filter housing and drain plug need to be handled carefully to avoid leaks and stripped threads.

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 1-1.5 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Work on a cool engine so you do not burn yourself on hot oil or exhaust parts.
• Use jack stands if you raise the truck; never rely on a floor jack alone.
• Keep the truck level when checking the oil level after refilling.
• Do not overtighten the drain plug or oil filter housing.
• No battery disconnect is required for this repair.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 14mm socket
• Ratchet
• Oil filter housing wrench 64mm 14-flute
• Torque wrench
• Drain pan
• Funnel
• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands
• Wheel chocks
• Gloves
• Safety glasses
• Shop towels

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Engine oil (SAE 5W-30 full synthetic) - Qty: 6.2 quarts
• Oil filter element kit - Qty: 1
• Drain plug crush washer - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on a level surface and set the parking brake.
• Let the engine cool for at least 20-30 minutes.
• Lift the front only if needed for access, then support it securely on jack stands.
• Have the drain pan positioned before loosening the drain plug.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Open the oil fill point

• Open the hood and remove the oil filler cap on top of the engine.
• This helps the oil drain faster.

Step 2: Drain the old oil

• Place the drain pan under the oil pan drain plug.
• Use the 14mm socket and ratchet to remove the drain plug.
• Let the oil drain completely.
• Install a new drain plug crush washer before reinstalling the plug.
• Torque the drain plug to 39 Nm (29 ft-lbs).

Step 3: Remove the oil filter housing

• Move the drain pan under the oil filter housing.
• Use the oil filter housing wrench 64mm 14-flute to loosen and remove the housing cap.
• Pull out the old filter element.
• Remove the old O-rings from the housing cap.
• Install the new O-rings from the filter kit and lightly coat them with clean engine oil.
• Install the new filter element into the housing cap.
• Lightly oil the new seals first.

Step 4: Reinstall the filter housing

• Thread the housing cap back in by hand to avoid cross-threading.
• Use the torque wrench and filter housing wrench to tighten it.
• Torque the oil filter housing to 25 Nm (18 ft-lbs).

Step 5: Refill with fresh oil

• Use a funnel and add about 6 quarts of SAE 5W-30 full synthetic first.
• Reinstall the oil filler cap.
• Start the engine and let it idle for 30-60 seconds.
• Shut the engine off and wait 5 minutes for the oil to settle.

Step 6: Check the oil level

• Pull the dipstick, wipe it clean, reinsert it fully, then pull it out again.
• Add oil in small amounts until the level reaches the full mark.
• Total capacity is about 6.2 quarts with filter.

Step 7: Inspect for leaks

• Look under the truck for any oil drips at the drain plug and filter housing.
• If needed, gently recheck the filter housing and drain plug torque.

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✅ After Repair

• Verify the oil level again after a short drive and a 5-minute rest.
• Check the dash for any warning lights.
• Dispose of used oil and the old filter at a recycling center.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $90-$160 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $35-$65 (parts only)

You Save: $55-$95 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 0.8-1.0 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

HowToo makes it easy: same-day/2-day shipping on every part, plus all the tools and specialty tools you need! Check out the parts and tools sections below to add everything to your cart.