🔧 Engine Oil & Oil Filter - Oil Change

Changing the oil and filter keeps your engine lubricated, cool, and clean. On your Camry, the V6 uses a cartridge-style oil filter, so you’ll replace the filter element inside the housing instead of a spin-on canister.

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

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Work on a level surface and keep the parking brake engaged.
• Engine oil and exhaust parts can be very hot. Let the engine cool before starting.
• Use jack stands if you raise the front of the vehicle. Never rely on a jack alone.
• Do not overtighten the oil filter housing or drain plug.
• Have shop towels ready to clean spills right away.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

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

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Engine oil 0W-20 full synthetic - Qty: 6 quarts
• Oil filter element - Qty: 1
• Oil filter cap O-ring set - Qty: 1
• Drain plug gasket - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Let the engine cool for easier and safer access.
• Gather all parts before draining the oil.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Prepare the vehicle

• Turn the engine off and remove the key.
• Set the parking brake and chock the rear wheels.
• If you need more room, use the floor jack to raise the front and support it with jack stands.

Step 2: Remove the oil filler cap and dipstick

• Open the hood.
• Remove the oil filler cap by hand.
• Pull the dipstick out slightly to let the oil drain faster.

Step 3: Drain the engine 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 gasket on the plug.
• Reinstall the drain plug and Torque to 39 Nm (29 ft-lbs).

Step 4: Replace the oil filter element

• Move the drain pan under the oil filter housing area.
• Use the oil filter housing socket 64mm 14-flute to loosen the housing cap.
• Remove the housing cap and old filter element.
• Remove the old O-ring from the cap. A small pick can help if needed.
• Install the new O-rings from the oil filter cap O-ring set.
• Lightly coat the new O-rings with clean engine oil.
• Install the new oil filter element into the cap.
• Reinstall the housing cap and Torque to 25 Nm (18 ft-lbs).

Step 5: Add new engine oil

• Insert a funnel into the oil filler opening.
• Add about 5.5 quarts of engine oil 0W-20 full synthetic first.
• Install the filler cap.
• Start the engine and let it run for 30-60 seconds.
• Shut the engine off and wait 5 minutes for oil to settle.

Step 6: Check the oil level

• Pull the dipstick, wipe it clean, reinsert it fully, then check again.
• Add oil a little at a time until the level is near the full mark.
• The total capacity is about 6 quarts with filter change, but always verify by dipstick.

Step 7: Inspect for leaks

• Look under the vehicle and around the filter housing for leaks.
• Check the drain plug and filter cap again after the engine runs.

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✅ After Repair

• Confirm the oil level one more time after a short drive and recheck on level ground.
• Reset the maintenance reminder if your Camry displays one.
• Recycle the used oil and filter at a proper auto parts or waste 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 0.7-1.0 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.