🔧 Engine Oil & Oil Filter - Oil Change

Changing the oil and filter on your Tacoma helps protect the engine and keep it running smoothly. This truck uses a cartridge-style oil filter, so you’ll remove the filter housing cap, replace the element, and reinstall with new seals.

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

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Let the engine cool before draining oil. Hot oil can burn you.
• Use wheel chocks and jack stands if you lift the truck. Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack.
• Keep the skid plate and drain area clear before loosening the drain plug.
• Have a drain pan ready before removing the drain plug.
• Used oil must be recycled at a proper collection site.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 14mm socket
• 3/8-inch ratchet
• Oil filter cap wrench, 64mm 14-flute (specialty)
• Torque wrench
• Drain pan
• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands
• Wheel chocks
• Gloves
• Safety glasses
• Shop towels
• Funnel

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Engine oil (0W-20 synthetic) - Qty: 6.2 quarts
• Oil filter element - Qty: 1
• Oil filter housing 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 at least 15-30 minutes.
• If the truck is lifted, chock the rear wheels and support it with jack stands.
• Gather all parts before starting so the drain plug is not left open.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Raise and secure the truck

• Use a floor jack to lift the front of the Tacoma if you need more access.
• Place jack stands under the frame and lower the truck onto them.
• Keep wheel chocks behind the rear tires.
• Never skip jack stands.

Step 2: Remove the skid plate if equipped

• Use a 14mm socket and 3/8-inch ratchet to remove the skid plate bolts.
• Set the skid plate and bolts aside in order.

Step 3: Drain the engine oil

• Place the drain pan under the oil pan drain plug.
• Use a 14mm socket to loosen and remove the drain plug.
• Let the oil drain fully.
• Install a new drain plug gasket on the plug.
• Reinstall the drain plug and Torque to 39 Nm (29 ft-lbs).

Step 4: Remove the oil filter housing cap

• Move the drain pan under the oil filter housing.
• Use the 64mm 14-flute oil filter cap wrench to loosen the housing cap.
• Remove the cap carefully and let the oil inside drain out.
• Keep the old seal from sticking.

Step 5: Replace the oil filter element and seals

• Remove the old oil filter element from the housing cap.
• Remove the old O-rings from the cap.
• Install the new oil filter element.
• Install the new oil filter housing O-ring set in the same grooves as the old seals.
• Lightly coat the new O-rings with fresh engine oil before reinstalling.

Step 6: Reinstall the oil filter housing cap

• Thread the cap in by hand first to avoid cross-threading.
• Use the 64mm 14-flute oil filter cap wrench to snug it down.
• Torque to 25 Nm (18 ft-lbs).

Step 7: Refill the engine with oil

• Open the oil fill cap on the engine.
• Use a funnel to add about 6 quarts of 0W-20 synthetic engine oil first.
• Reinstall the fill cap.
• Start the engine and let it run for 30-60 seconds.
• Shut the engine off and wait 5 minutes.
• Check the dipstick and add oil until the level is at the full mark.

Step 8: Reinstall the skid plate and clean up

• Reinstall the skid plate using a 14mm socket and 3/8-inch ratchet.
• Wipe off any spilled oil from the engine and frame.

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✅ After Repair

• Start the engine and look underneath for leaks at the drain plug and filter housing.
• Check the oil level again after the engine has been off for a few minutes.
• Reset the maintenance reminder if your Tacoma displays one.
• Dispose of the used oil and filter at a recycling center.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

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

DIY Cost: $35-$70 (parts only)

You Save: $55-$90 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.