🔧 Engine Oil & Oil Filter - Oil Change

This service drains the old engine oil, replaces the oil filter element, and refills the engine with fresh oil. Doing it on time helps protect the engine, keep oil pressure normal, and extend engine life.

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 lift the vehicle. Never rely on the floor jack alone.
• Keep the vehicle on level ground before filling oil for the most accurate level check.
• Dispose of used oil and the old filter properly.
• No battery disconnect is required for this repair.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Ratchet
• 14mm socket
• 64mm 14-flute oil filter cap socket (specialty)
• Torque wrench
• Drain pan
• Funnel
• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands
• Wheel chocks
• Gloves
• Safety glasses
• Shop rags
• Flat blade screwdriver

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Engine oil (0W-20 full synthetic) - Qty: 5 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 a level surface and set the parking brake.
• Put wheel chocks behind the rear wheels.
• Let the engine cool down if the vehicle was just driven.
• Gather all parts before starting so the drain plug does not stay open too long.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Raise and secure the vehicle

• Use the floor jack to lift the front of your RAV4 at the proper lift point.
• Place the vehicle securely on jack stands.
• Make sure the vehicle is stable before working underneath it.
• Shake gently to confirm stability.

Step 2: Remove the drain plug and drain the 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.
• Replace the old drain plug gasket with the new one.
• Reinstall the drain plug and Torque to 39 Nm (29 ft-lbs).

Step 3: Remove the oil filter element

• Move the drain pan under the oil filter housing.
• Use the 64mm 14-flute oil filter cap socket (specialty) and ratchet to loosen the filter cap.
• Remove the cap and old filter element together.
• Take off the old O-rings from the cap with a flat blade screwdriver if needed.
• Install the new O-rings from the kit and lightly coat them with fresh oil.
• Install the new filter element in the cap.
• Reinstall the cap and Torque to 25 Nm (18 ft-lbs).

Step 4: Refill the engine with oil

• Open the oil fill cap on top of the engine.
• Use the funnel to add 0W-20 full synthetic oil.
• Start by adding about 4.5 quarts, then top off after checking the dipstick.
• The total capacity with filter is about 4.6 quarts.

Step 5: Check for leaks and set the final oil level

• Start the engine and let it idle for 30-60 seconds.
• Check under the vehicle for leaks at the drain plug and oil filter housing.
• Shut the engine off and wait a few minutes.
• Check the dipstick and add oil as needed until the level is near the full mark.

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✅ After Repair

• Make sure there are no leaks after a short test drive.
• Check the oil level again after the engine has sat for a few minutes.
• Reset the maintenance reminder if it is due on your dash display.
• Recheck for drips under the vehicle the next day.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

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

DIY Cost: $35-$60 (parts only)

You Save: $55-$100 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.