🔧 Engine Oil & Oil Filter - Change

Changing the oil and filter on your Highlander keeps the V6 protected and helps prevent sludge, noise, and premature wear. This job is straightforward, but the filter housing and underbody access mean you should work carefully and keep the car level when possible.

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

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Work on a cool engine to avoid burns from hot oil and exhaust parts.
• Support the vehicle with jack stands; never rely on a jack alone.
• Use gloves and safety glasses because used oil can splash.
• Dispose of used oil and filter properly at a recycling center.
• 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
• 3/8-inch ratchet
• Torque wrench
• Oil filter wrench or cap wrench
• Drain pan
• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Wheel chocks
• Funnel
• Shop towels
• Nitrile gloves
• Safety glasses

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Engine oil (0W-20 full synthetic) - Qty: 6.4 quarts
• Oil filter - Qty: 1
• Oil drain plug gasket - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on a level surface, set the parking brake, and chock the rear wheels.
• Let the engine cool for at least 20-30 minutes.
• Have the new filter, drain plug gasket, and oil ready before you start.
• Keep the oil level check for the end.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Raise and secure the front of the vehicle

• Use the floor jack to lift the front of your Highlander at the proper front lift point.
• Place jack stands under the front support points and lower the vehicle onto them.
• Make sure the vehicle is stable before going underneath.

Step 2: Remove the lower engine splash shield

• Use the 14mm socket and 3/8-inch ratchet to remove the fasteners holding the lower splash shield.
• Set the shield and hardware aside in order so reinstalling is easier.

Step 3: Drain the engine oil

• Place the drain pan under the oil pan drain plug.
• Use the 14mm socket to loosen and remove the drain plug.
• Let the oil drain completely, then install a new oil drain plug gasket.
• Reinstall the drain plug and Torque to 30 Nm (22 ft-lbs).

Step 4: Remove the oil filter

• Move the drain pan under the oil filter area.
• Use the oil filter wrench or cap wrench to remove the old oil filter.
• Check that the old filter gasket came off with the filter and did not stick to the engine.

Step 5: Install the new oil filter

• Lightly coat the new filter gasket with fresh engine oil.
• Install the new oil filter by hand until the gasket touches, then tighten according to the filter instructions.
• Do not over-tighten the filter.

Step 6: Reinstall the splash shield

• Use the 14mm socket and 3/8-inch ratchet to reinstall the lower engine splash shield fasteners.
• Make sure all clips and bolts are fully seated.

Step 7: Add fresh engine oil

• Lower the vehicle back to level ground.
• Remove the oil filler cap and use a funnel to add about 6 quarts of 0W-20 full synthetic first.
• Reinstall the oil cap, start the engine, and let it run for 30-60 seconds.
• Shut the engine off and wait 5 minutes for the oil to settle.

Step 8: Check the oil level

• Use the dipstick to check the level.
• Add oil in small amounts until the level reaches the full mark.
• The total capacity is about 6.4 quarts with filter change, but always fill slowly and verify with the dipstick.

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✅ After Repair

• Check under the vehicle for oil leaks around the drain plug and filter.
• Recheck the oil level after a short test drive and top off if needed.
• Reset the maintenance reminder if it appears in the instrument cluster menu.
• 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-$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.