🔧 Engine Oil & Oil Filter - Oil Change

This service replaces the engine oil and the oil filter element, which keeps the hybrid engine lubricated and helps prevent wear. On your RAV4, the oil filter is a cartridge-style filter, so the housing cap is removed and the filter element is replaced inside it.

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

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Park on a level surface and set the parking brake before lifting the vehicle.
• Let the engine cool so you do not burn yourself on hot oil, exhaust parts, or the oil filter housing.
• Make sure the vehicle is fully OFF and not in READY mode. On a hybrid, the engine can start automatically if the vehicle is left on.
• Do not work under the vehicle unless it is securely supported with jack stands.
• No battery disconnect is required for this service.

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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
• Torque wrench
• Drain pan
• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands
• Wheel chocks
• Oil filter drain tool (specialty)
• 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: 4.4 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

• Warm the engine for a few minutes, then shut it off. Warm oil drains faster.
• Park on level ground and chock the rear wheels.
• Open the hood and remove the oil filler cap before draining. This helps oil flow out.
• If the vehicle has an undertray, be ready to remove the access panel.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Raise and secure the vehicle

• Use a floor jack to lift the front of the vehicle at the proper lift points.
• Support it with jack stands before going underneath.
• Never rely on the jack alone.

Step 2: Remove the engine under cover

• Use a 14mm socket and ratchet to remove the under cover fasteners if equipped.
• Set the cover and fasteners 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 by hand first, then tighten with a torque wrench to 39 Nm (29 ft-lbs).

Step 4: Remove the oil filter housing cap

• Move the drain pan under the oil filter housing.
• Use an oil filter cap wrench 64mm, 14-flute to loosen the housing cap.
• Remove the cap and let the oil in the housing drain out.
• Keep the cap upright to reduce spills.

Step 5: Replace the filter element and O-rings

• Remove the old filter element from the cap.
• Use a small pick if needed to remove the old O-rings. An O-ring is the rubber seal that prevents leaks.
• Install the new O-rings from the kit in the same grooves.
• Lightly coat the new O-rings with clean engine oil.
• Install the new filter element onto the cap.

Step 6: Reinstall the oil filter housing cap

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

Step 7: Refill the engine with oil

• Lower the vehicle back to level ground.
• Use a funnel and add about 4.0 quarts of 0W-20 synthetic oil first.
• Install the oil filler cap.
• Start the vehicle and let it run for 30-60 seconds, then shut it off.
• Wait 5 minutes, then check the dipstick and top off slowly until the level reaches the full mark.

Step 8: Check for leaks

• Look under the vehicle for oil leaks at the drain plug and filter housing.
• If needed, snug the filter housing and recheck the drain plug torque.

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✅ After Repair

• Verify the oil level again after a short drive and recheck if needed.
• Reset the maintenance reminder if your display shows one.
• Dispose of the used oil and filter at a recycling center.
• Check for any oil drips after parking overnight.

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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.