🔧 Tacoma - Engine Oil & Oil Filter Replacement

This job replaces the old engine oil and oil filter so your Tacoma’s 2.7L engine stays properly lubricated and protected. You’ll drain the oil, replace the filter, install a new drain plug gasket, refill with fresh oil, and check the final level.

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 45-75 minutes

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Engine oil can be hot enough to burn you. Let the engine cool until it is warm, not hot.
• ⚠️ Support your Tacoma with jack stands if lifting it. Never work under a vehicle held only by a jack.
• ⚠️ Wear safety glasses and gloves. Used engine oil is messy and irritating to skin.
• ⚠️ Keep oil off the exhaust and skid area. Wipe spills before starting the engine.
• ⚠️ Battery disconnect is not required for this oil change.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 14mm socket
• 3/8-inch ratchet
• 3/8-inch torque wrench
• 64mm 14-flute oil filter wrench (specialty)
• 3/8-inch extension
• Oil drain pan 8-quart minimum
• Funnel
• Floor jack 3-ton minimum
• Jack stands 3-ton minimum
• Wheel chocks
• Nitrile gloves
• Safety glasses
• Shop towels

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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
• Engine oil filter cartridge kit - Qty: 1
• Engine oil drain plug gasket - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• 🅿️ Park your Tacoma on level ground and set the parking brake.
• 🧱 Place wheel chocks behind the rear wheels before lifting the front.
• 🌡️ Run the engine for 2-3 minutes, then shut it off. Warm oil drains faster.
• 🛞 If more clearance is needed, use a 3-ton floor jack at the front center lift point and place 3-ton jack stands under the proper front support points.
• 🧰 An oil filter wrench grips the round filter housing so you can loosen it without damaging it.
• 🧰 A torque wrench tightens bolts to the correct tightness so parts are not loose or overtightened.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Open the Hood and Remove the Oil Fill Cap

• Use your hand to open the hood and secure it with the prop rod.
• Use a shop towel to clean around the oil fill cap.
• Remove the oil fill cap by hand. This helps the old oil drain smoothly.
• Keep dirt out of the engine.

Step 2: Position the Drain Pan

• Put on nitrile gloves and safety glasses.
• Slide the 8-quart oil drain pan under the engine oil drain plug.
• The drain plug is at the bottom of the engine oil pan.

Step 3: Drain the Old Engine Oil

• Use a 14mm socket and 3/8-inch ratchet to loosen the engine oil drain plug.
• Remove the drain plug by hand once it is loose. Keep pressure inward while turning so it does not drop into the pan.
• Let the oil drain until it slows to an occasional drip.
• Remove the old drain plug gasket from the drain plug.
• Use a shop towel to wipe the drain plug clean.

Step 4: Reinstall the Drain Plug

• Install a new engine oil drain plug gasket onto the drain plug by hand.
• Thread the drain plug into the oil pan by hand first. This prevents cross-threading, which means damaging the threads by starting the bolt crooked.
• Use a 14mm socket and 3/8-inch torque wrench to tighten the drain plug.
• Torque to 40 Nm (30 ft-lbs)
• Use shop towels to wipe the area clean.

Step 5: Remove the Oil Filter Housing

• Move the 8-quart oil drain pan under the oil filter housing.
• Use the 64mm 14-flute oil filter wrench, 3/8-inch extension, and 3/8-inch ratchet to loosen the oil filter housing.
• Turn slowly because oil may spill as the housing loosens.
• Remove the oil filter housing by hand once loose.
• Remove the old filter cartridge from the housing by hand.
• Remove the old O-ring from the housing. An O-ring is a rubber sealing ring that prevents leaks.
• Do not scratch the plastic housing.

Step 6: Install the New Oil Filter Cartridge

• Use a shop towel to clean the oil filter housing.
• Install the new O-ring from the oil filter cartridge kit onto the housing by hand.
• Lightly coat the new O-ring with fresh 0W-20 engine oil using a gloved finger.
• Push the new oil filter cartridge into the housing by hand until it seats fully.

Step 7: Reinstall the Oil Filter Housing

• Thread the oil filter housing into the engine by hand first.
• Use the 64mm 14-flute oil filter wrench, 3/8-inch extension, and 3/8-inch torque wrench to tighten the housing.
• Torque to 25 Nm (18 ft-lbs)
• Use shop towels to wipe the filter area clean.

Step 8: Add Fresh Engine Oil

• Place a funnel into the oil fill opening.
• Pour in about 5.5 quarts of 0W-20 full synthetic engine oil.
• Wait 1 minute for the oil to settle.
• Remove the funnel and reinstall the oil fill cap by hand.

Step 9: Start the Engine and Check for Leaks

• Start the engine and let it idle for 30-60 seconds.
• Use a flashlight if needed and look under the engine for leaks at the drain plug and oil filter housing.
• Shut the engine off.
• Wait 5 minutes so the oil can drain back into the oil pan.

Step 10: Check and Adjust the Oil Level

• Pull out the engine oil dipstick by hand.
• Wipe it clean with a shop towel.
• Reinsert the dipstick fully, then pull it out again.
• The oil level should be near the full mark, not above it.
• If low, use the funnel to add 0W-20 oil in small amounts, about 0.25 quart at a time.
• Recheck with the dipstick after each small addition.
• Your Tacoma’s oil capacity with filter is approximately 5.9 quarts.

Step 11: Reset the Maintenance Reminder

• Use the steering wheel controls with the ignition on and engine off.
• Select Settings > Maintenance Reset on the instrument display if shown.
• Select Yes to reset the maintenance data.
• If your display does not show that menu, turn the ignition off, then hold the trip meter reset button while turning the ignition to ON.
• Keep holding the trip meter reset button until the maintenance reset completes.

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✅ After Repair

• ✅ Confirm the oil level is at the full mark after the engine has been off for 5 minutes.
• ✅ Recheck for leaks after a short drive.
• ✅ Make sure the oil fill cap and dipstick are fully seated.
• ✅ Dispose of used oil and the old filter at an approved recycling center.
• ✅ Write down the mileage and date for your next oil change record.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

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

DIY Cost: $45-$80 (parts only)

You Save: $45-$80 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 0.4-0.7 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

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