🔧 Tundra - Engine Oil and Oil Filter Change

This service replaces the old engine oil and cartridge-style oil filter in your Tundra’s 5.7L V8. Fresh oil protects internal engine parts, controls heat, and helps prevent sludge and premature wear.

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

Oil specification: SAE 0W-20 full-synthetic engine oil meeting API SP or API SN requirements. Capacity with filter replacement is approximately 8.5 US quarts (8.0 liters).

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Work on firm, level ground and keep the transmission in Park.
• ⚠️ Allow hot exhaust components to cool before reaching beneath your Tundra.
• ⚠️ Wear safety glasses and oil-resistant gloves because hot oil can cause burns.
• ⚠️ Never work beneath a vehicle supported only by a floor jack.
• ⚠️ Use wheel chocks and correctly rated jack stands if additional clearance is required.
• ⚠️ Do not start the engine while it is raised.
• ⚠️ Battery disconnection is not required for this service.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 14mm socket
• 12mm socket
• 3/8-inch-drive ratchet
• 3/8-inch-drive 6-inch extension
• 64mm 14-flute Toyota-style oil-filter housing wrench (specialty)
• Oil-filter housing drain adapter (specialty)
• 3/8-inch-drive torque wrench rated 10-80 ft-lbs
• 10-quart minimum oil drain pan
• Long-neck oil funnel
• Plastic trim tool
• Floor jack rated 3-ton minimum
• Jack stands rated 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:

• SAE 0W-20 full-synthetic engine oil - Qty: 9 US quarts
• Cartridge engine oil filter element - Qty: 1
• Large oil-filter housing O-ring - Qty: 1
• Small oil-filter drain-cap O-ring - Qty: 1
• Engine oil drain-plug gasket - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• 📍 Park your Tundra on level ground, select Park, apply the parking brake, and chock the rear wheels.
• 🌡️ Run the engine for three to five minutes, then switch it off. Warm oil drains more completely, but it should not be dangerously hot.
• ⏳ Wait at least five minutes before opening the drain plug.
• 🛢️ Confirm that the replacement filter includes both housing O-rings.
• 📏 Check the dipstick before starting so you recognize its normal reading range.
• 🔩 If you can safely reach the service points without lifting your Tundra, leave it on the ground. Otherwise, raise the front evenly with the floor jack and place it securely on both jack stands.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Open the Oil Filler Cap

• Open the hood and locate the engine oil filler cap on top of the engine.
• Turn the cap counterclockwise by hand and set it on a clean shop towel.
• Use the long-neck oil funnel only after draining is complete.
• Opening the cap helps the oil drain smoothly.

Step 2: Raise and Secure the Vehicle if Needed

• Place the wheel chocks firmly behind the rear tires.
• Use the 3-ton floor jack at the front crossmember lifting point.
• Position both 3-ton jack stands beneath the approved front frame support points, then lower your Tundra onto them.
• Gently push the body to confirm it is stable before going underneath.

Step 3: Remove the Front Engine Undercover

• Support the metal front undercover with one hand or the floor jack because it is heavy.
• Use the 12mm socket, extension, and ratchet to remove its retaining bolts.
• Use the plastic trim tool to remove any plastic retainers without breaking them.
• Lower the undercover carefully and place its hardware together.

Step 4: Drain the Old Engine Oil

• Position the 10-quart drain pan beneath the engine oil pan drain plug.
• Use the 14mm socket and ratchet to loosen the drain plug counterclockwise.
• Finish removing the plug by hand while pushing it lightly toward the pan. Pull it away quickly when the threads release.
• Allow the oil to drain until it slows to an occasional drip.
• Remove the old drain-plug gasket and wipe the plug with a shop towel.
• Install a new drain-plug gasket, then thread the plug in by hand to prevent cross-threading.
• Use the 14mm socket and torque wrench to torque the drain plug to 40 Nm (30 ft-lbs).
• Never reuse a crushed drain-plug gasket.

Step 5: Drain the Oil-Filter Housing

• Move the drain pan beneath the cartridge oil-filter housing at the front-lower area of the engine.
• Use the 3/8-inch ratchet to remove the small center drain cap from the bottom of the filter housing.
• Insert the oil-filter housing drain adapter into the opening. The adapter opens an internal valve so oil can drain from the housing.
• Allow the housing to drain, then remove the adapter.
• Use the plastic trim tool to remove the old small O-ring from the center cap without scratching its sealing groove.
• Coat the new small O-ring with clean 0W-20 oil and install it in the cap groove.

Step 6: Replace the Cartridge Oil Filter

• Fit the 64mm 14-flute filter housing wrench securely over the filter housing.
• Use the 3/8-inch ratchet and filter wrench to turn the housing counterclockwise.
• Remove the housing slowly and keep it upright to limit spills.
• Pull the old cartridge filter element straight out of the housing by hand.
• Use the plastic trim tool to remove the large O-ring from its groove near the housing threads. Do not scratch the housing.
• Clean the housing with shop towels. Do not use abrasive tools or chemical solvents.
• Coat the new large O-ring with clean 0W-20 oil and place it in the correct sealing groove. Do not install it on the threaded section.
• Push the new cartridge filter element fully into the housing by hand.
• Thread the housing into the engine by hand until the O-ring contacts its sealing surface.
• Use the filter wrench and torque wrench to torque the oil-filter housing to 25 Nm (18 ft-lbs).
• Install the center drain cap with the 3/8-inch torque wrench and torque to 13 Nm (10 ft-lbs).
• The O-ring seals; extra housing force does not.

Step 7: Reinstall the Engine Undercover

• Lift the undercover into position using the floor jack for support if needed.
• Start every retaining bolt by hand before tightening any one bolt fully.
• Reinstall the plastic retainers by hand and seat them with the plastic trim tool.
• Use the 12mm socket and torque wrench to torque the metal undercover bolts to 29 Nm (21 ft-lbs).

Step 8: Lower the Vehicle

• Use the floor jack to lift your Tundra slightly off the jack stands.
• Remove both jack stands, then lower the vehicle slowly onto level ground.
• Leave the rear wheel chocks in place until the service is finished.

Step 9: Add Fresh Engine Oil

• Place the long-neck oil funnel in the oil filler opening.
• Pour in approximately 8.0 US quarts (7.6 liters) of SAE 0W-20 oil.
• Remove the funnel and install the filler cap clockwise by hand.
• Wait two minutes, then use a shop towel to wipe the dipstick clean.
• Insert the dipstick fully, remove it again, and check the level.
• Add oil gradually with the funnel until the level approaches the upper mark. Do not exceed it.
• The final capacity with a new filter is approximately 8.5 US quarts (8.0 liters).

Step 10: Start the Engine and Check for Leaks

• Confirm that all tools and shop towels are clear of the engine compartment.
• Start the engine and verify that the oil-pressure warning light switches off within a few seconds.
• Switch the engine off immediately if the oil-pressure warning remains illuminated.
• Use a flashlight and safety glasses to inspect the drain plug and filter housing for leaks. Keep hands away from belts, fans, and hot exhaust parts.
• Run the engine for about 30 seconds, then switch it off and wait five minutes.

Step 11: Perform the Final Oil-Level Check

• Use a shop towel to wipe the dipstick, reinstall it fully, and remove it again.
• Use the funnel to add small amounts of 0W-20 oil until the level is at or just below the upper mark.
• Install the dipstick and oil filler cap securely by hand.
• Do not overfill the engine.

Step 12: Reset the Maintenance Reminder

• Use the steering-wheel controls to display Settings > Vehicle Settings > Scheduled Maintenance > Reset on the instrument display, if that menu is equipped.
• Select Yes to confirm the reset.
• If your instrument display does not provide that menu, switch the display to Trip A, turn the ignition off, then hold the trip-reset button while switching the ignition to ON without starting the engine.
• Continue holding the button until the maintenance counter finishes resetting, then release it.

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✅ After Repair

• ✅ Recheck the oil level on level ground after the engine has been off for at least five minutes.
• 🔍 Inspect beneath your Tundra for leaks after the first drive and again the following day.
• 🧽 Clean spilled oil from the undercover and frame so it is not mistaken for a leak.
• ♻️ Pour the used oil into a sealed container and take it with the used filter to an authorized recycling or used-oil collection facility.
• 📝 Record the date, mileage, oil viscosity, and filter replacement.
• 🛣️ Under normal use, follow Toyota’s maintenance interval. Severe dust, towing, repeated short trips, or extensive idling may justify shorter oil-change intervals.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $140-$250 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $70-$120 (parts only)

You Save: $70-$130 by doing it yourself!

Local pricing in Sonīpat may vary because 0W-20 oil and the correct cartridge filter can carry import costs. Shop labor rates vary; this repair takes a shop approximately 0.5-1.0 hour.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

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