Oil Filter Location, 3.5L 2 GR-FE engine

[MMitsock]

Does anyone know where the oil filter is located on the Avalon 3.5L V-6 2GR-FE engine? It is basically the same engine as the 4.0L V-6 1GR-FE in the 05 Tacoma but mounted transversely for front wheel drive. I looked quickly under the hood of an 06 Avalon this weekend and didn't see the oil filter under the front exhaust manifold (location of the filter on my wife's 3.0L '03 V-6 Highlander).

[jim256]

I just looked--nothing visible from up top even with a flashlight. I did not remove the engine top plastic cover. Nothing mentioned in the manual.

[MMitsock]

Thanks for looking. I have a feeling it's on the back side of the engine next to the fire wall. I guess that would be the left side with the engine mounted in a Tacoma.

[jim256]

Without getting on the garage floor to verify, it also appears there is a panel covering at least a portion of the under-bay area. My dealer has a 30 minute $29.95 deal so I expect I'll take him up on that.

[MMitsock]

Thanks again. I'm trying to decide if I should trade my 03 Tundra for and 06 Avalon. I like the better mileage and lots more room in the back seat for my ever growing kids. The down side is I would lose the 4x4 and truck bed. Also, I hate dealing with Toyota dealers.

[jim256]

Interesting how treatment varies--I bought the Avalon precisely because of my experience with our Highlander and the dealer.

[UCK40]

Oil filter is located inside a housing attatched to the oil pan .
Oil filter is not a spin on design it is cartidge style.

[MMitsock]

Thanks for the reply. I found the same info on the edmunds site yesterday, including a PDF file from the service manual showing the change procedure.