change your own oil- voided warranty?

[areyda]

Will changing my own oil void my warranty. Ive been changing the oil in my 2002 highlander since I bought it and now it is starting to show signs of the sludging problem (excessive oil use). I change it every 5000 miles and I keep track in the back of my manual.

[ddvk]

No. The law provides for the stealership to do the proving that it is negligence from owner that resulted in a engine failure. U actually don't need receipts, no nothing.

[kathyricks]

Originally Posted by areyda

"since I bought it"

If you didn't buy your Highlander brand new then the prior owner could have neglected timely oil changes causing sludge to form before you owned the vehicle.

Remove one of the valve covers to inspect for oil gelling.

[bepperb]

Well, I'm not sure what warranty is left on an 02 Highlander, but I agree your best bet is taking one of the valve covers off and finding out what we're dealing with.

So..... how many miles, and how much oil consumption? What engine?

[dawgdays]

If you are the second owner and purchased an ext warranty then you should make a record of the oil change mileage, you don't need the receipts but it does not hurt.

I had a 87 4runner that had some lack of lubrication issues, Toyo did step up to the plate and paid for crank bearings after a bottom engine knock.

[LifeTech]

The 3.0 1mz was a gelling issue engine. And the Class action suit resulted in Toyota having to acomodate many owners of this engine. The settlement provided for a transfer of ownership.

I do not know if your HL was part of the law suit settlement.

I do know that my 2001 Avalon(3.0 1mz-fe) is covered. Yet, with 65K I have no gelling issues. But I feel the Mobil 1 Oil prevented this gelling.
My opinion.

Something to look into. First, call Toyota 800 to find out if yu are covered. Don't bother asking the dealer first!!

Yu are looking at major $dollars$ to correct a gelled out engine.

[erubin]

2002 is covered but up to 80K miles I think

[theraginbull]

Unrelated to the warranty, any opinions or thoughts on the 5000 mile oil change on the highlander?

I've always done 3000 on our other cars but Toyota says 5000. I'm tempted to stick to the 3000 as it may be a small price to pay for a healthy engine.

I'd be interested to hear more thoughts on the frequency of oil changes.

[lucky777]

If Toyota says 5000 miles then stick with it as long as you drive under "normal driving conditions"

[bepperb]

With any reasonable oil (a brand you have heard of) 5000 will be fine. I've never seen a used oil analysis look bad at 5000 miles.

As an added bonus, 5k changes are easier to remember.