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HighlanderGeneral discussion forum for the Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid.
This is a discussion thread titled "Anyone do their own oil changes?", within the Highlander forum, part of the SUV Forums category.
I use the 5qt mobil 1 5w30 jug from wally world and an OEM toyota filter for my 3.3 v6 HL. Will be switching to pureone PL10241 filters when I'm done with my current toyota batch, because good toyota filters (the ones made in japan) are hard to come by and more expensive. Most of the filters on the shelf (made in thailand, are not as good).
I do everything under the car and there is no need for a jack/stands since the car is high enough. Would recommend to take the time to remove the plastic skid plate. Everything will be cleaner that way. Also the oil spilled from the filter is re-routed a couple of inches towards the passenger tire. Convenient and clean when you know about it. During my 1st oil change I removed the oil filter and said "Yes, not one drop!". Then I felt my shoulder getting hot.... Anyway you'll see where it will drain to.
I change my own oil and oil filter every 3000 miles. I use 5 quarts of Castrol GTX 10w-30. I’ve been using this oil for many years on all my cars. I only use Purolator filters.
I use a set of ramps to get under the car. To remove the oil filter I use an adjustable wrench similar to this one
I have a V6 Highlander and oil changes are pretty easy on this vehicle. As t3mp mentioned, you should remove the bottom skid plate to get to the oil filter, but that's very easy to do (but it adds extra time to the overall job).
Usually I start by draining the oil, and while it's draining I work on removing the skid plate. The skid plate is attached via multiple bolts and two plastic fasteners. The plastic fasteners can be removed by gently prying the round section from it's base with a flathead screwdriver until it pops out and then you can pull it out by hand. There are two plastic clips as well, and these come off by pulling downward on them to release the skid plate (after you have removed all the other bolts of course).
Once the skid plate is removed then the oil filter will be plain view and the rest of the oil change is pretty straighforward. (I'm assuming of course that you already know how to change the oil in a car)
yes, on an '01 V6 4WD. Used a Fram oil filter last time, bleh it had this weird coating where the wrench woudl go, my usual oil filter wrench wouldnt fit!
I just finished 2 oil changes (1800 and 5000 miles), the first one I had to remove the skid plate since the oil filter was really tight coming from factory. The oil change last weekend was a breeze without having to remove the skid plate, put a plastic cup right below the funnel like gourmet below the oil filter to hold the oil coming off the filter.
I never had to remove my splash shield to change my oil on my 3.3 v6 non-Hybrid. I just reach down in front of the exhaust manifold. (with gloves)
The Hybrid H/L is a different story. The engine cover is in the way. Splash shield must be removed to get the filter out.
And, when spin off the filter, spin very slowly take about 30 seconds to 1 minute as yu spin , and , the oil in the filter will SLOWLY drip in to the engine mounted funnel just below the filte till the filter is empty, voila , no mess. Of course make sure the catch pan is below this funnel.to catch the oil.
No mess
I don't believethe Built-in funnel is found on the 3.0 v6's. Not sure of the pre 2004's
I will be changing the oil in my Tundra soon and I have a quick question. This will be the first time I have ever changed the oil in a vehicle so I am a novice of novices. I bought an OEM filter today and at the bottom of the box was a small washer shaped thing. Where does this go? I've read through my Hanyes manual and it didn't mention anything about this part. TIA
Toobroke: I know you wanted this to be Highlander owners only but I will be doing this on Friday and I need an answer (and yes, I did do a search). Please accept my apologies if I have upset you.
I will be changing the oil in my Tundra soon and I have a quick question. This will be the first time I have ever changed the oil in a vehicle so I am a novice of novices. I bought an OEM filter today and at the bottom of the box was a small washer shaped thing. Where does this go? I've read through my Hanyes manual and it didn't mention anything about this part. TIA
That is the washer that goes around the oil drain plug. Helps prevent leaks from that area as well as making the plug unscrew easier on the next oil change.
That is the washer that goes around the oil drain plug. Helps prevent leaks from that area as well as making the plug unscrew easier on the next oil change.
I have changed the oil in my wife's '03 3.0L V-6 9 times. I couldn't figure out how to take off the bottom shield and I was afraid of breaking the plastic fasteners so I do everything from the top for the filter. After burning my arms on the exhaust manifold the first couple of times (Homer Simpson says it best "Doe"), I finally figured out that if I dropped the oil from the pan first, then put a small house fan blowing on the front of the engine it cooled the manifold below searing temperature in about half an hour. I can then loosen and remove the filter from the top spilling about half the oil down the deflector shoot into the drain pan underneath. When the filter is off I use a rag to clean up any spilled oil on the engine and frame. After putting the new filter on I wipe off any other oil from underneath and I'm done, takes me about 1/2 hour not counting the cool down time.
This is how I change my oil... After a short drive with the engine oil less viscous, I open the drain bolt and let it drain all night. Then in the morning remove the filter and complete the oil change by then everything is cold, no burns!!!
On my new highlander, there is no washer on the drain bolt, pretty strange but then good not having to replace the washer now and then. It looks like a steel bolt...
I have never used washers on the oil drain bolt ever and never had a leak!!!
Anyone do their own oil changes?
it had this weird coating where the wrench woudl go, my usual oil filter wrench wouldnt fit!
