How to Remove the Oil Filter Element on a Toyota

Toyota manuals tend to leave out information on oil filter removal.

Unfortunately, Toyota manuals don't explain how to remove oil filters, while other automakers' manuals do. The procedure requires a specialized wrench which you can purchase at a Toyota dealership or online. Different models use different filters and different filters require different wrenches, so you'll need to know your car's model year for the purchase.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

things you'll need:

• Oil filter wrench appropriate for your model and model year
• Crescent wrench

1. • 1

     Buy an oil filter wrench at your local dealership, making sure the label states that it is compatible with your car model and year.

   • 2

     Remove the engine oil cap, remove the drain bolt and let the engine oil drain into a pan. You don't want the engine full of oil when you take off the oil filter. Replace the bolt after draining.

   • 3

     Place the oil filter wrench over the oil filter, which is under the engine. It's cylinder-shaped, about as tall as it is wide. The oil filter wrench is not really a wrench but rather a sort of cover with a bolt shape in the center that you then need to use another wrench on.

   • 4

     Twist the oil filter wrench off with a normal crescent wrench.

   • 5

     Remove the gasket (O-ring) that seals between the filter and the engine.

   • 6

     Clean the space the oil filter occupied, put a new gasket in place and screw a new filter on, again using the oil filter wrench. Finger tight plus a quarter turn is plenty--don't overtighten it or you could cause an oil leak.