2010 - 2021 Toyota 4Runner Oil Change - Beginner's Guide 

Thanks a ton!!

Good call

All great advice! Most people are not as meticulous, but I agree it will lead to a longer life of the engine. Nicely done using Blackstone or whoever for testing. I use them as well. Thanks for the comment!

@@BtwilliasGarage Thank you brother and congradulations on the Runner. May she serve you loyally and reliably for many years to come. I doubt it cause it's Japanese made and the critera from what I understand is super strict, IT'S NOT LIKE WHAT AMERICAN TOYOTA IS. though american toyota is still good. My brother has a 2016 toyota Camry, made in USA with 100k, 3 accidents, flooding, stolen and 1 pile up accident. fixed it every time. SAME ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION. He thinks following my protocol helped give with the engine and transmission longevity.

@@aky19832001 Good stuff man! My 3rd Gen has 289k and still going strong. Hope the same future is in order for the 5th Gen. I will keep the oil changes under 5k and we shall see. What oil do you use?

@@BtwilliasGarage I use only “Toyota Genuine Motor Oil” : ILSAC GF-5 multigrade SAE 0W-20 engine oil . You get better gas mileage than the 5w series. Everyone tries to argue, and i"m like READ YOUR MANUAL BUDDY! This is straight out of their manual. I swore to everyone that my gas mileage was attributed to oil, no one believed me. NOT EVEN THE DEALER. WHEN I went back to make sure the oil was ow-20, which it wasn't, it was 5w, I had them change it immediately to ow, it took me 2 oil changes to see the difference of 4 mpg extra. that matters. because 4mpg extra at 20 gallons, that's 40 extra gallons at 3 dollars a gallon, that's $120 dollar saved. This is from the Owner's manual for 4runners 5th gen page 465- “Toyota Genuine Motor Oil” is used in your Toyota vehicle. Use Toyota approved “Toyota Genuine Motor Oil” or equivalent to satisfy the following grade and viscosity. Oil grade: ILSAC GF-5 multigrade engine oil Recommended viscosity: SAE 0W-20 SAE 0W-20 is the best choice for good fuel economy and good starting in cold weather. If SAE 0W-20 is not available, SAE 5W-20 oil may be used. However, it must be replaced with SAE 0W-20 at the next oil change. Oil viscosity (0W-20 is explained here as an example): • The 0W in 0W-20 indicates the characteristic of the oil which allows cold startability. Oils with a lower value before the W allow for easier starting of the engine in cold weather. • The 20 in 0W-20 indicates the viscosity characteristic of the oil when the oil is at high temperature. An oil with a higher viscosity (one with a higher value) may be better suited if the vehicle is operated at high speeds, or under extreme load conditions. ""- Why give your self a headache and try to do something that's not your job as in go again'st what Toyota designed. I'm a physician by trade, not a engineer. I love Toyota 4runners. and I'm a "fanboy" lol of their SUV ( landcruisers, prado, lexus) , but that's as far as I go. I know people make fun of me but when they don't have much to say when they start running into high temperatures and burning engine oil www.toyota.com/t3Portal/document/om-s/OM35B48U/pdf/OM35B48U.pdf

@@BtwilliasGarage Also more about engine oil that people don't know from toyota 4runner manual ■Engine oil consumption A certain amount of engine oil will be consumed while driving. In the following situations, oil consumption may increase, and engine oil may need to be refilled in between oil maintenance intervals. ●When the engine is new, for example directly after purchasing the vehicle or after replacing the engine ●If low quality oil or oil of an inappropriate viscosity is used ●When driving at high engine speeds or with a heavy load, when towing, or when driving while accelerating or decelerating frequently ●When leaving the engine idling for a long time, or when driving frequently through heavy traffic

Haha she is an attention hog 😁. I'll let her know that. Thanks man!

Got mine yesterday! Same idea here, getting prepared to take care of her.

Here's the Fumoto! amzn.to/2OJi0SQ

@@BtwilliasGarage Got one. Thanks

Make sure to do engine break in oil change around 1000miles before the actual first service. Doesn't cost much but totally worth it for the life of engine.

@@nimai0108 damn i didn’t do this, im at 14km now

Thanks man!

2016 TIS repair manual specifies: Oil Filter Cap Assembly: Toyota part #: 1565038020 (18 ft·lbf) Do earlier 5th gen repair manuals specify 25 ft.lbs?

Nice work! Thank you

Yes that is the proper way to do it!

Appreciate it! You guys liking and commenting helps me get more views and gives me motivation to continue. Enjoy your 4Runner!

At 107k/5 years and going strong. They are used by tens of thousands of people/vehicles, but I'll be the first to scream it if it ever causes issues

Nice! Congrats on the new ride! I have quite a few other videos for when your bored and ready for mods 😉

😂😂 thanks!!

Unfortunately it does take a bit longer. When you get used to it I would say 30-45 mins is about average when you take your time and don't rush

Right on man! Thanks for taking the time to let me know it helped. Enjoy the job, it's nice getting to know the 4Runner. Check for rust and check out fluid film for winter months if your area gets any salt on the roads. My latest Shrockworks Rock slider install video covered how to apply it near the beginning after the intro

No doubt man! I have heard the horror stories. Outside of 1 alignment using a proper Hunter machine at a trusted shop, I am proud to say that I am the only person to touch this 4Runner, mechanically speaking. Enjoy your 4R!

My dealer sheered off two of my bolts. They only changed my oil 2 times. The first time, they did not even bother to change it. They must have thought I wouldn't notice since my 4runner only had low miles. I noticed. I caught them red-handed sabotaging the brakes on my other car. This dealer is not touching my car after this.

Great video. Even though the dealership offered me the Toyota care I will never have them do any oil or fluid change on my 4runner. I learned not to trust the technicians at the dealership.

Agree!

don't overlook the ValvoMax Oil Drain Valve (M12-1.25)!

I'll check it out!

Good idea. I actually went overboard and went with JB weld. They still come off every few oil changes, but I prefer it that way. Just use a drop and it's serviceable if needed

Right on! Thanks!

Haha thanks. I'm really proud of it

Thanks for the kind words! Really appreciate the comment, like and sub! I'll keep the content coming! I think I'm up to 10+ vids on the 5th Gen if you want to browse within my channel 👍

I appreciate you commenting. Great points!

Although if I am reading correctly, be aware it's not recommended to use a torque wrench to break stuff loose. Get you a cheap AutoZone breaker bar. You don't want to ruin your nice torque wrench pins

Its hit or miss for me. I think the cap is more of a fight when i over-tighten it. Who actually torques that cap? Anymore, I wait till the metals tuch and give it a little more. I figure the Oring in there will prevent it from backing out...

I had trouble removing the metal cap off her housing my daughter's Rav4 once. Each time I tried to remove the cap the entire filter housing would turn. So I used my impact driver and it zipped off nice and neat. I just wish Toyota would improve the funnel to drain the oil from the filter before removing the housing.

Ask them to save your old filter for you to "inspect it for metal". ie. Make sure they changed it You will want to use someone you trust, there are scams out there for sure

That is correct. If you don't have a torque wrench then I would advise you to just tighten it with a wrench until it give you resistance. Just go until it stops plus a extra little bump. Don't go crazy with tightening after it stops. You will be good. Best of luck and stay healthy

aftermarket valves, for whatever reason require less torque to tighten down than the standard drain plug. for example, the standard drain plug requires 30 ft.lbs, whereas the ValvoMax Oil Drain Valve (M12-1.25) suggests 16-18 ft.lbs. www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/285126-beginner-fluid-maintenance.html

No problem! We will be doing the T Case and differentials this weekend. Be sure to subscribe

Yes sir! Did that and it works well

You are welcome! Thanks for taking the time to comment

Based on the way the drain plug is at the very bottom on the pan, there should be hardly anything left in it if you are patient and wait for the last few drops. Not a concern, but good question!

Good eye, they are Nitro RGs. They are 265/70/17s. I love them! Coming from Terra Grapplers, they are definitely better quality for offroading and don't have much more noise. I made a video a few months back on the upgrade from the Terras. RU-vid search TRD Pro Ridge Grapplers and it should be the first result if you have time to check it out

Give it a little twist and pull hard. I'm sure it's the same

Correct, you can leave it off. It may slightly affect the wind resistance, but nothing noticable. We don't run one on my brothers LX470 and it's fine and easier to change the oil

@@BorleyRectory37 Fumato Drain Valve. Here is the correct product number for a 5th Gen 4Runner - amzn.to/41tVmxs

@@BtwilliasGarage Thank you! Just checked the link and Amazon is out of this...I'll keep checking.

Does it have a center piece insert that comes out? Must be an aftermarket one. Just pop off all the bolts and torque them back up to my recommended specs or semi tightly by hand and you will be fine. You can't really mess that up unless you accidentally cross thread them. Do it by hand and you're good. Best of luck!

Btwillia's Garage it shouldn’t be after market. I found another video that showed how to get it off. There’s plastic piece in front that you have to take off first (it overlaps the skid plate). Then you take the plate off and good to go. Everything went fine. I even installed the fumoto bolt. Thanks for the great instructions.

I can understand that. I didn't trust them on my vehicles until the locking clip came out. I have used on my lawn mowers and ATVs for years. No issues. Google them. People love them. Pretty neat concept. Thanks for watching!

I’ll start with my gen 4 first.

ValvoMax Oil Drain Valve (M12-1.25)

@@BtwilliasGarage they are great. Used them on my old Blazers for 10+ years with no problems though I did add a small hose clamp as a safety to keep the lever from tripping. probably not necessary. just got my 4 Runner...glad to see that there's enough room for the fumoto on it

Right on Michael! Glad to hear that man. Enjoy the new ride man

hopefully this site can help you... www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/285126-beginner-fluid-maintenance.html

Yes you should use it instead of doing like I did and using the ratchet in the cap to tighten it. I overtightened mine by not using the socket tool. Pretty much use it to tighten it back. And if your small drain plug at the bottom isn't overtightened you will likely need it to crack your housing loose once it unscrews. Make sense? Sorry for the confusion

Good question. It would help a little I'm sure to be flat, but we are talking around .1 of a quart. There is always a little oil left and the 4runners definitely have enough room to change the oil without any sort of lift. You could go either route, but I wouldn't lose sleep over it either way. Thanks for watching!

Just put back of the track half way in garage and front half way on step part of driveway on the ramp. Now it’s flat and you have lots of room under.🇨🇦

Thanks man!

Yeah you need a road force alignment or new tires to fix

Those are all high end filters. I would use any of them

I would go standard in that case I believe. The deep ones can be too long for certain jobs and an extension is cheaper than 2 sets when deep is needed

The skid plate? Haha yeah it's not the best part to put back

Honestly it doesn't matter to me the style, more the location. The skid plate is annoying on the Pro to remove to get to the filter. My 3rd Gen is a pain with the can style due to the location behind the fender well. I hate them the same 😀

Btwillia's Garage The 3rd gen is a pain. Lol I’ve always liked the way the earlier 1GR’s had the oil filters on top of the engine.

Agreed, I did that as well. They stay pretty well with that tactic. I used PB weld

Is pb weld permanent?

No you can easily break it off. I actually had to redo mine because I was too heavy handed/light with the application

However it is intended to be, so be careful, but if you wanted it off a quick hit with a hammer would knock it off clean with zero damage

@@BtwilliasGarage Use JB Weld or Silicon Adhisive

Agree! Just be sure not to be too much. Measuring the 1.6 out of a 5 quart container is not the easiest task in the world.

Thanks! It's a vinyl insert. You can see the installation and more info here ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-M_V5uvOZbbw.html

Yes sir, great idea. I use some JB weld and they tend to hold for 3 oil changes or so before it snaps off. I just put a few drops to make it removable if ever needed

Thank you, yes I am aware now. It's still in there really good, so I am going to buy another and then attempt to get it out with a vice. If it comes out clean, great. If not, I have a backup. Thanks for watching!

You are awesome! Thanks for the love

Good thinking!

That was 8700 miles. I normally aim for 6k but let it go a bit over.

You are welcome!

Solid! Thanks for letting me know it helped!

I'm not sure that Toyota makes it, but there are aftermarket ones on the market with good reviews. I should grab one as well

Ps, thank you!

Yes Amsoil is very good oil 🤘

Haha I know. It's a bit of a pain. I have a expert fast version of this video uploading as I type. Be sure to subscribe if you like my style

Don't let her fool you, she's mean as hell. Jk, thanks haha

Correct

Find you a trusted mechanic that is aware of how to properly perform the service. Or better yet...try to do it yourself! Best if luck

@@BtwilliasGarage i will be doing it myself. After all I am a retired tech. P.S. i never had to destroy a filter or housing to remove an oil filter.

@@duane9707 it's sad when you can't trust the dealership for an oil change, but as a tech, you know it's the young/inexperienced guys and gals that get put on those jobs

The linked version will clear perfectly, I appreciate the positive feedback

@@BtwilliasGarage Thanks for the quick response, you helped me out big time a few years ago installing the remote start. Been working perfectly ever since. Thats a great vid as well. Be well

@@ribsnwhiskey same to you my friend! Good to hear from you. Take care

Hey - I am worried the link changed now and do not want to be wrong. Please cancel that order and search for this one instead. I will be updating it soon. Sorry about that: and: Fumoto 4.7 out of 5 stars 241Reviews Fumoto Original F-103 with LC-10 Included F-Series Engine Oil Drain Valve, 1 Pack

@@BtwilliasGarage No worries I havent ordered yet. I was pretty sure it was different so thank you for checking. I'll get the one I see in the video to be sure.

I normally do, all that does is makes the drain time a bit faster

No, I have been the only person to mechanically touch this 4Runner 😀

@@BtwilliasGarage one of the reasons that I asked is I'm looking to buy a new 4runner when I get back to the States, and they keep bringing up the Toyotacare program and my brother just bought the extended maintenance plan on his Toyota. I'm unsure if it is really worth it. I have a nice shop with all the tool's and usually do all the services myself on all my rides and equipment.

@@krazeekalvin i wouldn't personally get too excited over free oil changes. It's more of a pain driving to the dealership for me versus changing it in 30 mins while drinking a beer and enjoying the outdoors. It is nice though for the cost savings. I'm sure you will be happy either way! Tell them to knock another $500 off and keep the interest rate, trade in, etc the same. 😀

I change like around 6k with full synthetic. If you really want to know, check out Blackstone labs. Send a mid stream sample of your 10k oil and see what they say. They will tell you how far you can safely go. Good luck!

If you buy the high miles oil filter you could go 10 to15000 miles. You can use mobil 1or Bosch or Royal purple oil filter. High miles, one only. All other cheap oil filters past 6000 miles basically get plugged and dump right back into the engine and now you're recirculating extremely dirty oil. I use full synthetic mobil 1 with the high mile oil filter change it every 10000 miles. Engine runs quieter lower RPMs with full synthetic. Gets better gas mileage as well. I also changed out the transmission fluid, transfer case and rear diff with mobile one synthetic.

FWIW, Toyota maintenance schedule for 5th gen V6 is 10k - it's not the same for all engines even if using full synthetic (my 2014 Tundra Flex Fuel is every 5k).

Toyota suggests 10K when using synthetic. personally, i wouldn't even wait that long. I do mine every 7,500. Scotty Kilmer is great for stuff like that. my general rule of thumb is: Conventional Oil: ~ 4,000 miles Synthetic Oil: ~ 7,500

@@richhutchings8979 Actually the cheap filters are less likely to clog. Unless the engine is coming apart or a crappy air filter is used the oil filter will last for two to three oil changes. I change the oil filter every other time. The filter barely has any dirt in it. I could easily go three oil changes per filter. The oil filter and skid plate is a horrible design on the 5th Gen 4R. A slightly dirty oil filter works better than a brand new one. Changing the filter every other time saves money, time, hassle, and the engine will be subject to less wear.

Thanks!

Thanks! What's up neighbor!

A little sticky, but works 🤣

I use JB weld and it holds up for a few months

Yeah man it's definitely and extra step or 4

+Tony G you actually do. I messed up and tightened mine by the 3/8 drive metal cap and it's stuck now. Not a big deal but proper spec is to use it and change that small o ring in the no-spill drain access

The link in the description is the exact one you want

She's a black GSD 😁

😂😂

Agreed!

That or JB weld should do that trick! Good call!

I was also thinking about JB but I said crazy glue just in case you needed to take them off for some reason. But I have a ‘19 TRD off road and love it. Haven’t done the oil change myself yet but enjoyed watching your video. Nice truck man! 👍🏻

What's preventing you from threading the bolts up into the spacers prior to re-installing the skid plate? This should hold the spacers in place while you wiggle the bolt back into its hole.

@@A.L.F.A.L.F.A unfortunately the spacers are not threaded. It's a simple pass through

Thank you sir! Got you man! ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-M_V5uvOZbbw.html

I bought those from TuffSkinz by the way. You can find them on their site. I need to update my links

@@BtwilliasGarage awesome just got my 2017 4runner trd pro last week 🙌.....same color as urs man (stormtrooper ) and when I saw ur skid plate ...I was like thats perfect...thanks man ima look them up

@@jluisl3652 Happy New Year to you and yours and enjoy it man! Mine is still holding strong and looks new years later

@@BtwilliasGarage same 2 u man happy 😊 new year

This is true, but I would imagine anyone with a Pro would want it if even for the looks. I know exactly what you mean though

24 pounds or so. It's aluminum

@@BtwilliasGarage I own a 2018 trd OR and was curious if the OEM skid is heavier or lighter than your skid?

I'm not sure of the OEM standard skid weight, but I'm sure it's quite a bit lighter. It should make the job easier

Yes you can! I JB welded mine and they stay for 3 changes or so before I accidentally knock them off. Then I just redo them

Haha are you reading my video idea notepad 👀👀 Got you coming soon in the next couple weeks 🤘

Part 1 for you kind sir - ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-5l5R1_Q_g3s.html

Every 5-6.5k

Is this Mobil1 any good for this truck? Thanks!

@@ishmo3269 yeah it's good stuff. Test show the Amazon synthetic 0w20 is actually really good stuff too.

Thanks!

7,500 miles. btw, toyota recommends every 10k miles using fully synthetic oil. i would NOT wait longer than 10k miles though, especially if you plan on keeping it for a while.

As often as I change my oil, I'm not too concerned about it. The TRD motors are the same as SR5 etc.

Yes I agree, I should wear them way more often. Thank you!

Agreed, it is a pain, but once you get it down it can be done in 30 mins. Fumoto valve helps slightly! Link in description of you need one

My 2005 4runner is much easier to change filter. My 2018 oil filter is a pain in the ass.

@@flyfliker I've never changed the oil on a 4th Gen, but I'm jealous now haha!

"too difficult" you say? Admitting defeat already?

@@njsongwriter good point , but this is called design fault , i had Honda Odyssey , and it was so hard to clean specially sliding doors because water proof rubber was installed pretty inside and inner part of the door was expose to dirt , i mean to say that these companies invest billions on these so they must explore all prospectives , and these days by using powerful computers and powerful softwares , these things are pretty visible , i live Japan built and these old school vehicle because its easy to understand how the system work so small trouble shooting you can do by your own ..

Yes that would have made it easier for sure!

@@BtwilliasGarage Thanks for the video. I do my own maintenance on my 2015 Tacoma TRD-OR But we just got my wife a 19 4Runner TRD-OR Premium. She's coming up on 5,000mi. Doing my homework now.

@@conradaleshire4428 absolutely! It's not too bad on the 4runner. About 30 mins taking your time once you get the hang of it. Be sure to use the cap tool on the filter to tighten it. I used the 3/8s and overtightened the little plate in on accident. No biggie, but will need to get it out to replace that o ring next time.

Ps. Congrats on the new Toyota!

​@@BtwilliasGarage Thanks! Always a pleasure meeting fellow enthusiasts.

She's a diva