How to change the engine oil on a TOYOTA 4Runner - 2010-2023 (5th Gen) 

Glad you enjoyed it! You should put out some accounting videos and I can learn how to do my taxes 😊

Have trouble with that clip?

@@counterbalancelife4305 more than I'd like to admit, less than what I would consider a problem.

@@Pietop I hear you. Just got done with my first oil change on my 2024 4Runner. At least I know how to better do it next time...

@@counterbalancelife4305 That's all we can ever hope to do - better next time lol

Hey glad you found it helpful! I'm going to do more maintenance videos in the future so we can all try to save a bit of money instead of going to a dealer for simple things like this.

You're very welcome.

hey no problem

No problem, happy to help🤙

I've written emails to try and find that engineer. I don't know what they were thinking, pretty bad design.

I know right - It's wild they didn't cut a port hole for the filter too. Maybe they'll do it one day but not on these 5th gens...

hey no problem bud

no problem 🤙

Your local auto parts store will have one or you can order it off amazon - just type in 5th gen 4runner oil filter wrench and it pops right up.

I don't know why they had to make things complicated and use this filter, no one ever had any issues with a standard screw-on filter.

I'm not familiar with Baxter so I really don't know, but I do know there's not much clearance between the skid plate and the stock canister. If you find out let me know, might be an upgrade I want to do one day.

I haven't found that to be necessary for either, but you could if you knew the torque specs. I've found the drain plug does fine being snugged up with a ratchet by hand. If I had to guess I would say this is around 30 pounds or so, maybe even a touch less. Might want to get a new washer for your plug though, it's not the end of the world if you don't put a new one on every time but sometimes you'll get a small leak at your plug and think it's because it's not tight enough when it's actually your washer that's gone bad. Definitely don't over tighten your plug is my point - just hand snug with a ratchet. The filter only goes so far before it stops so I just snug it up to the point where I can put that little silver clip back on in the right place and call it good. You definitely don't want to over torque it either because it's plastic.

@@Pietop thanks for the feedback! I think I’ll just go with hand tightening

The little metal clip? Never.

@@Pietop the metal clip that you can pinch to drain the oil filter on top of the oil filter I’m asking because I didn’t do it either because the previous person who changed my oil put it on too tight and I couldn’t take it off

@@XxAlex530xX you don't have to do that. It's just an extra step from Toyota for convenience but it's fine if you just leave it alone.

This one was an STP but I use Mobile 1 sometimes too. I haven't had issues with either.

No, the small plate that covers the drain plug unbolts from a larger skid plate. The only skid plate you need to take off is the one closest to the front of the 4runner that covers the oil filter.

@Pietop thank you, greatly appreciate the quick response. Have a wonderful evening.

@@beaviskornholio2754 hey no problem, if I'm around I try my best to respond to people. Best of luck changing your oil!

@Pietop sorry to bother you again. 1 more question. If you don't put the metal clip back on the filter housing is that going to cause a problem.

hahaha oh we pay him well around here! 😂

Probably not, but I put mine back on every time

There's actually enough ground clearance to slip under the vehicle without ramps or anyting but admittedly it would make the job a bit easier.

@@Pietop I just did my first ever oil change today. Thanks for the clear instructions! Used ramps. Going to get a fumoto valve for the next one.

@@JM-kr2mo makes me happy to know the video helped you out! I'm going to have to invest in some ramps - I bet it's way easier!

@@Pietop I got HF ramps on sale for 44$. Don't get the metal ones tho, looks like they can just buckle instantly, plastic ones were plenty good.

@@JM-kr2mo I'll take any excuse to go rummage around harbor freight for an hour! Heck if I get them I might make an update video with them!

0w-20 is what my owner manual recommends and works best. It also says that 5w-20 will work too but should be replaced with 0w-20 at the following oil change. The only difference is that 0w-20 is a little bit better for starting in cold weather. I guess if you live somewhere that never freezes you could probably get away with it 5w-20.

Ow-20 for all 4runners

@@joeblow-xy3oz do you know if that includes older generations too?

@@Pietop yes you you can use 5-20 as directed in owners manual. The 0-20 is better in colder climates, i usually use 5-20 spring to fall and 0-20 in winter.

@@ruckinehround6965 100% spot on. Is there any notable advantage using 5-20 in the warmer months that you've noticed or is it just personal preference?

If you have a skid plate - yes. Otherwise it's way less time consuming.

@Pietop oh come on I'm about to get a 4runner 5th gen...and while we are on the topic.whats the best brand engine oil to use? conventional or full synthetic? And what type 0w-30 ? Also what transmission fluid,brake fluid and power steering fluid to buy ? If I leave out any other fluid please fill me in.i plan to drain everything out and replace it with fresh new fluids because when u buy a pre-owned vehicle u don't know what quality of oils these dealers put in the vehicle.and my guess is that they ain't gonna use top quality stuff.please correct me if im wrong.im eager and humbled to learn from u.thank you

@@Final_Fantasy_7 any brand of oil is fine if you change it frequently but just make sure you use fully synthetic 0w-20. Check out my channel for the other fluids, I have videos on the important ones and I have more planned to come out in the coming months.

Thanks for pointing that out. You can pick them up at any auto store or in bulk online. Re-using the old one isn't the end of the world if you don't have one on hand, but you shouldn't make that a habit. Always good to replace it.

I think it's because a lot of oil companies have started creating oils that they market can go 10k by adding dispersants and detergents, and it's convenient marketing for Toyota to take that and pass it along to us. I've stuck to 5k intervals with my 4runner and the oil I drain is always a deep black color meaning it's been heated and broken down to the point of needing to be replaced. If auto mechanics isn't your thing than 10k is probably okay, it'll get you down the road, but if you enjoy working on your machines and take pride in them lasting a long time then I'd change every 5k. Thanks for asking!

@@Pietop Thanks for the response! I have a 19’ and it’s been about 5200 miles since last change. I just checked and the level is still good, and it’s not too dark. I do see black deposits. Should I just go ahead and change?

@@Unplugged704 I wouldn't say you necessarily have to do it today but here in the next couple of weeks, yeah, I'd say it's about time for a change. Between 5k and 6k is fine. Just stay loser to 5k than 10k between changes and you'll be a'okay - general rule of thumb for my vehicles anyways.

If you're replacing the oil filter too and loosing that amount of oil trapped in the canister then yes - 6.6 qtz. If you don't replace the filter it's probably closer to 6 qtz but I always replace the filter.

For vehicles that are intended to be used off road, skid plates are necessary to protect these components. This is easy to do. Not as easy as an oil change in the previous generation of these cars, but this isn't a difficult task lmao.

I think you meant to say it's not fast rather than not easy.

It's a lengthy process for sure, but step by step it's not too complicated. Even after doing it a dozen or more times myself I still need 40 minutes to do the whole job. I have an '01 Wrangler and like your '65 I can knock that oil change out in 10-15 minutes flat - just doesn't seem fair by comparison... And I 100% agree with you; Toyota could have done better in cutting a port in the front skid plate for access to the oil filter. This whole thing has got me thinking though and I may try to cut a port in my skid plate now that were talking about it. Hope this video helped you get your oil changed (even though it is a bit of a pain) and thank you for the idea!

@@Pietop The first time I changed the oil, I lost a lot of faith in Toyota for the poor design. Got tired of paying too much to Quick Oil Change shops and not knowing if they did it all and did it right. Since my vehicles are not used for off road, the skid plates are nothing but worthless weight although there may be some gain for aerodynamics. The Tacoma's skid plate has long since been delivered to the scrap metal recycler, but I will cut an access for the 4Runner plate, probably with a cutting torch with the slag ground smooth. Have a great day

@@rachelr12345my 2004 goes off road just fine and I remove zero skid plates to access the oil filter. This is a pain in the 2010+

I never claimed to be a perfect person 😂

Well I think used motor oil is an ideal moisturizer for your hands, good source of iron too lol

@@Pietopdifference between a man and a boy right there

@@asron1294 exactly! it's the Pietop difference

“You got soft hands boay”

Sir, I am not gay