The Toyota 4Runner 5th Generation Oil Change Instructions. Oil changes are commonly recognized as one of the most vital car service items. A Toyota 4Runner oil change is no exception. We’ll concentrate on the 5th generation 4Runner. However, because the method is extremely similar and the oil and filter recommendations remain the same, this instruction will also apply to most previous models of 4Runner.
Changing your own oil is one of the simplest and most straightforward ways to save money on 4Runner maintenance. A routine service and oil change at a Toyota-certified service center would typically cost between $150 and $175. You may cut that expense in half by doing it yourself. It is critical that if you choose to do the service yourself, you do it correctly. We’ll go over the following topics in this guide:
- Equipment Required
- Capacity of Toyota 4Runner Engine Oil
- Suggestions for Runnner Oil and Filters
Toyota 4Runner Oil Change Instructions
By the end of this tutorial, you’ll have learned everything you need to know about doing an oil change on a 5th Generation 4Runner. If you carefully follow this guide, you should be ready to go for about $75 and 30 minutes of your time.
Tools Required for an Oil Change
Vehicle Ramps/Jack and Jack Stands – If you can’t get under your X5 to reach the drain plug while it’s on the ground, you’ll need to lift it. Rhino ramps, or something similar, are a nice and inexpensive choice. A jack and jack stands will suffice in the meantime.
- Socket 10mm – For use on the front skid plate.
- 12mm Socket – Used to tighten the front skid plate cover bolts.
- 14mm Socket – To be used with the oil drain stopper.
- Oil Filter Removal Tool 64mm
- 3/8″ Extension Socket Wrench
- Gasket Removal Tool or Flathead Screwdriver
- Container for catching oil
- Funnel
- Gloves
Capacity of Toyota 4Runner Oil
Most 1GR-FE Toyotas, including the 5th Generation 4Runner, require 6.6 quarts of oil. That is the same as 6.25 liters of oil. When adding oil to your 4Runner, precision is essential. Using too much oil can lead to engine troubles in the future. The same is true for not using enough oil.
How to Check the Engine Oil on a 5th Generation 4Runner
It is critical to check the engine oil level after completing your oil change. Checking the engine oil in your 4Runner is as simple as it is in most other automobiles with a physical dipstick.
It is critical to measure your 4Runner’s oil on a flat surface with the motor turned off. It is advisable to measure your oil after the car has sat for some time. This permits the oil to accumulate in the oil pan.
Pop the hood and look for the dipstick once the car has cooled down. It includes a yellow pull tab that should make it easier to find. Wipe the dipstick clean with a clean shop towel after removing it. Reinsert the dipstick completely until it seals. Check the reading by removing the dipstick once more. The oil should be located between the two leveling dots.
If the oil does not reach the bottom dot, there could be an oil leak or the engine could have burned up surplus oil. In any case, it’s worth looking into further. When you finish your oil change, the oil will move closer to the top dot, indicating that it is at maximum capacity.
Resetting the Toyota 4Runner Oil Service Indicator
This is the final stage in the 5th Gen oil changing procedure. To do this, your 4Runner must have the engine turned off but the ignition and accessories turned on. To reset the oil service indication on your 4Runner, first turn the key as far as it will go without starting the vehicle.
Once the key is in “accessory position,” check that the “Trip A” reading is displayed on the odometer screen. If it isn’t, press the knob to the right of the speedometer to cycle the screen to Trip A. Turn the key to the off position once the display has read appropriately.
Then, while holding the Trip Meter “RESET” button, return your key to accessory mode (the farthest it will go without starting the car).
The service reminder light will then illuminate solidly for 3 seconds, blink for 2 seconds, and then turn off.
Then, press the “RESET” button again and turn the key to the off position. Restart the engine to ensure that the light was effectively reset.
Suggestions for Oil and Filters
As you may expect, it is recommended to use OEM Toyota-developed oil in your 4Runner. However, if OEM oil is not an option, there are a number of additional high-quality alternatives. Whether you go the OEM path or a different route, ensure sure your oil of choice is entirely synthetic and long-life certified. The oil should be fine as long as those conditions are met.
0W-20 is the recommended oil weight for the 5th Generation 4Runner. 0W-20 is an extremely thin viscosity when compared to the recommended oil weight for many other manufacturers. As a result, many 4Runner owners wonder if that is the best oil for their vehicle. Despite its unusual selection, all official Toyota guides and manuals for the 5th Generation confirm 0W-20 as the suitable oil for practically any application.
Toyota states that 0W-20 is effective in practically every temperature range in the United States. Some 4Runner owners who reside in hotter climates prefer to use 10W-30. Both will function OK, although it is advisable to use Toyota’s recommended oil.
Toyota oil filters are also the greatest option. They are also rather simple to obtain. They’re even available on Amazon. You’ll also need new oil drain plug gaskets, which are available on Amazon.
Suggestions for Oil
Toyota Synthetic 0W-20 , This is the greatest all-around solution for changing the oil in your 4Runner. 0W-20 oil is effective in a wide range of temperatures. Unless your summers are very hot, this is the engine oil you should be using.
Mobil 1 Full Synthetic 0W-20 – If you can’t find any Toyota 0W-20, this is usually considered the best non-OEM oil option.
Mobil 1 10W-30 Fully Synthetic Engine Oil – Once again, it is advisable to stick to Toyota’s recommendation of 0W-20 oil. If you reside in a place with exceptionally hot summers, 10W-30 will also suffice.
Procedure for Changing the Oil in a 5th Generation 4Runner
As previously said, changing the oil in your 4Runner is a relatively straightforward procedure. The entire technique takes about 30 minutes to accomplish, depending on your degree of competence. The following are the steps required to do a 5th Gen oil change:
Step 1 of Oil Change – Raise the Vehicle
This phase may differ depending on the materials you have available. If you have vehicle ramps, place them beneath your 4Runner’s front two tires. Apply gas slowly until you reach the top of the ramp. Once the vehicle is stopped, make sure you activate the parking brake. This will prevent the vehicle from rolling backwards off of them.
If you have a jack and jack stands, lift the automobile using the front reinforced jack point. On a perpendicular brace, the jack point is directly in front of the stiffening plate. The diagram below depicts the location of the central front jack point.
Once the car is airborne, place jack stands beneath the front two jack points. The diagram below will show these. It is possible to use simply the two front jack stands, although this is not recommended. It is preferable to jack up the rear of the 4Runner using the rear central jacking point (shown in the diagram below) and then place the other two jack stands under the rear jack points. This keeps the vehicle level in the air and allows all of the oil to drain.
Step 2 of the oil change procedure is to remove the cover that covers the skid plate.
Once the 4Runner is in the air, you may begin the oil changing procedure. To gain access to the drain plug (seen below), first remove the front skid plate cover. To remove the two bolts at either end of the panel, you’ll need a 12mm socket and wrench.
The lid should drop down once you remove the two bolts. Set the plate cover and bolts to the side wherever you won’t lose them.
Step 3 of 1GR-FE Oil Change – Place Oil Catch Container and Remove Oil Drain Plug
The engine oil must then be drained. Before you begin, set your used oil receptacle beneath your Runner. Keep in mind that the oil is pressured before the drain cap is removed. This means that the used oil will flow out pretty forcefully, therefore position the receptacle to compensate.
After you’ve secured the catch container, unscrew the oil drain cap. It is positioned within a cut-out area that was exposed when the skid plate cover was removed (see image below). Turn the drain plug counter-clockwise with a socket wrench and a 14mm 6-point socket. As the drain plug drains, make sure it does not fall into the dirty oil.
The oil draining operation usually takes about 5 minutes. Don’t become frustrated with the procedure. Before continuing, wait until the oil is only occasionally leaking from the drain.
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Step 4 of the Oil Change Procedure: Replace the Oil Drain Plug and Remove the Skid Plate
After the oil has been drained, reattach the oil drain plug with a new oil drain plug gasket if you purchased one. Some 4Runner owners take advantage of this by replacing an outdated or damaged drain cap. If you don’t want to replace your drain plug, using an old drain plug with an unused drain plug gasket would suffice.
The oil filter on the 5th Generation must be removed because it is positioned beneath the skid plate. You’ll need to remove the skid plate cover first. To remove the skid plate cover on your 4Runner, you’ll need a 10mm socket and a corresponding tool.
There are 5 bolts that must be unscrewed on the front and back of the cover. There is also a little push pin near the front of the cover that must be pulled out. After that, the four bolts that keep the skid plate in place will be exposed.
Unbolt the skid plate from front to back. You’ll have to hold the plate up while you remove the back bolts, but that’s preferable to getting smacked in the face. Lift the skidplate out and over the hooks holding it on towards the front once the bolts are removed. Keep the bolts in an easily accessible location.
Step 5 of Toyota 4Runner Oil Change – Remove Oil Filter and Replace Oil Filter Gaskets
After reinstalling the drain plug, you can remove the oil filter. The oil filter change technique for the 5th Gen is a little more involved than others, but it’s still rather simple. If oil becomes trapped in the oil filter housing, make sure to reintroduce the oil collecting container.
There is a metal oil filter plug that must first be removed. Unscrew the plug with a 3/8″ drive ratchet and let it drain for a minute.
To collect the residual oil from the filter, your new oil filter kit will include a little plastic oil drain tool. Simply insert the plastic component into the housing’s oil filter base and allow the oil to drain fully. The plastic component and the old O-ring can then be discarded.
The existing filer can then be fully removed. Remove the oil filter housing with the filter inside using the 64mm oil filter wrench. Remove the old oil filter and discard it.
There is also a sealing O-ring near the bottom of the housing that has to be replaced. You should be able to remove it by hand, even if a flathead screwdriver or removal tool is required.
Step 6: Install New Filter O-Rings and Replace the Oil Filter
You’ll know where to put the new oil filter gasket once you’ve removed the old one. The necessary gaskets will almost definitely come with the new oil filter. Before fitting the replacement gasket, lubricate it with a tiny amount of oil. It is simplest to roll it into its proper place.
Replace the little oil filter gasket on the underside of the oil filter housing as well. Place it in the filter housing after coating it with oil. After installing the replacement gaskets, put the new oil filter over the oil filter stand and seat it at the bottom of the housing. Don’t be concerned about how you insert the filter; there is no top or bottom.
The complete component can then be reinstalled in the oil filter housing at the front of the engine from which it was removed. Screw the oil filter assembly onto the housing until the metal tab on the side aligns with the mark.
Following these instructions, use the 3/8″ extension and accompanying wrench to reinstall the metal drain stopper. Torque the plug to 30lb-ft or until it fits snugly.
Step 7 of the Oil Change Procedure: Fill the Engine With New Oil
The final step in the 4Runner oil change procedure is to apply the oil. As previously stated, the 5th Gen requires 6.6 quarts, or 6.25 liters, of oil to attain maximum oil capacity. A funnel is the finest way to fill your Runner’s engine oil. It is a good idea to use one to avoid spills on nearby engine components. If you do spill some, wipe it up immediately to avoid smoke from the oil burning off.
Each oil container has indicators on the side that indicate how much oil you have previously poured. Pour the majority of the oil into the oil fill port until it reaches 6.6 quarts. Reattach the oil cap.
