Toyota
4Runner V6 4.0L 1GR-FE Engine Oil Change Guide
Pictures illustrated guide for how to
change the motor oil in a 2003-2009 Toyota 4Runner with the 4.0L 1GR-FE V6
engine.
| This guide is meant for illustrative purposes only and I assume no responsibility for any damage to your vehicles, persons, pets, or property. If you have any doubts, do not proceed and consult with a professional mechanic. | ||||
 2003 Toyota 4Runner |
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 4Runner Jack Point |
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 Two Jack Stands |
 4.0 Liter V6 1GR-FE |
 Oil Filter & Oil Filler Cap |
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| The old oil will drain out faster and remove more of the contaminants if you warm up the engine for a few minutes. Then the first step is to locate a jack point on the underside of the Toyota 4Runner and raise the SUV a few inches to allow better access to the 14mm oil drain bolt. I secured the vehicle with two jack stands for extra safety. Then remove the oil filler cap, located just behind the oil filter, to allow the old oil to drain out more quickly once you remove the oil drain bolt. | ||||
 Oil Drain Bolt Access Hole |
 14mm Oil Drain Bolt |
 Removing 14mm Bolt |
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| The oil drain bolt is located near the rear of the engine and can be seen through the oval access hole in the engine's metal skid plate. Place some newspapers or rags under the oil drain bolt and position the used oil catch container under the oil drain bolt. Remove the bolt with a 14mm socket and ratcheting wrench by turning it counter clockwise. | ||||
 Old Motor Oil Draining |
 Old Oil Filter |
 Purolator L10241 |
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| If you haven't already, remove the oil filler cap from inside the engine bay so that the used oil will drain out more quickly. Allow the old oil to drain out for at least a few minutes. | ||||
 Twist Off Old Filter |
 Open Oil Filler Cap |
 Oil Filter Removed |
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| While the old oil is draining out, move to the engine bay and twist off the old oil filter by turning it counter clockwise. If you have trouble turning it, use an oil filter wrench. Be ready with some paper towels or newspaper since a bit of oil will leak out when you remove the old oil filter. There is also a hole in the metal "cup" surrounding the oil filter receptacle, so some oil will leak down into the engine bay and onto the floor. | ||||
 Mobil 1 - 10W30 |
 Lubricate Oil Filter Gasket |
 Twist On New Oil Filter |
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| Lubricate the
rubber gasket on the new oil filter with a bit of new oil on your fingertip.
This will help it create a better seal and make it easier to remove for the
next oil change. Twist on the new oil filter and tighten it down by hand.
Then re-attach the oil drain bolt with the 14mm socket and tighten it about 1/4 to 1/2 turn past hand tight. Don't over-tighten the oil drain bolt to avoid damaging the threads or oil pan. |
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 Insert Funnel |
 Fill With Mobil 1 Oil |
 Check Oil Dipstick Level |
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| Using an automotive funnel, pour in about 4 to 4.5 quarts of new oil. Replace the oil filler cap, run the engine for a minute, let it sit for a few minutes, and check the level on the dipstick. Add more oil until the level on the dipstick reaches the upper "Full" mark. The 1GR-FE 4.0L V6 engine officially requires 5.5 US quarts for an oil change with a new filter. We poured in the entire 5 US quart bottle of Mobil 1 10W30 and the level reached the full mark. If we had let the engine drain out for longer, we may have needed to add that extra half (.5) quart. It's a good idea to check the oil level again over the next few days and check for leaks on your garage or driveway floor. | ||||
 Add Oil To Full Mark |
 Replace Oil Filler Cap |
 Oil Change Complete |
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| To reset the
"Maintenance Required" or "Oil Change Reminder" indicator light follow these
steps: 1. Turn the ignition key to "Off" with the odometer reading showing,
2. Turn the ignition key to "ON" while holding down the trip meter reset
button. 3. Keep holding the button until the light goes off. It will flash a
few times before going off. The light turns on every 5,000 miles. |
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| For more of my
related photo galleries, click on the following links:
Toyota Front Brake Pads Replacement Guide,
Meguiar's Headlight Buffing Kit Review,
Zaino Show Car Polish Review,
WeatherTech FloorLiner Review,
Toyota Cabin Air Filter Guide,
Corroded Car Battery Terminal Replacement Guide,
Garmin Nuvi 260W GPS Review,
Toyota Corolla Oil Change Guide, and the
K&N Air Filter Cleaning Guide. |
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