How to change oil Toyota Corolla Ninth Generation (2003-2008)

The 9th generation Toyota Corolla was first introduced in 2000, with production continuing until 2007. The new Corolla featured several significant improvements over the previous model, including an increase in power and performance, a redesigned exterior and interior, and a focus on safety features.

One of the key changes to the 9th generation Corolla was the use of a more powerful 1.8-liter engine, which produced up to 130 horsepower. This represented a significant increase in power over the previous model, which had a 1.6-liter engine and produced 105 horsepower. The new engine allowed for better acceleration and overall performance, making the Corolla a more engaging and fun-to-drive car.

The exterior of the 9th generation Corolla was also updated, with a more modern and aerodynamic design. The car featured smoother lines and a sportier look, which helped it stand out from the previous model. The interior of the car was also updated, with a more spacious and comfortable cabin. The seats were more supportive, and the dashboard was redesigned to be more ergonomic and intuitive to use.

The 9th generation Corolla also placed a strong emphasis on safety features, with the introduction of standard front airbags and side impact airbags.

Do I need to change my oil now?

Engine oil is a vital component of any combustion engine, as it lubricates all the moving parts and helps to prevent friction, heat, and wear. Over time, however, the oil can become contaminated with dirt, metal particles, and other debris, which can reduce its effectiveness and potentially cause damage to the engine.

Changing the engine oil on a regular basis is essential to maintain the health and longevity of the engine, as it removes the old, contaminated oil and replaces it with fresh, clean oil.

If you don’t change your engine oil on time, there are a few signs that can indicate that the oil is overdue for a change, including:

1. Engine noise: If the engine starts to make loud knocking or ticking sounds, it could be a sign that the oil is too old and is no longer effectively lubricating the engine.
2. Poor performance: Old oil can also cause the engine to run poorly, with reduced power and acceleration.
3. Increased oil consumption: If you find that you’re needing to top up the oil more frequently than usual, it could be a sign that the oil is no longer doing its job effectively.
4. Check engine light: If the check engine light comes on, it could be a sign that the engine is not running as it should, and the oil could be a contributing factor.

What is the recommended engine oil change interval?

According to the owner’s manual for the 9th generation Toyota Corolla (model years 2000-2008), the recommended oil change interval for this vehicle is every 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first, under normal driving conditions.

However, the recommended oil change interval may vary depending on the specific operating conditions of the vehicle. For example, if the vehicle is driven in severe conditions, such as extreme heat, cold, or dusty environments, or if the vehicle is used for frequent short trips or stop-and-go driving, the oil change interval may need to be more frequent.

Why did the car feel depressed? Because it had too many miles on its odometer!

CAR JOKE

Checking the oil level

To check the engine oil level on a your Toyota, you can follow these steps:

1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and turn off the engine.
2. Wait a few minutes to allow the engine oil to settle in the oil pan.
3. Open the hood and locate the engine oil dipstick, which is usually marked with a yellow or red handle.
4. Pull the dipstick out of the dipstick tube and wipe it clean with a lint-free cloth or paper towel.
5. Reinsert the dipstick all the way back into the tube, making sure it is fully seated.
6. Pull the dipstick out again and look at the oil level. The oil level should be between the “FULL” and “LOW” marks on the dipstick. If the level is below the “LOW” mark, you will need to add more oil.
7. If the oil level is low, add small amounts of oil at a time and recheck the level until it reaches the “FULL” mark on the dipstick.
8. Be sure to use the recommended type and viscosity of oil for your vehicle, which can be found in the owner’s manual or on the oil cap.
9. Once you have added enough oil to bring the level up to the “FULL” mark, replace the dipstick and close the hood.

It’s a good idea to check the engine oil level regularly, such as once a month or before long trips, to ensure that the engine has enough oil to operate properly.

Preparing for an Oil Change

How much engine oil do you need and which to choose?

In a table that shows the oil volume, viscosity, recommended brands, and approximate cost for each of the 9th generation Toyota Corolla engines:

Engine	Oil Volume	Recommended Viscosity	Recommended Brands	Approximate Cost
1.8-liter 1ZZ-FE	4.4 quarts (4.2 liters)	5W-30 or 10W-30	Mobil 1, Pennzoil, Valvoline	$25 – $35
1.8-liter 2ZZ-GE	4.4 quarts (4.2 liters)	5W-30 or 10W-30	Royal Purple, Castrol, Amsoil	$40 – $60
1.8-liter 1ZZ-FED	4.4 quarts (4.2 liters)	5W-30 or 10W-30	Quaker State, Havoline, Shell Rotella	$20 – $30
1.8-liter 1ZZ-FE PZEV	4.4 quarts (4.2 liters)	5W-30 or 10W-30	Mobil 1, Pennzoil, Valvoline	$25 – $35
1.6-liter 3ZZ-FE	3.9 quarts (3.7 liters)	5W-30 or 10W-30	Mobil 1, Pennzoil, Valvoline	$25 – $35

Which oil filter to choose

Engine	Filter Brand	Catalog Number	Cost (USD)
1.8-liter 1ZZ-FE	Toyota	90915-YZZF2	$6
	Fram	PH4967	$4
	K&N	HP-1004	$13
1.8-liter 2ZZ-GE	Toyota	90915-YZZD1	$6
	Fram	PH4967	$4
	K&N	HP-1002	$13
1.8-liter 1ZZ-FED	Toyota	90915-YZZF2	$6
	Fram	PH4967	$4
	K&N	HP-1004	$13
1.8-liter 1ZZ-FE PZEV	Toyota	90915-YZZF2	$6
	Fram	PH4967	$4
	K&N	HP-1004	$13
1.6-liter 3ZZ-FE	Toyota	90915-YZZD3	$6
	Fram	PH4967	$4
	K&N	HP-1004	$13

When it comes to choosing an oil filter for your Toyota Corolla, it’s important to prioritize quality over cost.

Cheap oil filters may be made with lower-quality materials that can break down more quickly and fail to adequately filter your oil.

What tools are needed for the job

To change the engine oil on a car, you will need the following tools:

1. Oil filter wrench – to remove the old oil filter.
2. Drain pan – to collect the old oil during the oil change.
3. Funnel – to help you pour new oil into the engine.
4. Socket wrench – to remove the oil drain plug.
5. Oil filter – to replace the old oil filter with a new one.
6. New oil – to replace the old oil that is being drained.

It’s also recommended to have some gloves and rags on hand to keep your hands clean and to wipe up any spills.

Oil change instructions

1. Gather the necessary tools and supplies, including an oil filter wrench, drain pan, funnel, socket wrench, oil filter, and new oil.
2. Park the car on a level surface and turn off the engine.
3. Locate the oil drain plug on the bottom of the engine oil pan. Position the drain pan underneath the plug.
4. Use a socket wrench to loosen and remove the drain plug, allowing the old oil to drain into the pan. Be careful, as the oil may be hot.
5. Once all the old oil has drained, replace the drain plug and tighten it securely.
6. Locate the oil filter, which is usually located on the side or bottom of the engine.
7. Use an oil filter wrench to loosen and remove the old oil filter. Be sure to have the drain pan underneath to catch any oil that spills out.
8. Use a rag to clean any oil residue from the oil filter mounting area.
9. Apply a small amount of new oil to the gasket of the new oil filter to ensure a good seal.
10. Install the new oil filter by hand and tighten it until it is snug. Do not over-tighten the oil filter.
11. Use a funnel to add the recommended amount and type of new oil to the engine. Check your owner’s manual to ensure you use the correct type and amount of oil.
12. Start the engine and let it run for a few minutes, then turn it off and check the oil level on the dipstick. Add more oil if necessary.
13. Check for any leaks around the drain plug and oil filter.
14. Properly dispose of the old oil and oil filter at a recycling center or auto parts store.

Maintenance of automatic transmission

According to the owner’s manual for the 9th generation Toyota Corolla, the recommended interval for changing the automatic transmission fluid (ATF) is every 60,000 miles under “normal” driving conditions. However, under “severe” driving conditions, such as frequent stop-and-go driving, towing a trailer, or driving in extremely hot or cold temperatures, Toyota recommends changing the ATF every 30,000 miles.

The choice of transmission fluid for 9th generation Toyota Corolla engines

Automatic transmissions in Toyota Corolla 9th generation vehicles require Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) rather than gear oil. The recommended ATF for each of the engines you listed is the Toyota ATF Type T-IV.

Here is a table with the engine types, recommended ATF viscosity, and some popular brands of Toyota ATF Type T-IV along with their part numbers and approximate costs:

Engine	Recommended ATF Viscosity	Brand	Part Number	Approximate Cost
1.8-liter 1ZZ-FE	Toyota ATF Type T-IV	Valvoline	VV370	$7 – $10 per qt
1.8-liter 2ZZ-GE	Toyota ATF Type T-IV	Mobil	101063	$8 – $12 per qt
1.8-liter 1ZZ-FED	Toyota ATF Type T-IV	ACDelco	10-9395	$7 – $10 per qt
1.8-liter 1ZZ-FE PZEV	Toyota ATF Type T-IV	Castrol	03520	$7 – $10 per qt
1.6-liter 3ZZ-FE	Toyota ATF Type T-IV	Genuine Toyota	08886-02305	$7 – $10 per qt

It’s important to use the correct ATF for your specific engine type to ensure proper performance and avoid potential transmission issues. It’s recommended to consult your owner’s manual and use the recommended ATF Type T-IV when performing any ATF changes or top-offs.