How to change oil Toyota Corolla Eighth Generation (1995-2000)

The eighth generation Toyota Corolla was first introduced in 1995 and was produced until 2000. This generation of the Corolla was a significant upgrade from the previous series, both in terms of design and performance. The car’s body was restyled with a more rounded, aerodynamic shape that reduced wind resistance and improved fuel efficiency.

The eighth-generation Corolla also featured improved safety features such as driver and passenger airbags, seatbelt pre-tensioners, and side-impact protection. Toyota engineers also made significant improvements to the suspension system, resulting in a smoother and more comfortable ride.

Under the hood, the eighth-generation Corolla was available with a variety of engines, including a 1.3L, 1.5L, 1.6L, and 1.8L, depending on the market. These engines were more fuel-efficient and produced less emissions than the engines found in the previous series.

Do I need to change my oil now?

Checking the oil level

To check the oil level in the engine of your generation Toyota Corolla, follow these simple steps:

1. Park your car on a level surface and turn off the engine.
   
2. Open the hood and locate the oil dipstick, which is usually located near the front of the engine and has a yellow handle or cap.
   
3. Pull the dipstick out of the engine and wipe it clean with a rag or paper towel.
   
4. Re-insert the dipstick all the way back into the engine, making sure it is fully seated.
   
5. Pull the dipstick out again and look at the level of the oil on the dipstick. It should be between the “low” and “full” marks on the dipstick. If it is below the “low” mark, you will need to add oil.

When checking the oil level, there are a few things to keep in mind.

First, always check the oil when the engine is cold or has been off for at least a few minutes. This will ensure that the oil has settled and you get an accurate reading.

Second, make sure to wipe the dipstick clean before re-inserting it into the engine, as any dirt or debris on the dipstick can affect the accuracy of the reading.

Finally, pay attention to the color and consistency of the oil. If it appears dark or sludgy, or if it has a burnt smell, this may indicate that the oil needs to be changed or that there is a problem with the engine. In this case, it’s best to have the car inspected by a mechanic.

When should the oil be changed?

To keep your car running well, you should change the engine oil every 5,000 to 7,500 miles, or every six months. However, the exact timing can depend on different things, like how and where you drive.

If you drive in traffic or tow heavy things often, you may need to change the oil more often so the engine stays lubricated and works well.

Using synthetic oil can make it possible to go longer between oil changes, because it lasts longer than regular oil.

Why did the woman bring a ladder to the auto shop? Because the mechanic told her the car needed a new “high-heel”!

CAR JOKE

Express oil quality test

The rapid engine oil test using a piece of paper and engine oil is a simple method to quickly determine the oil’s condition in your vehicle’s engine.

1. Take a clean piece of white paper and place a few drops of engine oil on it.
   
2. Hold the paper up to the light and observe the oil’s color and consistency.
   
3. Good quality oil should appear transparent or slightly yellow in color, indicating that it is clean and fresh.
   
4. If the oil appears dark or opaque, it may be dirty or contaminated and in need of a change.
   
5. If the oil appears to have metal particles or other debris, this could be a sign of engine wear or damage, and the car should be inspected by a mechanic.

This test can give you a rough idea of the oil’s condition, but it is not a substitute for regular oil changes and routine engine maintenance.

Preparing for an Oil Change

How much engine oil do you need

In the table below, I indicated the required amount of engine oil for each Toyota Corolla 8th generation engine

Engine	US quarts	liters
1.3 L 4E-FE I4	3.4	3.2
1.5 L 5A-FE I4	3.4	3.2
1.6 L 4A-FE I4	3.7	3.5
1.8 L 7A-FE I4	3.9	3.7

Which oil to choose

Engine	Recommended Viscosity	Popular Brands & Cost (per quart)
1.3L 4E-FE I4	5W-30 or 10W-30	Mobil 1 – $8.99; Castrol – $6.97; Pennzoil – $6.99
1.5L 5A-FE I4	5W-30 or 10W-30	Valvoline – $6.99; Royal Purple – $8.99; Quaker State – $6.47
1.6L 4A-FE I4	5W-30 or 10W-30	Shell Rotella – $7.99; Amsoil – $9.90; Mobil 1 – $8.99
1.8L 7A-FE I4	5W-30 or 10W-30	Royal Purple – $8.99; Castrol – $6.97; Pennzoil – $6.99

Which oil filter to choose

Engine	Brand	Catalog Part Number	Cost (USD)
1.3 L 4E-FE I4	Toyota	90915-YZZF2	$5.00
	Denso	150-1009	$4.99
	Fram	PH4967	$6.49
	Bosch	3323	$6.99
1.5 L 5A-FE I4	Toyota	90915-YZZF2	$5.00
	Denso	150-1008	$4.99
	Fram	PH4386	$6.49
	Bosch	3323	$6.99
1.6 L 4A-FE I4	Toyota	90915-YZZF2	$5.00
	Denso	150-1011	$4.99
	Fram	PH4967	$6.49
	Bosch	3323	$6.99
1.8 L 7A-FE I4	Toyota	90915-YZZF2	$5.00
	Denso	150-1006	$4.99
	Fram	PH3614	$6.49
	Bosch	3323	$6.99

What tools are needed for the job

To change the engine oil and oil filter on an 8th generation Toyota Corolla, you will need a few tools such as a wrench or socket set to remove the drain plug and oil filter, a drain pan to collect the old oil, a funnel to pour in the new oil, and a new oil filter.

The whole process should take about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on your level of experience and the accessibility of the oil filter and drain plug.

Oil change instructions

1. Make sure the engine is cool and the car is parked on a level surface. Gather all necessary tools and supplies: a new oil filter, the recommended type and amount of oil, an oil filter wrench, a funnel, a drain pan, and a socket wrench.
2. Locate the oil drain plug under the engine. Position the drain pan under the plug and use the socket wrench to remove the plug. Allow the oil to drain completely.
3. Remove the oil filter using the oil filter wrench. Be sure to have the drain pan under the filter to catch any remaining oil.
4. Before installing the new oil filter, apply a small amount of oil to the gasket to ensure a tight seal.
5. Install the new oil filter and tighten by hand. Do not over-tighten, as this can damage the gasket and cause leaks.
6. Refill the engine with the recommended amount and type of oil, using the funnel to avoid spills. Check the oil level with the dipstick and add more if necessary.
7. Start the engine and allow it to run for a few minutes, then check for any leaks around the filter and drain plug. Turn off the engine and wait a few minutes for the oil to settle, then check the oil level with the dipstick once again.
8. Dispose of the used oil and filter properly by taking them to a recycling center.

Maintenance of automatic transmission

The recommended interval for changing the automatic transmission fluid in a Toyota Corolla 8th generation is typically every 60,000 to 100,000 miles, or every 6 years, whichever comes first. However, the exact interval can vary depending on several factors, including the type of driving and conditions in which the vehicle operates.

It is important to regularly check the transmission fluid level and color to ensure that it is at the appropriate level and still in good condition. If the fluid is low or has a burnt smell or unusual color, it may be a sign that the transmission needs servicing.

In general, changing the transmission fluid in an automatic transmission can be a more involved process than changing the engine oil and may require special tools and equipment. It is recommended to have the transmission serviced by a qualified mechanic to ensure that the process is performed correctly and the transmission is functioning properly.

Which gear oil to choose?

Engine	Gear oil capacity	Recommended viscosity	Brands and cost
1.3 L 4E-FE I4	2.5 liters	75W-90, 80W-90	Mobil 1: $25, Valvoline: $20
1.5 L 5A-FE I4	2.5 liters	75W-90, 80W-90	Pennzoil: $18, Royal Purple: $30
1.6 L 4A-FE I4	2.5 liters	75W-90, 80W-90	Castrol: $22, Red Line: $45
1.8 L 7A-FE I4	3.1 liters	75W-90, 80W-90	Amsoil: $40, Lucas Oil: $22

Required Tools

1. Transmission fluid – the amount and viscosity depends on the engine, refer to the table provided earlier or check the owner’s manual.
2. Drain pan – to collect the old fluid when it’s drained.
3. Funnel – to pour the new fluid into the transmission.
4. Ratchet and socket set – to remove the drain plug and fill plug.
5. Torque wrench – to properly torque the drain and fill plugs.
6. Hand pump or fluid pump – to pump the new fluid into the transmission.
7. Safety glasses and gloves – to protect your eyes and hands from the fluid.
8. Jack stands or ramps – to raise the car off the ground.
9. Wheel chocks – to prevent the car from rolling.

It’s important to make sure you have the right amount and viscosity of transmission fluid before starting the process. It’s also recommended to check the owner’s manual for specific instructions and safety precautions.