How to change oil Toyota 4Runner

The Toyota 4Runner was first introduced in 1984 as a compact SUV based on the Toyota Hilux pickup truck. The early models of the 4Runner were essentially a Hilux with a fiberglass shell over the bed and an additional row of seats in the back. This made the 4Runner a more family-friendly vehicle than the Hilux, which was primarily designed for commercial use.

The first-generation 4Runner was in production from 1984 to 1989 and was powered by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine or a 3.0-liter V6 engine. In 1990, Toyota introduced the second-generation 4Runner, which was larger and more refined than the first generation. The second-generation 4Runner was available with a new 3.0-liter V6 engine or a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine.

In 1996, Toyota introduced the third-generation 4Runner, which was based on the new Toyota Land Cruiser Prado platform. The third-generation 4Runner was larger and more powerful than its predecessors, with a standard 3.4-liter V6 engine and an available 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine.

The fourth-generation 4Runner was introduced in 2003 and was based on the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado once again. The fourth-generation 4Runner was larger and more powerful than the third generation, with a standard 4.0-liter V6 engine and an available 4.7-liter V8 engine.

In 2009, Toyota introduced the fifth-generation 4Runner, which was based on the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado once again. The fifth-generation 4Runner features a rugged body-on-frame construction and is available with a 4.0-liter V6 engine or a 4.7-liter V8 engine. The current 4Runner models continue to be popular among off-road enthusiasts and families looking for a capable and spacious SUV.

Do I need to change my engine oil now?

The recommended oil change interval for a Toyota 4Runner is every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first. However, this interval can vary depending on several factors. Here are some factors that can affect the oil change interval:

1. Driving conditions: Frequent driving in extreme weather conditions, such as extreme heat or cold, or driving in dusty or dirty environments can shorten the oil change interval.
2. Driving habits: Frequent stop-and-go driving, towing or carrying heavy loads, and driving at high speeds can put more stress on the engine and may require more frequent oil changes.
3. Type of oil used: The type of oil used, such as conventional or synthetic, can affect the oil change interval. Synthetic oil generally lasts longer than conventional oil and may allow for longer oil change intervals.
4. Age of the engine: Older engines may require more frequent oil changes as they tend to produce more contaminants that can build up in the oil over time.
5. Manufacturer recommendations: It’s important to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for oil change intervals as outlined in the owner’s manual. This takes into account the specific design of the engine and the intended use of the vehicle.

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How to check Toyota 4Runner engine oil level?

1. Make sure the engine is cool and turned off. It’s best to check the oil level after the engine has been sitting for a few minutes to allow the oil to settle.
2. Open the hood of the car and locate the engine oil dipstick. The dipstick is typically located near the front of the engine and has a circular or T-shaped handle.
3. Pull the dipstick out of the engine and wipe it clean with a clean cloth or paper towel.
4. Reinsert the dipstick back into the engine and make sure it is fully seated.
5. Pull the dipstick back out and check the oil level. The dipstick will have two marks on it, indicating the minimum and maximum oil levels. The oil level should be between these two marks. If the oil level is below the minimum mark, it’s time to add more oil.
6. Check the color and consistency of the oil. The oil should be a light brown or amber color and should have a smooth consistency. If the oil is black or has a gritty texture, it may be time for an oil change.
7. If the oil level is low, add oil slowly and check the level frequently using the dipstick until the oil level is within the recommended range.
8. Once you’re finished, be sure to securely reinsert the dipstick back into the engine and close the hood of the car.

It’s important to check the engine oil level regularly, especially before long trips, to ensure that the engine is properly lubricated and running smoothly.

Analysis of the current state of engine oil

1. Oil level: If the oil level on the dipstick is low, it could be a sign that the engine oil needs to be topped up or changed.
2. Oil color and consistency: Engine oil should be light brown or amber in color and have a smooth consistency. If the oil is black or gritty, it may be time for an oil change.
3. Engine noise: If the engine sounds louder than usual or makes a knocking noise, it could be a sign of low oil pressure, which may be caused by low or dirty oil.
4. Engine performance: If the engine is not performing as well as it used to, it could be a sign of low or dirty oil. This could result in a decrease in power, acceleration, or fuel efficiency.
5. Exhaust smoke: If the exhaust smoke is darker than usual, it could be a sign of dirty oil, which can cause incomplete combustion and the release of harmful emissions.
6. Oil pressure warning light: If the oil pressure warning light on the dashboard comes on, it’s important to stop the vehicle immediately and check the oil level. Continuing to drive with low oil pressure can cause serious damage to the engine.

It’s important to monitor these signs and follow the recommended maintenance schedule in the owner’s manual for your Toyota 4Runner to keep the engine running smoothly and avoid costly repairs.

Preparing for an independent engine oil change

Tools:

• Socket wrench
• Oil filter wrench
• Oil drain pan
• Funnel
• Jack stands or ramps
• Oil filter drain tool (optional)

Materials:

• Engine oil (check owner’s manual for recommended viscosity and type)
• Oil filter
• Drain plug gasket (if applicable)
• Shop towels or rags

Engine oil selection

Next, we will find out which engine oil is right for your engine.

ngine	Suitable Viscosity	Replacement Quantity	Popular USA Brands	Catalog Numbers	Approximate Cost
2.4L 4-cylinder	5W-30 or 10W-30	4.0 quarts	Valvoline, Mobil 1, Pennzoil	VV955, 120760, 550038332	$19-$24
3.0L V6	5W-30 or 10W-30	4.5 quarts	Castrol, Royal Purple, Mobil 1	03101, 11487, 120764	$20-$35

Engine	Suitable Viscosity	Replacement Quantity	Popular USA Brands	Catalog Numbers	Approximate Cost
2.7L 4-cylinder	5W-30 or 10W-30	5.0 quarts	Mobil 1, Pennzoil, Valvoline	120760, 550038332, VV955	$19-$24
3.4L V6	5W-30 or 10W-30	5.5 quarts	Castrol, Mobil 1, Royal Purple	03101, 11487, 120764	$20-$35

Engine	Suitable Viscosity	Replacement Quantity	Popular USA Brands	Catalog Numbers	Approximate Cost
4.0L V6	5W-20 or 5W-30	6.4 quarts	Mobil 1, Pennzoil, Valvoline	120766, 550038360, VV955	$24-$28
4.7L V8	5W-20 or 5W-30	7.5 quarts	Castrol, Royal Purple, Mobil 1	03100, 11485, 120768	$25-$38

Engine	Suitable Viscosity	Replacement Quantity	Popular USA Brands	Catalog Numbers	Approximate Cost
4.0L V6	0W-20 or 5W-20	6.4 quarts	Mobil 1, Pennzoil, Valvoline	120920, 550038360, VV205	$24-$28
4.7L V8	5W-20 or 5W-30	7.5 quarts	Castrol, Royal Purple, Mobil 1	03100, 11485, 120768	$25-$38
2.7L 4-cylinder	0W-20 or 5W-20	4.4 quarts	Royal Purple, Mobil 1, Valvoline	51020, 120758, 822347-0	$19-$30

Engine	Suitable Viscosity	Replacement Quantity	Popular USA Brands	Catalog Numbers	Approximate Cost
4.0L V6	0W-20 or 5W-20	6.4 quarts	Mobil 1, Pennzoil, Valvoline	120920, 550038360, VV205	$24-$28
3.5L V6	0W-20 or 5W-20	6.2 quarts	Castrol, Royal Purple, Mobil 1	03101, 11486, 120769	$25-$38

Oil filter selection

Below we will select an oil filter for each of the Toyota 4runner engines.

Engine	Popular USA Brands	Catalog Numbers	Approximate Cost
2.4L 22R	K&N, Bosch, Mobil 1	HP-2004, 3300, M1-102	$8-$15
3.0L 3VZ	Purolator, Bosch, Fram	L14459, 3300, PH3614	$5-$10
2.4L 22RE	WIX, Bosch, Mobil 1	51348, 3300, M1-102	$8-$15

Engine	Popular USA Brands	Catalog Numbers	Approximate Cost
2.4L 22RE	K&N, Bosch, Mobil 1	HP-2004, 3300, M1-102	$8-$15
3.0L 3VZE	Purolator, Bosch, Fram	L14476, 3323, PH3614	$5-$10
3.0L 3VZE (Turbo)	WIX, Bosch, Mobil 1	51356, 3300, M1-102	$8-$15

Engine	Popular USA Brands	Catalog Numbers	Approximate Cost
2.7L 3RZ-FE	K&N, Mobil 1, Bosch	HP-1002, M1-102, 3323	$8-$15
3.4L 5VZ-FE	WIX, Bosch, Fram	51348, 3323, PH3614	$5-$10

Engine	Popular USA Brands	Catalog Numbers	Approximate Cost
4.0L 1GR-FE	K&N, Mobil 1, Fram	HP-1017, M1C-251, PH6607	$8-$15
4.7L 2UZ-FE	WIX, Bosch, Fram	57047, 3323, PH3614	$5-$10

Engine	Popular USA Brands	Catalog Numbers	Approximate Cost
4.0L 1GR-FE	K&N, Mobil 1, Bosch	HP-1017, M1C-251, 3323	$8-$15
4.0L 1GR-FKS	Fram, WIX, Purolator	XG10575, WL10010, PL10241	$6-$12
4.6L 1UR-FE	Toyota, K&N, Royal Purple	04152-YZZA6, PS-7020, 10-2835	$7-$25

Engine	Brand Name	Catalog Number	Approximate Cost
4.0L V6	Toyota	04152-YZZA6	$6-10
	Mobil 1	M1C-251A	$8-15
	K&N	HP-1017	$12-20
4.0L V6 (Diesel)	Baldwin	B7289	$10-15
	WIX	57356	$10-15
	Purolator	PL20195	$8-13

Step-by-step instruction

Before you begin, make sure the engine is cool and the vehicle is parked on a level surface. Here are the steps to change the engine oil:

1. Locate the oil drain plug under the engine and place the oil drain pan beneath it.
2. Use the socket wrench to loosen the drain plug and remove it, allowing the old oil to drain out.
3. Once the oil has drained completely, replace the drain plug and the gasket (if applicable).
4. Locate the oil filter on the engine and use the oil filter wrench to loosen and remove it.
5. Use the oil filter drain tool (if applicable) to drain any remaining oil from the filter.
6. Dip your finger in some new oil and apply it to the gasket on the new oil filter. This will help ensure a tight seal.
7. Install the new oil filter and tighten it by hand. Do not over-tighten.
8. Use the funnel to add the new engine oil to the engine. Be sure to add the recommended amount and type of oil as specified in the owner’s manual.
9. Check the oil level with the dipstick and add more oil if necessary.
10. Start the engine and let it run for a few minutes, then turn it off and check the oil level again. Top off if necessary.
11. Check for any leaks around the drain plug and oil filter.
12. Dispose of the old oil and filter properly, according to local regulations.

Changing the engine oil on your Toyota 4Runner is a relatively straightforward task, but it’s important to follow the proper steps and use the recommended tools and materials to ensure that the job is done correctly.

Maintenance of automatic transmission

The replacement interval for Toyota 4Runner transmission fluid can vary depending on the model year and driving conditions. Generally, Toyota recommends changing the automatic transmission fluid every 60,000 to 100,000 miles, while the manual transmission fluid should be changed every 30,000 to 60,000 miles.

Selection of transmission fluid for automatic transmission

Engine	Suitable Viscosity/Classification	Popular US Brands	Catalog Number	Approximate Cost
2.4 L 4-cylinder	Dexron II or III / Mercon	Valvoline, Mobil 1, Castrol	822382, 112010, 03520	$5-$8 per quart
3.0 L V6	T-IV or Dexron III / Mercon	Toyota Genuine ATF, Valvoline MaxLife, Mobil 1 Synthetic ATF	00279-000T4, 804751, 112979, 101170	$8-$10 per quart
2.2 L Diesel	Dexron II or III / Mercon	Valvoline, Mobil 1, Castrol	822382, 112010, 03520	$5-$8 per quart

Engine	Suitable Viscosity/Classification	Popular US Brands	Catalog Number	Approximate Cost (US)
2.4L 22RE I4	ATF Type T-IV	Mobil 1, Valvoline, Castrol	105810 / 82234800	$7-10
3.0L 3VZ-E V6	ATF Type T-IV	Mobil 1, Valvoline, Castrol	105810 / 82234800	$7-10
3.0L 3VZ-E V6 (Turbo)	ATF Type T-IV	Mobil 1, Valvoline, Castrol	105810 / 82234800	$7-10
3.4L 5VZ-FE V6	ATF Type T-IV	Mobil 1, Valvoline, Castrol	105810 / 82234800	$7-10

Engine	Suitable Viscosity/Classification	Popular USA Brands	Catalog Number	Approximate Cost
3.0L V6	ATF Type T-IV	Mobil 1, Valvoline, ACDelco	19256039, 8227, 98HT57	$9-11/quart
2.7L I4, 3.4L V6	ATF Type T-IV	Mobil 1, Valvoline, ACDelco	19256039, 8227, 98HT57	$9-11/quart

Engine	Suitable Viscosity/Classification	Popular US Brands	Catalog Number	Approximate Cost (USD)
2.7L 4-cyl	ATF Type T-IV	Mobil 1, Valvoline, Castrol	10117, 822347, 06812	$8-10 per quart
3.4L V6	ATF Type T-IV	Mobil 1, Valvoline, Castrol	10117, 822347, 06812	$8-10 per quart
4.0L V6	ATF Type WS	Mobil 1, Valvoline, Castrol	112980, 822389, 06818	$8-10 per quart

Engine	Suitable Fluid	Popular US Brands	Catalog Number	Approximate Cost
4.0L V6	Toyota WS	Mobil 1, Valvoline, Castrol	ATF0WS	$8-$12 per quart
4.7L V8	Toyota WS	Mobil 1, Valvoline, Castrol	ATF0WS	$8-$12 per quart
4.0L V6	Aisin TIV	Mobil 1, Valvoline, Castrol	ATF-0T4	$8-$12 per quart
4.7L V8	Aisin TIV	Mobil 1, Valvoline, Castrol	ATF-0T4	$8-$12 per quart
2.7L L4	Aisin TIV	Mobil 1, Valvoline, Castrol	ATF-0T4	$8-$12 per quart

Step-by-step instruction

To replace the transmission fluid in a Toyota 4Runner, you will need the following tools and materials:

• Jack and jack stands or ramps
• Drain pan
• Socket set
• Wrench set
• Funnel
• New transmission fluid
• Replacement transmission filter (if applicable)

Here is a step-by-step guide for beginners to replace Toyota 4Runner transmission fluid:

1. Before starting, make sure the engine is warm, and the vehicle is parked on a level surface.
2. Jack up the front of the vehicle using a jack and jack stands or drive it onto ramps.
3. Locate the transmission pan under the vehicle. The pan is typically rectangular and located towards the rear of the engine compartment.
4. Place a drain pan under the transmission pan to catch the old fluid.
5. Loosen the bolts that hold the pan to the transmission using a socket or wrench set.
6. Slowly lower the pan and let the fluid drain into the drain pan.
7. Once all the fluid has drained out, remove the old gasket and clean the pan thoroughly with a lint-free cloth.
8. If your transmission has a filter, remove the old filter and replace it with a new one.
9. Replace the pan and tighten the bolts securely.
10. Remove the jack stands or ramps and lower the vehicle.
11. Using a funnel, add the recommended amount of new transmission fluid to the transmission through the dipstick tube. The amount and type of fluid will vary depending on the model and year of the vehicle, so consult your owner’s manual or a professional mechanic to ensure you are using the correct type and amount of fluid.
12. Start the engine and let it run for a few minutes.
13. Check the transmission fluid level using the dipstick, and add more fluid as needed until it reaches the proper level.
14. Turn off the engine and check for any leaks.
15. Dispose of the old fluid and filter properly.

It’s important to note that this is a general guide and the specific steps may vary based on the year and model of your Toyota 4Runner. If you are unsure about any aspect of the process or don’t feel comfortable performing the job yourself, it’s best to consult a professional mechanic.