Tundra Oil Change DIY Guide

Performing your own Tundra oil change can save you money. Here’s how you go about it.

Before You Start

Always consult your owner’s manual prior to any maintenance. Don’t hesitate to ask a trained professional for help or advice. If you’re unsure whether you’re capable of performing this maintenance yourself, don’t do it.

Tools You’ll Need:

•  3/8” socket wrench
•  3” 3/8” extension
•  10mm socket (preferable) or a Philips head screwdriver
•  12mm socket
•  14mm socket
• 65/67mm 14 flute oil filter wrench
• Toyota Oil Filter Kit
• 7 quarts of oil
• Rags

Prep Your Truck

Step 1:  Pack on a level surface and set your parking brake.

Step 2:  Jack the front end of your Tundra and place a jack stand under the small divot in the chassis near the wheel well.  If you don’t have jack stands, you can use tire ramps, but use a brace behind each wheel.

Remove the Skid Plate

Step 3:  If you have a skid plate, remove it by unfastening 3 Phillips screws closest to the bumper with a 10mm socket wrench.

Step 4:  Next, remove the five remaining bolts using a 12mm socket wrench with an extension.

Step 5:  Release the skid plate by pushing up and sliding it toward the driver’s side.  The skid plate is heavy.  Use caution when removing it.

Drain the Oil

Step 6:  Grab your oil drip pan, a 66/67 mm 14 flute oil filter wrench and slide under your truck.  Locate your drain plug bolt next to the oil filter housing.  Place oil drip pan under the drain plug then shift it slightly toward the wheel.

Step 7:  Loosen the oil drain bolt with a 14mm socket.  Once the bolt moves freely, unscrew it by hand.  Remove the plug quickly and let the oil drain into the drip pan.  Be careful not to lose the drain bolt washer.  It takes about 10-15 minutes to drain 7 quarts.

Step 8:  Once the oil has slowed to a drip, hand tighten the drain bolt back in place and use a 14mm socket to finish.

If You Have a Tundra 5.7L or 4.6L

If you have a 5.7L Tundra, follow these instructions.  For instructions on how to change a Tundra 4.7L with a canister filter, skip to the next section.

Step 9:  Use a 3/8” extension to loosen the oil filter drain bolt.  Since most of the oil has already been drain, this isn’t very messy.

Step 10:  In your Toyota oil filter kit, you’ll find a small plastic tool to help drain the remaining oil out of the filter housing.  If it doesn’t fit well, remove the o-ring from the drain housing plug.  Aim for the oil drip pan, but keep a rag handy.

Step 11:  Once the filter housing is mostly empty (slow to a drip every few seconds), remove the draining tool.   Use your oil flute wrench and a 3/8 extension to loosen the cap, then remove it by hand.  The filter is attached to the lower assembly.  Be prepared for more oil!

Step 12:  Pull the filter off and pour the excess from the cap into the pan.   (Be careful not to damage the oil filter gasket if you plan on reusing it.)  Remove the old O-ring from the cap.  Wipe it clean and replace with the new ring found in your kit.

Step 13:  Place on the new filter on and replace the cap.  Tighten using your oil flute wrench.

If You Have a 4.7L with a Canister/Cartridge Filter

Congratulations!  You have a canister filter which is significantly easier to change.  Here are the steps.

Step 9:  After draining the oil, position your drip pan under the under filter housing.  You’ll find it just behind the radiator on the driver’s side.

Step 10:  Unscrew the oil filter housing cap and let any excess oil drain.

Step 11:  Pull off the used cartridge filter and o-rings.

Step 12:  Replace with the new filter and o-rings.

Step 13:  Reattach the assembly into the oil filter housing.

Add New Oil and Replace the Skid Plate

Step 14:  Once the entire assembly is securely in place, add 7 quarts of oil.  Check your dipstick to ensure the proper level.

Step 15:  Start your Tundra and let it run for 2-3 minutes, then recheck the dipstick.  Add oil as needed.  Once you’ve got the proper oil level, lower the vehicle.

Reset Your Maintenance Minder

Step 16:  You need to reset your maintenance minder system manually to let it know the oil has been changed.  (Otherwise, you’ll shortly be staring at an angry “Maintenance Required” light on your dash.)  Turn your key to the ON II (accessory power) position– just before ignition.  Change your odometer display to Trip A.  Turn the key to the OFF position.  Press and hold the Odometer/Trip button.  Continue to hold and turn the key to the ON II (accessory power) position.  The display panel will count down and return to “Trip A”.

Mission complete!  You’ve successfully changed your oil.  The good news?  It will be easier next time.  Go relax and reward yourself for a job well-done.