Toyota Tacoma Oil Change (2016+ 3.5L)
A 2016+ 3.5L Toyota Tacoma oil change is a simple way to save money and time by doing it at home. This guide is specific to the 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021 Toyota Tacoma model years when equipped with the 3.5L. To perform an oil change on a 2.7L equipped Tacoma, follow this alternate guide.
- 14mm wrench or socket
- 12mm socket and ratchet
- Toyota specific oil filter removal socket
- Toyota specific oil filter drain (optional – but it will be messy without it)
- Funnel for pouring fresh engine oil
- Oil Drain pan with at least 6 qt capacity
- Clean rag
Parts needed:
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Toyota Tacoma Oil Change Procedure:
- Warm truck to operating temp
- Check engine oil level and condition on dipstick to verify no prior issues
- Remove skid plate using 12mm socket and ratchet
- Remove oil pan drain plug using the 14mm wrench (or socket and ratchet) and let the engine oil drain into the drain pan
- If new oil filter comes with filter drain tool, remove oil filter drain and install spout to drain into oil drain pan (if not housing can be removed to drain but it will be messy)
- Remove oil filter cartridge using filter wrench or specialty tool
- Replace and lubricate oil filter cap o ring
- Remove and replace oil filter on oil filter cap
- Clean oil drain plug and oil filter mounting surfaces
- Install oil filter cap to housing
- Reinstall and tighten oil drain plug
- Fill engine with 6 quarts of engine oil with oil fill funnel and reinstall oil fill cap
- Start engine to let oil circulate and build oil pressure(Check for any leaks or abnormalities while running) and shut engine back down
- Check engine oil level & top off if necessary
- Reinstall skid plate using 12mm socket and ratchet
- Reset the maintenance required indicator
