Can anyone direct me to a thread that can guide me through an oil change that includes torque specs for drain plug and filter canister? Thanks.

 

What? No owner's manual? Or is it no longer covered in there these days?

Anywho...it's not like you really need them...but here's the links to the 2007 4Runner FSM oil filter removal and installation pages. Should be the same for your 2012 if it has the 1GR-FE or 2UZ-FE.

1GR-FE Oil filter removal.
http://ncttora.com/fsm/4runner-2007/...er_removal.pdf
1GR-FE Oil filter installation.
http://ncttora.com/fsm/4runner-2007/...stallation.pdf

2UZ-FE Oil filter removal & installation.
http://ncttora.com/fsm/4runner-2007/...r/02000210.pdf

Guide me through an oil change...seriously?

 

The reason I needed to "seriously be guided through an oil change" is because the gen 5's have a few new twists that are new to me. Like the double skid plate. The plastic one is up with plastic tabs. How are they removed and do you buy new 'buttons" every time? Also, it's a canaster oil filter, not a conventional filter. A torque spec would be nice to know there, as well as the drain plug. I always torque mine - seriously.

Any help would be appreciated.

 

Your best bet would be to talk to the parts guy at the dealership. Buy oil and a filter from him and ask him if he can print off the specs/ directions for you from the factory service manual.

 

Don'tthe 2012 models come with 2 year free maintenance?

 

Both of my 2011s have 5 year maintenance plans.

What's an oil filter?

:wabbit2:

 

omg... face palm

 

My dealer specifically states that oil changes must be done by them or a ASE Certified installer or their after factory warranty (not Toyota Warranty) but rather the dealer supplied Lifetime Powertrain Guarantee would be deemed void. They further state "ANY ALTERATIONS" have to be performed by them alone. I have always performed my own maintenance on everything I have owned, installed my own cold air intakes, etc. however I am not willing to risk the thought of losing the Lifetime Powertrain since I plan on keeping my rig till I die.

 

5th gen 4 Runner oil change instructions courtesy of toyota-4runner.org
Starting in 2010, the oil filter was moved from up on top of the motor to down below. The oil filter housing holds a paper element which is the filter. You will see this in the instructions. This type of filter surfaced on 2005 2GR-FE engines - also used in Avalons/Camry 6 cyl/Sienna/Highlander - later models. The filter used on the 5th gen 4 Runner is a different part number used on 2GR-FE, but the style is the same. It would seems this is Toyota's direction as many of their vehicles now use this type of housing/filter setup.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-ge...lots-pics.html

 

Thanks for the assistance for oil change , it really worked out good!

 

Has anyone ever put a fumoto oil valve on their 4runner?if so, how do you like it?