Hi all, recently bought a 99 4 runner & trying to change the oil filter. Can someone tell me how to locate it & the best way to get to it.? Thanks.
p.s. This forum has been a great help so far.!!

 

radarski,

welcome to the forum

check the tech section. there's a write up addressing this very issue. in the maintenance section.

bob

 

Thanks for pointing me in the right direction Bob. It seems the easiest way to the oil filter is to remove the skid plate for access.
Bit of a pain & kinda disappointing for a Toyota. Thanks again.

 

You don't HAVE to remove the skidplate, you can reach up through the fenderwell and get to the filter. Downside is oil all over your skidplate. It kinda builds up a gunky mess over time. Maybe if you take it off every 3rd or 4th change and chean the skidplate, it'd be alright.

 

Thanks for the info Kyle but as I share a workshop with a mechanic I'll probably go the skidplate route. Radarski.

 

I don't take the skid plate off mine or my wifes Runners. All thats needed is to reach through the wheel well after removing one plastic snap from the rubber flap. There is no need for a filter wrench either. The filter should not be more than hand tight. Turn half to 3/4 a turn after the filter seats. You may need a filter wrench and extension the first time but after that it's easy. I spray degreaser into the area that oil leaks after an oil change.

 

That's what I do too. But for some reason when I switched to the Toyota filter it was a major PITA to get off, and I never tighten it more that a 3/4 past hand tight.

As for oil on the skidplate, I just deal with it. If I ever get around to banging that dent I got in Big Bend out of the skidplate, I will clean it off while I'm at it....