Do-it-yourself changing oil on the 2004 Prius

steve10brink · 12-09-2003, 10:34 AM

Hi,

In looking through the owners manual on my new 2004 Prius I could not find anything about changing the oil yourself. Has anyone done this yet and, if so, are there any extra things to do? Is the oil filter difficult to remove?

Thanks,
Steve

**efusco** · 12-09-2003, 12:07 PM

There are a couple things...
Word is that the filter is no problem.
There is a special 'crush washer' that you need, and you'll need to get the right filter, of course.

John1701A documented his experience with his own oil change on the 2004-YG

http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/2004-p...s/message/18321
--evan

Jerry P · 12-11-2003, 05:02 PM

I have changed my oil already - went to Mobil 1 synthetic- and it is one of the easiest cars I have done. The filter is the same one used on the Corolla and Echo, Toyota 90915-YZZA2. You may notice a slight difference in the mounting end of the filter from one you buy here and the Japanese one that comes on the car. Parts dept. said that US made filter is slightly different at the mounting end but it is the right one to use. I'd recommend using only genuine Toyota filters, at least during your 60K engine warranty period. Also, save your oil receipt and mark the mileage and date in a maintenance log book. I am going to install a Fumoto drain valve on mine. This is a neat little valve that eliminates the possibility of stripping out the threads on the oil pan plug. Be sure to replace the 'crush washer' on the drain plug. It is designed for single use and may leak if not replaced.

While you're under the car, take a look at how well sealed all the components are underneath. The build quality of the Prius is beautiful!

green4evr2003 · 01-10-2004, 04:38 AM

Changing Oil: Soo-o-o-o, can anyone please post the number of the American-manufactured (well, China, Mexico, Sri Lanka, etc.) replacement oil filter?

Bruce Webster
Green4evr2003

Jerry P · 01-10-2004, 08:23 AM

90915-YZZA2

texassalsa04 · 01-12-2004, 02:39 PM

"...I am going to install a Fumoto drain valve on mine..." Jerry, have you installed the Fumoto Drain Valve on your Prius yet? I wonder how it looks after you installed it, whether the lever is in an ideal position so as to not get knocked on with rocks and such. Please keep us posted.

I am seriously considering the purchase of the Fumoto valve.

Thanks,
Tony.

Jerry P · 01-12-2004, 04:26 PM

Yes...I put it on Saturday. My oil level was a little too high so I drained it all and installed the valve. The angle of the drain hole is ideal. The valve does not extend much below the level of the oil pan and the handle is pointed towards the back of the car so stones and road debris shouldn't affect it. It locks in place anyway so I don't think there would be a problem anyway. I think it's a good investment.

texassalsa04 · 01-13-2004, 12:19 PM

Thanks for the response. If you can snap a picture to show us, that will be great!

ammiels · 01-14-2004, 10:04 AM

Fram sells a Gizmo for+/- $12 that purports to do the same thing. When the weather gets warmer here I will look into it. Peace, Ammiel

FredWB · 02-07-2004, 07:55 PM

The Fumoto sounds like a great deal. Especially when the gasket is $3.99 each! Do you have to order the valve online?

12-09-2003, 10:34 AM	#1
steve10brink Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Los Alamos, NM Posts: 2 My Car: Model: Package: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Friends: 0	Do-it-yourself changing oil on the 2004 Prius Hi, In looking through the owners manual on my new 2004 Prius I could not find anything about changing the oil yourself. Has anyone done this yet and, if so, are there any extra things to do? Is the oil filter difficult to remove? Thanks, Steve

12-11-2003, 05:02 PM	#3
Jerry P Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Waterford, PA Posts: 297 My Car: 2004 Prius Model: Package: #7 Thanks: 0 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts Friends: 0	I have changed my oil already - went to Mobil 1 synthetic- and it is one of the easiest cars I have done. The filter is the same one used on the Corolla and Echo, Toyota 90915-YZZA2. You may notice a slight difference in the mounting end of the filter from one you buy here and the Japanese one that comes on the car. Parts dept. said that US made filter is slightly different at the mounting end but it is the right one to use. I'd recommend using only genuine Toyota filters, at least during your 60K engine warranty period. Also, save your oil receipt and mark the mileage and date in a maintenance log book. I am going to install a Fumoto drain valve on mine. This is a neat little valve that eliminates the possibility of stripping out the threads on the oil pan plug. Be sure to replace the 'crush washer' on the drain plug. It is designed for single use and may leak if not replaced. While you're under the car, take a look at how well sealed all the components are underneath. The build quality of the Prius is beautiful! __________________ Warrior in the Battle for American Energy Independence

01-12-2004, 02:39 PM	#6
texassalsa04 Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Dallas, Texas Posts: 123 My Car: Model: Package: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Friends: 0	Jerry P... "...I am going to install a Fumoto drain valve on mine..." Jerry, have you installed the Fumoto Drain Valve on your Prius yet? I wonder how it looks after you installed it, whether the lever is in an ideal position so as to not get knocked on with rocks and such. Please keep us posted. I am seriously considering the purchase of the Fumoto valve. Thanks, Tony.

01-13-2004, 12:19 PM	#8
texassalsa04 Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Dallas, Texas Posts: 123 My Car: Model: Package: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Friends: 0	Jerry P... Thanks for the response. If you can snap a picture to show us, that will be great!

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12-09-2003, 12:07 PM	#2
efusco Troll Slayer Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Nixa, MO Posts: 18,055 My Car: 2004 Prius Model: Package: #9 Thanks: 102 Thanked 501 Times in 270 Posts Friends: 41	There are a couple things... Word is that the filter is no problem. There is a special 'crush washer' that you need, and you'll need to get the right filter, of course. John1701A documented his experience with his own oil change on the 2004-YG http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/2004-p...s/message/18321 --evan

01-10-2004, 04:38 AM	#4
green4evr2003 Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 32 My Car: Model: Package: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Friends: 0	Changing Oil: Soo-o-o-o, can anyone please post the number of the American-manufactured (well, China, Mexico, Sri Lanka, etc.) replacement oil filter? Bruce Webster Green4evr2003

01-10-2004, 08:23 AM	#5
Jerry P Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Waterford, PA Posts: 297 My Car: 2004 Prius Model: Package: #7 Thanks: 0 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts Friends: 0	90915-YZZA2

01-12-2004, 04:26 PM	#7
Jerry P Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Waterford, PA Posts: 297 My Car: 2004 Prius Model: Package: #7 Thanks: 0 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts Friends: 0	Yes...I put it on Saturday. My oil level was a little too high so I drained it all and installed the valve. The angle of the drain hole is ideal. The valve does not extend much below the level of the oil pan and the handle is pointed towards the back of the car so stones and road debris shouldn't affect it. It locks in place anyway so I don't think there would be a problem anyway. I think it's a good investment.

01-14-2004, 10:04 AM	#9
ammiels Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: brewster, ny Posts: 121 My Car: Model: Package: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Friends: 0	Fram sells a Gizmo for+/- $12 that purports to do the same thing. When the weather gets warmer here I will look into it. Peace, Ammiel

02-07-2004, 07:55 PM	#10
FredWB Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: San Diego, Colli-fornya Posts: 331 My Car: Model: Package: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Friends: 0	The Fumoto sounds like a great deal. Especially when the gasket is $3.99 each! Do you have to order the valve online?