Official Toyota Filter Wrench Won't Work On 2013 Prius

All of Europe has banned the metal screw and spin on canister of yesteryear for environmental reasons.

Early into my Prius ownership, I purchased an OER or Original Equipment Replacement cap from Toyota for security purposes.

To me, although expensive, the Toyota supplied wrench is worth it, if it avoids damage to the filter cap which can be had for $35 plus.

When I got the car NEW, I marked the filter housing with a paint marker to verify the angular torque position of the housing, when it is properly tightened.

I did this, before I did my first oil change and before I took the car to the dealer for the 10k oil change. The dealer service tech commented that he liked my idea of marking the position of the properly tightened housing. The marked was correctly positioned, when I checked the housing.

The housing is marked >PA6T/XT-GF35<. PA6 is polyamide or nylon 6. G means that the plastic is impregnated with glass fibers of fiberglass. The second part after the / mark appears to be proprietary to the subcontractor that manufactured the part. Possibly, "GF" means "glass fiber." It's one tough heat resistant material.

If properly used, there should be no issues with the cap. After "breaking loose" with the cap wrench, remove it by hand and clean it carefully but NOT in solvent.

When replacing it, hand start it and run it down by hand. Tighten it carefully to the original mark or the specified torque.

That's all there is to it.

 

Alternatively, if you have a Sears, this thing works FANTASTIC:


Craftsman Adjustable Wrench for Oil Changes - Automotive - Filters - Oil Filter



The claws engage with the flanges just like the original wrench. The wrench fits multiple vehicles, so it works if you have another vehicle.

 

Thanks for the tip. Good info.

 

You are correct - GF means glass fiber, and the 35 indicates that it is 35% glass fiber loading into the Nylon. Very tough and durable. I used a pliers-style filter wrench on mine without issue, but i did scratch it up a bit. Will probably invest in a proper one for the next oil change.

 

Does anyone know if there is a conversion kit out, to convert the canister type filter to the old type spin on filter? I know they make them for a few cars already, just havn't been able to find one for the prius.

 

Basically, you would have to change the oil pump with a replacement from an earlier model year for the same engine series.

I don't think, however, it would be worth it. It would most likely void any warranties in effect.