Did my first oil change on a Prius!

I also just did my own oil and filter change and the oil filter housing cap was a real PTA to remove. This was courtesy of my dealer putting the o-ring on filter cap dry. Just a small amount of oil applied to the o-ring prevents this from being a problem. Next time it'll come of without the use of a 24" breaker bar. Leaving it to the professionals is sometimes a crap shoot, too. They should know better.

 

the Toyota dealers by me charge less than $5 for the oil filter. I just saw your PS I think they are good filters I have a few from auto parts stores fall apart on me, so I see no difference in quality.

 

I find that the Toyota recommended oil and filter are a good buy at my dealer. They have a customer discount if you purchased your car there. It's less than most after market products.

 

After nearly 5 years of ownership, I finally did my own oil change and it was the simplest and cleanest oil change I ever did. The filter was under $4 at Walmart, and the oil comes in a 5-quart jug for around $24.

 

Hi All,
Quick question. What guide do you follow to do an oil change?
I've searched the forum but haven't found a guide on gen 3. Appreciate it much. Dealers charge $80 for oil (every 10k) and rotate tires (every 5k).

Thanks,
Ra


I'm in mpg heaven

 

I thought my first oil change at 1200 miles was a piece of cake. I used that giant aluminum socket that fits the plastic cap and lifted my car with a floor jack and put stands under there for safety. I lifted it high enough so the plastic cover opened up and was out of the way. The only way that insulation pad would be greasy would be from a leak or some meathead spilling oil on it and not cleaning it up. I had purchased a few Toyota filters on eBay and Mobil 1 from Wally World. It would be even easier if a person had a pit or a lift in their garage/shop

Mike

 

That would get her up higher in the air. I was always scared of ramps for fear of driving off them

Mike

 

My last change didn't go well (7th). The cap was on very tight. I do not tighten very much, probably less then spec so it surprised me. I ended up rounding and breaking off some of the cap. Also had to tap on a tab to help loosen it (block of wood and hammer). I guess my point is, I am not sure if it is so much incompetence at the stealership, but perhaps a design that causes these caps to freeze on.
In any case, I need to order up a new cap before my next change.

 

First, it's important to invest in the proper filter cap wrench/socket. Trying to remove the cap with anything else can lead to damage. Secondly, you must grease the o-ring to avoid future hassle when you do your next oil & filter service. Lastly, mark the housing and cap with a white marker (I used "WhiteOut") for a reference when you re torque the cap down. The cap should align to the index for the safety clip.

 

Thing is, prior to that, I did five changes with ease... that cap came right off. Something about that last change though. And our 11 Rolla has exactly the same system, cap everything (same engine) and I have yet to have any problem there either. Just did one today.

Our Kia van had the housing on top of the engine too and that was a blessing, no pain, no mess. However the drain plug was still under so and was a hassle.