Do an Oil Change for a Toyota Camry (2001 to 2011)

Changing the motor oil is one of the most important things you can do as a car owner. Toyota Camrys' were engineered to be easily serviceable, meaning anyone can do it. Taking your car to an oil change shop can be time-consuming and an inconvenience, doing it yourself can save you time and potentially money. Follow this article to learn how to easily change the oil for your Toyota Camry.

Steps

  1. Prepare the tools and supplies necessary to do the oil change.
    • Gloves (any type is fine)
    • 2-Ton Hydraulic Trolley Floor Jack
    • Jack Stand
    • Mechanic Toolset - Metric
    • Oil filter wrench
    • Oil Drain Pan
    • Funnel
    • Oil Filter
    • 4.5 quarts of 0w-20 Synthetic motor oil
  2. Prepare a safe and spacious work area.
    • Garage (door open)
    • Driveway
    • Parking lot
  3. Move the car to the work area you prepared and turn off the engine.
  4. Pull the hood release latch located near the driver-side door.
  5. Open the hood by pulling up on the release latch under the hood.
    • The release latch will be near the center of the grille.
    • WARNING: Hood may be hot.
  6. Put on the gloves you prepared.
  7. Unscrew the oil filler cap (where you pour new oil) by turning it counterclockwise.
    • The oil filler cap will be on the lefthand side of the engine block.
    • Place the oil filler cap in a safe location.
  8. Raise the car using the hydraulic floor jack.
    • Align the jack with the metal frame underneath the driver-side door.
    • Pump the jack until the wheel is at least 1 foot in the air.
    • IMPORTANT: Place the jack stand on neither side of the jack, make sure it is also on the metal frame.
  9. Go underneath the car and locate the oil pan.
    • The oil pan will be a black flat metal pan that's close to the engine with a bolt sticking out.
  10. Pull the drain pan underneath the oil pan.
    • Make sure it is centered with the oil pan plug (bolt) to prevent spills.
  11. Drain the oil by unscrewing the oil pan bolt counterclockwise using a 14mm wrench or socket.
    • Make sure to catch all the oil with the drain pan.
    • WARNING: Oil may be extremely hot be careful to not get burned.
  12. Wait until the oil is completely drained to screw back the oil drain plug. Hand tighten the bolt first by screwing it clockwise, then tighten it with the 14mm wrench or socket.
    • Screwing it first with your hands will prevent damage to the bolt or oil pan thread.
    • Make sure to not over tighten the drain plug (bolt)
  13. Locate the oil filter. Look at the new one if you don't know what it looks like.
    • The oil filter will be behind the oil pan, so finding it will be simple.
    • An oil filter captures harmful debris, dirt, and metal fragments in your motor oil to keep your car's engine running smoothly.
  14. Unscrew the old oil filter by turning it counterclockwise using the oil filter wrench.
    • Make sure to catch the oil filter with the oil drain pan.
    • WARNING: The oil filter will be hot and contain oil, be sure to not spill it.
  15. Lubricate the new oil filter's O-ring using new motor oil.
    • Rub a small amount with your fingers.
  16. Screw the new oil filter by turning it clockwise with your hands.
    • DO NOT tighten the new oil filter with the oil filter wrench.
    • Use only your hands and tighten it as much as you can.
    • TIP: Use a rag to wrap around the filter for better grip.
  17. Pull the oil drain pan from underneath the car.
    • Be careful when dragging it since it is full of hot used oil.
  18. Low the car back to the ground.
    • Remove the jack stand from underneath the car.
    • Release the hydraulic jack SLOWLY until it is completely down.
  19. Place the funnel in the oil filler on the engine block.
    • Ensure it is firmly in place to prevent spills of new oil.
  20. Open your new oil container and pour 4.5 quarts of motor oil using the funnel.
    • Pour the oil slowly to prevent spills.
  21. Screw the oil filler cap back on by turning it clockwise.

  22. Close the hood.
  23. Dispose of the used motor oil and old filter.
    • Carefully pour the used oil in the drain pan into the empty oil bottle(s).
    • Put the old oil filter in a bag and wrap it securely.
  24. Clean your work area of any oil spills.
    • Put away the tools in a safe location.
  25. Take the used oil filter and oil to any automotive store like AutoZone or O'Reilly.
    • They are legally required to take it.
    • DO NOT throw away the used oil or filter.
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