Mechanics 101

[Roger]

I have changed the oil, oil filter and air fliters on all my rigs since I first owned a car. I bought a 2003 LC and had it completly serviced when I bought it in late Sep this year just to have a clean starting point. It is now time to change the oil and oil filter. After reading the threads on oils etc in this forum I decided to follow the overwhelming recommendations of this forum and bought Mobil 1 and Mobil 1 Oil filter. I was very surprised at the small size of the filter.

Problem

Mechanic 101:

1- Where is the oil filter located When I looked under the hood and crawled under the rig looking for the oil filter the little thing escapes me.

2-Are changing the oil, oil fiter and airfilters a thing with these rigs better left to the professional?

Roger

 

[LX470Pilot]

I haven't done this yet, but I don't think it's any more difficult than any other car, just a little more involved.

The oil filter is located (as you're standing in front of the rig facing the engine) lower right hand side - you can see it from above if you look down through the fan shroud from the left towards the right.

As for accessing the filter, again, I haven't done it, but from the position I've seen it from above, I'm pretty sure its accessible through the small (about 5"x8" plate) that is bolted to the engine bay skidplate/mud protector under the vehicle.

NOTE: I have a 2000 LX which is a 2UZ-FE engine, don't know if anything's changed significantly on later models.

-LX Pilot

 

[WES1977]

do it yourself. do it from underneath, there is a little trap door where you oil filter is

 

[NMuzj100]

Two access panels

#1 - plastic drain acess requires screwdriver or small nut driver (8mm?)

#2- curved oval metal panel on the front drivers side with 12mm bolt for oil filter

Others on the board have used a larger Mobil1 filter (M-209) and said that the specs are the same just a larger can and hopefully larger filter area. The stock size replacement is probably smaller for engines with less underhood space (ie.. 4.0L Lexus ect).

This is a DIY job. Can be done in 15 minutes once you've done it a few times.

 

[LXPearl]

I believe oil and filter changes and air filter changes are easy and best done yourself to assure it is done correctly. Plus you know what you put in. Very easy.

 

[fzjchase]

This is awesome:

http://www.fumotovalve.com/

 

[jp213a]

Be sure to use a drain pan that holds over seven(7) quarts.

 

[TLCgrappler]

The edges around the access to the oil filter on my 06 are sharper than a knife. If you are not cautious, you'll need a couple of weeks for your thumb or finger to heal up.

 

[Dandon]

Roger,

I changed the oil and oil filter in my 100 and it was the first time for me. I found it pretty easy, there is plenty of room for working down there.
Instead of draining all the oil throungh the drain hole, I pumped out most of it with a little oil pump I bought (cost me 15 euro, about 19 USD). With the pump I can use standard 4 liter cans and stop pumping and swap cans when the first one is full. Then I drained the remaining quarter liter or so through the drain hole.

Changing the air filter is a 20 second job. Open the four clips that hold the lid, slightly pull the lid upwards (no need to take it off from the air intake hose), swap filter, close lid, close clips.

 

[NMuzj100]

Also good info in the FAQ ...

FAQ thread on oil changes

 

[ppressle]

Very straight forward job. Go for it. Tranny fluid is just about as easy, you just need to get a skinny funnel to put new fluid in.

Let us know how it turns out.

Pete