0-W20 v 5-W30: A Tale of Two Motor Oils

I took my 2014 V6 in to the dealer today for its 20K maintenance check (I get around). Upon receiving the paperwork I checked and they indicated that my 5-W30 oil had been replaced with 0-W20. I double checked my factory manual just to make sure, and right there in black and white (glossy paper no less) it said 5-W30 every 5K miles. I talked to the tech, who was adamant that it was supposed to be 0-W20 every 10K. I showed them my oil cap and my factory manual and sure enough, 5-W30. They agreed to drain it so while they were doing that I walked onto the lot (after watching to make sure they actually drained it) to check out a 2014 Taco and a 2014 4Runner (both with the 1GR-FE).

Sure enough, the Tacoma said 5-W30. The 4Runner (same engine mind you) however said 0-W20. Furthermore, the sales guy showed me a sheet put out by Toyota, and from 2010 onward the only vehicle/engine combo that DOESN'T use 0-W20 is the 1GR-FE Tacoma. I told him honest mistake given the circumstances and no harm no foul since they changed it.

I find this very odd though. Had anybody had a dealer mistakenly put in 0-W20? Furthermore, is there some factory notice out advising a switch?

 

Here ya go take a look at this from Toyota in regards to oil.

http://rav4world.com/pdf/T-TT-0005-10.pdf

 

Yeah, they did the same shit to me but used 5w20. I was told on here that it was ok, but OCD owns me, so I drove back the next day and made them change it..... Well they said they did anyway. Probably let it sit in the back for 30 min, then brought it back out.

 

2006 - 2007 can use 5w-20

http://www.matrixowners.com/tsb/TS-EG018-06.pdf

2nd page shows "GR" engines can use 5w-20.

 

The dual VVT-1 operates with Hydraulic oil pressure. A different weight of oil makes the engine have a different oil pressure making the dual VVT not work properly. This is why the engine should have in it what it was designed for.

 

also note the use of 0-20 in the dual vvti to get the more mpg.

 

wait so according to this is says with towing package use 5-30. but the entry for Tacoma v6 is 0-20. does that mean I bump it up to 0-30 or 5-30? I'm so confused.

 

The tow package note pertains to the Highlander

Highlander NOTE 1. With Towing Package - 5w-30 / Without Towing Package - 5w-20

Tacoma

Engine-------Year-----------Weight---------------Capacity------------Interval


1GR-FE-------2010-2014----5w-30 ---------------NOTE 4------------5,000 Miles
2TR-FE ------2010-----------5w-20 or 0w-20------6.1----------------5,000 Miles
2TR-FE-------2011-2014----0w-20-----------------6.1----------------5,000 Mile

NOTE 4. 4.8 quarts for 2WD (except Pre-Runner), 5.5 quarts for 4X4 and Pre-Runner

Pretty sure that's what it says, you can check it yourself. Impossible to get the columns correct with this forum. But you get the idea. Look at the chart a little longer and you will get it.

 

ahhh, I re-read it and noticed the NOTES in the columns for which vehicle they pertain to. Thanks!

 

Well they have to read, that's the problem. Or get on the job training at the dealership and when they are trained they have to listen. Reading training listening. Some get it and some take a little longer. Just double check their work and if there is a problem talk to the Service Manager, be polite and show them the error. Have them fix it and correct it in the online notes that the proper oil was put in your truck.

 

this is why you just do it yourself.... 45 bucks on ebay gets you 10 OEM oil filters and drain plug gaskets. Then you can use what ever oil you wish and make sure its done right.

 

This....


People say I waste time doing it myself. I laugh. In the time it takes me to do a oil change they are just pulling up to the dealer... then they sit there for a half hour while some moron screws up your truck. Even if I had free oil changes I would decline. No thanks!

 

No dealer will ever touch my truck. Both my 2012 2.7 oil cap and Owner's Manual say SAE 0W-20...

...so that's what I use.


Greg

 

Well -- some guys do all their own work and don't want the dealership within miles of their truck, some guys get the free oil changes and then change it themselves. Some have warranties and even long term warranties. Some don't care about the warranty. Some use the dealership and have a pretty good rapport with them and it seems they do a good job.
I think it's up to the guy who owns the truck.

Your truck you get to do what you want to.

 

Once my warranty is up I will be doing my own oil changes.

 

All i do is video documenting everything i do to the truck (before and after oil change say), and keep a log in excel ... very hard to dispute it all if it ever came down to it.

 

Indeed it is... and indeed I do.
I paid cash. It's all mine. It's totally my responsibility to maintain it properly.

I drove my last Tacoma for 17 years without any dealer involvement...

...and I will do the same with this one.


Greg

 

buy your own oil and take it the dealer for them to use if you are worried about it next time.

 

^^^There is another solution I suppose. All kinds of ideas. Your truck -- figure out your plan and merge into the lane you want to drive in.

 

I've been using Mobil 1 0w-20 'advanced fuel economy' 'suitable for use in honda and toyota' and it's been great. No pressure difference but i feel like the motor warms up better and runs smoother. I have noticed a slight increase in mpg, but to whether or not it's the skinny pedal or the oil, will need more testing.