Just Did My First Oil Change

That I didn't take to the local Toyota dealership. I liked how they topped off my fluids, did a multi-point check and filled up my tires. Not to mention, it usually took less than an hour due to their "Express Lube" shop. I was able to get my haircut or eat lunch while waiting. All this for ~$45 or so.

But then I moved and the new local dealer doesn't have an Express Lube. You have to make an appointment. Their price was also higher. It was $60, but that included rotating tires. I also notice they used a different oil. Don't know which specific version, except it's Shell. Also, it took them a little over 1 hr and 30 mins to get it done. Since it was my first time at this location, I did mark my tires and filter. Both got changed, so that was good.

Not to long ago, Costco had a sale on Mobil1 oil, 6qts for $27+tax. I bought a set of 5 OEM filters and washers off ebay for $25. 2 gallons of wiper fluids for $5+tax.

First, I changed the oil filter. Put a water bottle under the nipple and swapped it without issue.

Then opened my oil fill cap and cleaned off all that foam shit that's on there.

I've read about multiple people accidently draining their tranny. When I got underneath, I wasn't sure where the oil pan was..... But I could definately tell where the tranny pan was. It's way back, almost underneath the cabin. So I'm not sure how people "accidently" drain it.

Anyways, looked all around under the engine, I only saw 1 thing that appeared to be a pan and had a bolt on it. I can see what appears to be a crush washer. Looks like a pan to me. It was also 14MM, which I knew was the bolt size for the pan. Slide oil capture pan under bolt and broken it loose and here comes the oil.

I get out from under the truck, a few seconds later, I heard a couple of burps coming from underneath. I take a peek and see the oil is about to come over the rim of my oil capture pan. It's one of those rectangular shaped one with 2 drain holes on top and a side hole to pour out. I had the 2 holes up top open, but I forgot to open the side one. The top 2 holes also had their caps lying across it. Didn't want to risk losing my drain plug like I did with my boat lower unit's drain plug. Fell into the pan and when I tried to fish it out as I was draining my capture pan, the plug fell out into the big oil bin.

So I quickly open the side cap and see it starts to drain quickly. Reached into the oil and moved the top 2 caps to the side so the holes aren't restricted. That was a close one, lol.

Rest went well. I did notice the dealer overfilled my oil though. On the dip stick, it was maybe 1/2" above the top marker. After I changed my oil, I couldn't get a clear reading on the dip stick. It sucks ass IMO. But I did put in 5.5 qts in, so I assume I should be good. I do see oil on the dip stick, but I can't tell where it has settled to. It appears to be above the low marker.

I drove to the local auto shop to dump my oil and checked the dip stick again. Looks to be the same.

 

It will be so much easier the next time!

New clear oil can be hard to see as you found out. Clean the stick, put in and pull out, and hold horizontally. Look at both sides in good light. The oil level will be where it comes up evenly on both sides. You'll get the hang of it.

 

In time you will be able to change it in no time. I always forget what oil weight and Mobil 1 filter to get.