Change the Oil on a 2000-2007 Toyota Highlander

The Toyota Highlander is very easy to do an oil change on. The filter on the 3.3L v6 (3MZ-FE) is a little hard to see, and a little dangerous to touch when it's hot. Other then that, you really don't need much to be able to change the oil in your driveway (and make sure it's done right!).

Required Tools

14mm socket and wrench
Oil filter wrench
Funnel
Oil drain pan
Optional: Ramps or a Hydraulic Jack and Jack Stands

Required Parts

V6 3.3L (3MZ-FE) Oil Filter: Toyota 90915-YZZD1, Mobil 1 M1-102, K&N PS-1002, Purolator PL10241, or Royal Purple 10-2835
I4 2.4L (2AZ-FE) Oil Filter: Toyota 90915-YZZF1, Mobil 1 M1-103, Purolator PL14477, Fram PH4386
Oil Drain Plug Gaskets
Oil (V6: 5 qts. I4: 4 qts.): 5W30 Synthetic, 5W20 Synthetic, or 0W20 Synthetic

Step by Step Instructions

Drain the Oil

1

Pop the Hood

2

Optional: Jack up the truck or drive it on ramps.

It may be possible to reach the drain plug without lifting the truck - but it'll be a little tight.

3

Wait for the engine to cool (the filter is right below the exhaust manifold on the v6)

4

Drain the oil by removing the 14mm oil plug

Image 6573 from Change the Oil on a 2000-2007 Toyota Highlander

5

Install a new crush washer and re-tighten the oil plug. Torque to 33 ft-lb.

6

Remove the oil filter using your strap wrench.

It can be reached from the top if the exhaust is cold. If it's not you'll burn your hand. If you do not have time to wait - you can remove the plastic skid panel on the bottom of the engine bay to reach the filter.

Removing the filter is going to make a mess as oil drains down to the plastic skid panel. Clean up as much of this as you can before continuing.