How to Change the Motor Oil in a 1997 Toyota Tacoma

Oil filter and filter wrench

Changing the oil in a 1997 Toyota Tacoma is recommended every 3,000 miles when using conventional fossil foundation motor oil, and every 7,000 miles when synthetic is used. The filter should be included in every oil change. If the vehicle is to be used in a cold climate, a lower weight such as 5w30 oil should be used, so that it does not get too thick to prevent starting in cold weather. In extremely hot, arid areas, a heavier weight should be used, such as 10w40 or straight 30w oil. The warmer the temperatures are, the thinner the oil will get.

Things You'll Need

• Floor jack
• Jack stands
• Oil drain pan
• Set of wrenches
• Oil filter wrench
• Clean rag
• Oil filter
• Quarts of oil (5)

Instructions

1. Raise and support the vehicle on jack stands. Place the oil drain pan under the oil pan.

2. Open the oil drain plug on the back of the oil pan. Allow the oil to drain for 10 minutes. Install the oil pan drain plug.

3. Move the drain pan to a position under the oil filter. Remove the oil filter, using the oil filter wrench. Drain the oil from the filter into the drain pan.

4. Install the new oil filter, making sure that the filter has its O-ring installed and that the old filter's O-ring is not still attached to the engine. Spread a little of the old oil on the new O-ring. Install the filter and tighten by hand.

5. Fill the engine with five quarts of the appropriate oil.