Replace engine oil and oil filter on the 2012-2017 Toyota Camry 2.5L I4 engine to maintain proper lubrication and engine longevity.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Oil filter cartridge element × 1 — Toyota 04152-31090 or equivalent
• Oil drain plug crush washer × 1 — Toyota 90430-12031 or equivalent
• O-ring for oil filter housing (if damaged) × 1 — Typically included with quality filter elements

Fluids

• Toyota Genuine 0W-20 — 5 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Run engine for 2-3 minutes to warm oil, then shut off and wait 15-20 minutes to cool
3. Raise and safely support front of vehicle on jack stands or ramps
4. Locate oil drain plug on passenger side of oil pan and oil filter housing on driver side front of engine
5. Place drain pan under oil drain plug

Procedure

1. 1

   Drain engine oil
   Using a 14mm socket or box wrench, loosen the oil drain plug slowly. Once loose, quickly remove it by hand and allow oil to drain completely into the pan. Expect approximately 5 quarts to drain. Allow at least 5-10 minutes for complete drainage.
2. 2

   Inspect and replace drain plug washer
   Remove the old crush washer from the drain plug and discard it. Install a new crush washer onto the drain plug. Clean the drain plug threads and sealing surface on the oil pan with a clean rag.
3. 3

   Reinstall oil drain plug
   Thread the drain plug with new crush washer into the oil pan by hand to avoid cross-threading. Once hand-tight, torque to specification using a torque wrench.
   Torque spec

   Oil Drain Plug35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Access oil filter housing
   Move drain pan under the oil filter housing located on the driver side front of the engine block. The cartridge-style filter housing cap is accessible from above in the engine bay.
5. 5

   Remove oil filter housing cap
   Using a 64mm oil filter wrench, loosen the oil filter housing cap by turning counterclockwise. Unscrew it completely by hand. Some residual oil will drain from the housing.
6. 6

   Remove old filter element
   Pull the old filter cartridge element out of the housing. Inspect the housing cap and ensure the old O-ring came out with it. Clean the inside of the filter housing with a clean, lint-free rag.
7. 7

   Install new filter element
   Lightly coat the new O-ring on the filter element with fresh engine oil. Insert the new filter cartridge into the housing, ensuring it seats properly. Verify the O-ring is positioned correctly on the housing cap.
8. 8

   Reinstall filter housing cap
   Thread the oil filter housing cap by hand until it seats against the housing. Using the oil filter wrench and torque wrench, tighten to specification.
   Torque spec

   Oil Filter Housing Cap25 Nm (18 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Add new engine oil
   Lower vehicle to ground. Remove oil filler cap on top of engine (passenger side valve cover). Using a funnel, add 4.5 quarts of Toyota Genuine 0W-20 oil initially. Install oil filler cap hand-tight only.
10. 10

    Check oil level and run engine
    Start the engine and let it idle for 30-60 seconds. Check for leaks around the drain plug and filter housing. Shut off engine and wait 2-3 minutes for oil to settle. Check oil level with dipstick and add remaining oil in small increments until level reaches the full mark between the two dots.

Reassembly

1. Ensure oil filler cap is installed hand-tight
2. Wipe any spilled oil from engine surfaces
3. Remove drain pan and lower vehicle completely

Verification

• Verify oil level is at the full mark on dipstick when engine is cold and on level ground
• Inspect under vehicle for any oil leaks at drain plug and filter housing
• Start engine and verify oil pressure warning light extinguishes within 2-3 seconds
• Check for leaks after 5 minutes of idle and again after first short drive
• Record mileage and date of oil change for maintenance tracking

More procedures for this vehicle