engine
Oil Change
for 2021 Toyota Camry 2.5L I4 · FWD
Editorial review:Chris Hackleman — Master Technician · 20+ years · Jeff Moore — Master Lexus & Toyota Mechanic · 20+ years
Difficulty
Easy
Time
18 min
Tools
9
Steps
10
✓Expert-verified. Personally reviewed and approved by OLP's master technicians (Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — 20+ years each). Always follow the vehicle's factory service information and torque specs.
Replace engine oil and oil filter on the 2018-2024 Toyota Camry 2.5L I4 engine to maintain proper lubrication and engine longevity.
Warnings
⚠️Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack. Always use jack stands rated for the vehicle weight.
⚠Engine oil and components may be hot. Allow engine to cool for at least 30 minutes before starting work.
⚠Used engine oil contains harmful contaminants. Avoid prolonged skin contact and dispose of properly at a recycling facility.
ℹ️This engine uses a cartridge-type oil filter, not a spin-on canister filter.
Tools required
14mm socket or wrenchEssential
Oil filter wrench (64mm cartridge socket or cap-style)Essential
Torque wrench (10-50 Nm range)Essential
Oil drain pan (6+ quart capacity)Essential
FunnelEssential
Jack and jack standsEssential
Wheel chocksEssential
Rags or shop towels
Nitrile gloves
Parts
- Engine oil filter cartridge × 1 — Toyota 04152-YZZA6 or equivalent
- Oil drain plug crush washer × 1 — Toyota 90430-12031 or equivalent
Fluids
- Toyota Genuine 0W-20 — 5 qt
Preparation
- Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
- Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
- Allow engine to cool if recently operated
- Raise front of vehicle with floor jack and secure on jack stands at designated lift points
- Verify vehicle is stable before working underneath
- Locate oil drain plug on bottom of oil pan and oil filter housing on front of engine
Procedure
- 1Remove oil filler capOpen the hood and remove the oil filler cap on top of the engine to allow air to enter and facilitate complete oil drainage.
- 2Drain engine oilPosition the drain pan under the oil drain plug at the rear of the oil pan. Using a 14mm socket or wrench, loosen the drain plug slowly. Once loose, carefully unscrew by hand and allow oil to drain completely. This will take 3-5 minutes for full drainage.⚠Oil will flow quickly once plug is removed. Keep hands clear of the oil stream.Torque specOil Drain Plug35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
- 3Replace drain plug with new washerOnce oil has fully drained, remove the old crush washer from the drain plug and discard. Install the new crush washer onto the drain plug. Thread the drain plug into the oil pan by hand to avoid cross-threading, then torque to specification.⚠Always use a new crush washer to prevent leaks. Reusing old washers can cause oil seepage.Torque specOil Drain Plug35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
- 4Remove oil filter housing capLocate the oil filter housing on the front of the engine block. Position the drain pan underneath as residual oil will spill. Using a 64mm cartridge socket or appropriate cap wrench, loosen and remove the oil filter housing cap by turning counterclockwise.Torque specOil Filter Housing Cap25 Nm (18 lb-ft)
- 5Remove old oil filter cartridgePull the oil filter cartridge straight out from the housing. The old o-ring will remain in the housing cap groove. Remove and discard the old o-ring from the cap. Clean the cap and housing sealing surfaces with a clean rag to remove any debris or old oil residue.
- 6Install new oil filter cartridgeInstall the new o-ring provided with the filter into the groove on the housing cap. Lightly coat the o-ring with clean engine oil. Insert the new oil filter cartridge into the housing, ensuring it seats properly. Thread the housing cap back on by hand until it contacts the housing.ℹ️Do not overtighten the filter housing cap as this can damage the o-ring and cause leaks.Torque specOil Filter Housing Cap25 Nm (18 lb-ft)
- 7Torque oil filter housing capUsing a torque wrench with the appropriate socket, tighten the oil filter housing cap to the specified torque value. Ensure even torque application.Torque specOil Filter Housing Cap25 Nm (18 lb-ft)
- 8Fill with new engine oilInsert funnel into the oil filler opening on top of the engine. Pour in 4.5 quarts of Toyota Genuine 0W-20 engine oil initially. Wait 1 minute for oil to settle, then check the dipstick level. Add remaining oil in small increments until the level reaches between the MIN and MAX marks on the dipstick.
- 9Install oil filler capReinstall the oil filler cap and turn clockwise until hand tight. Do not overtighten.
- 10Start engine and check for leaksLower the vehicle from jack stands. Start the engine and let it idle for 1 minute. Monitor the oil pressure warning light on the dash; it should extinguish within 3-5 seconds. While engine is running, visually inspect underneath for leaks at the drain plug and filter housing. Shut off the engine.⚠If oil pressure light remains on for more than 10 seconds, shut off engine immediately and verify proper oil level and filter installation.
Reassembly
- After engine has been running and shut off, wait 5 minutes for oil to drain back to the pan
- Recheck oil level with dipstick and top off if necessary to reach the MAX mark
- Wipe any spilled oil from engine surfaces and undercarriage
Verification
- Verify oil level is between MIN and MAX marks on dipstick with engine off and vehicle on level ground
- Check for oil leaks at drain plug and filter housing after initial engine run
- Start vehicle and confirm oil pressure warning light extinguishes within 5 seconds
- Take vehicle for a short test drive, then recheck for leaks with vehicle on level ground
- Record mileage and date of oil change for maintenance tracking