engine

Oil Change

for 2021 Toyota RAV4 2.5L I4 · AWD
Difficulty
Easy
Time
18 min
Tools
8
Steps
8

Replace engine oil and oil filter on the 2019-2024 Toyota RAV4 2.5L I4 FWD engine using the cartridge-type oil filter system.

Warnings

Engine oil and components can be extremely hot. Allow engine to cool for at least 30 minutes before beginning work.
Ensure vehicle is securely supported on jack stands or ramps before working underneath.
ℹ️This procedure is for the cartridge-type oil filter system, not spin-on filters.

Tools required

14mm socket or box wrench (oil drain plug)Essential
64mm oil filter cap wrenchEssential
Torque wrenchEssential
Oil drain pan (6+ quart capacity)Essential
FunnelEssential
Shop towels or rags
Jack and jack stands or rampsEssential
10mm socket (skid plate if equipped)

Parts

  • Engine oil filter cartridge × 1 — 04152-31090 or equivalent
  • Oil drain plug crush washer × 1 — 90430-12031 or equivalent
  • Oil filter housing O-ring (if deteriorated) × 1 — Inspect and replace if needed

Fluids

  • Toyota Genuine 0W-20 Engine Oil — 5 qt

Preparation

  1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
  2. Allow engine to cool for at least 30 minutes if recently operated
  3. Raise and support vehicle using jack stands or drive onto ramps for underside access
  4. Remove engine undercover/skid plate if equipped (10mm bolts)
  5. Locate oil drain plug on the driver's side of the oil pan
  6. Locate oil filter housing on the passenger side front of the engine

Procedure

  1. 1
    Drain engine oil
    Position drain pan under the oil drain plug. Using a 14mm socket or box wrench, loosen the drain plug slowly. Once loosened, carefully unscrew by hand and allow oil to drain completely. This may take 5-10 minutes for complete drainage.
  2. 2
    Replace drain plug crush washer and reinstall
    Remove the old crush washer from the drain plug and discard. Install the new crush washer onto the drain plug. Once oil has fully drained, clean the drain plug threads and oil pan surface. Install and torque the drain plug to specification.
    Torque spec
    Oil Drain Plug35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
  3. 3
    Remove oil filter housing cap
    Position drain pan under the oil filter housing located on the passenger side of the engine. Using a 64mm oil filter cap wrench, turn the filter housing cap counterclockwise to remove. Oil will drain from the housing as you remove the cap.
  4. 4
    Remove old filter cartridge
    Pull the old oil filter cartridge straight out of the housing. Inspect the housing cap O-ring for damage, cracks, or deterioration. Replace the O-ring if it shows any signs of wear or damage.
  5. 5
    Install new filter cartridge
    Wipe clean the inside of the filter housing with a clean lint-free rag. Install the new oil filter cartridge into the housing, ensuring it seats properly. Lightly lubricate the housing cap O-ring with fresh engine oil.
  6. 6
    Reinstall oil filter housing cap
    Thread the oil filter housing cap back onto the housing by hand until it seats. Using the 64mm filter cap wrench and torque wrench, tighten the cap to specification.
    Torque spec
    Oil Filter Housing Cap25 Nm (18 lb-ft)
  7. 7
    Refill engine oil
    Lower the vehicle if raised. Remove the oil filler cap on top of the engine. Using a funnel, add 4.5 quarts of Toyota Genuine 0W-20 engine oil. Replace the oil filler cap hand-tight.
  8. 8
    Check oil level and inspect for leaks
    Start the engine and let it run for 1-2 minutes, checking underneath for any leaks at the drain plug and filter housing. Shut off the engine and wait 5 minutes for oil to settle. Check the oil level using the dipstick and add oil as necessary to bring level to the full mark (typically 0.3-0.5 quarts additional).

Reassembly

  1. Reinstall engine undercover/skid plate if equipped and torque bolts to specification
  2. Dispose of used oil and filter at an appropriate recycling facility
  3. Reset the oil maintenance reminder light using the trip meter reset button (press and hold with ignition on)

Verification

  • Oil level reads at the full mark on the dipstick when engine is at operating temperature
  • No oil leaks present at drain plug or oil filter housing after test drive
  • Oil pressure warning light extinguishes within 2-3 seconds of starting engine
  • Engine runs smoothly with no unusual noises

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