Oil Pan Change: 4Runner Maintenance Guide

Changing the oil pan on a Toyota 4Runner can be a complex and messy job. The average cost of replacing the oil pan on a Toyota 4Runner is between $506 and $577, while the average cost of replacing the oil pan gasket is between $352 and $415. The process involves draining the oil, removing the oil pan from the engine, cleaning the mating surfaces, and applying a new gasket. It is important to have the right tools and plenty of patience when attempting this task. Some people choose to take their 4Runner to a mechanic to have the oil pan changed, as it can be a challenging job for inexperienced individuals.

Average cost of oil pan replacement

The average cost of an oil pan replacement ranges from $300 to $1,500 at a local mechanic. The price depends on the make and model of the car, the brand, and the mechanic performing the job. If the oil pan is simply resealed, the cost is usually between $250 and $400. If the oil pan is repaired, the price typically falls between $150 and $550.

For a Toyota 4Runner, the average cost of an oil pan replacement is between $506 and $577, with labor costs estimated between $273 and $344, and parts typically priced around $233. The average cost of a Toyota 4Runner oil pan gasket replacement is between $352 and $415, with labor costs estimated between $238 and $300, and parts typically priced around $115.

The oil pan replacement process typically involves the mechanic checking the oil pan for leaks and/or damage, draining the oil, removing the oil pan and gasket, cleaning the mating surfaces, applying a new gasket, refilling the engine oil, and checking for leaks.

Some vehicles may require more complicated repairs, such as removing the engine or suspension sub-frame, which can increase the cost and time required for the repair.

Average cost of oil pan gasket replacement

The average cost for a Toyota 4Runner oil pan gasket replacement is between $269 and $861, with parts costing between $76 and $400 and labor charges ranging from $120 to $511. The price varies depending on your location and vehicle model.

The oil pan gasket is critical to the engine's lubrication system. It acts as a seal between the oil pan and the engine block, preventing oil leaks. Over time, the gasket's rubber or cork will degrade, leading to leakage. An oil leak can cause a range of issues, from a warning light on your dashboard to severe engine damage if left unchecked.

The process of replacing an oil pan gasket involves draining the oil, removing the oil pan and gasket, cleaning the surfaces, applying a new gasket or sealant, and refilling the engine with oil. It is recommended to get an oil change when replacing the gasket. While it is possible to use a gasket sealer instead of a new gasket, it is not advisable as it may not withstand pressure and temperature variations and could degrade faster.

In addition to the cost of the gasket and labor, there may be related repairs needed, such as changing the drain plug or an oil change, which could increase the overall cost of the repair.

Tools required to change oil

Changing the oil in your car is a simple task that can save you money and is an excellent skill to have, especially if you have to maintain several vehicles. It is one of the most straightforward DIY jobs you can learn for your vehicle. All you need are a few tools and you can get started!

First, you'll need to get your car elevated so that you can get underneath it to work on the oil pan. You can use a car jack to lift the car, but you'll also need jack stands to keep it safely in place while you work. You can buy these separately or as part of a kit. Make sure that the jack and jack stands can support more weight than your car weighs.

Once you're under the car, you'll need to locate the oil pan. This is where the oil drain plug is located. You'll need a wrench or a ratchet and socket to loosen and remove the plug. Make sure you have the correct size for your car. You can check this in your owner's manual.

Next, you'll need to locate the oil filter. To remove this, you'll need either a wrench or a set of oil filter pliers. Again, make sure you have the correct size for your car.

Finally, you'll need something to collect the old oil in. You can use an oil drain pan, or a plastic container. It's also a good idea to have a funnel to help you pour the new oil into the engine.

There are a few other tools that can make the job easier. A creeper will allow you to roll under the car more easily, and a portable shop light can help you see what you're doing. It's also a good idea to wear protective gear, such as gloves and safety goggles, to protect your skin and eyes from the oil.

Step-by-step oil change process

The cost of an oil pan change for a Toyota 4Runner ranges from $352 to $577. The price of labor is estimated to be between $238 and $344, while the parts are priced at around $115 to $233.

Now, here is a step-by-step guide on how to change the oil in your 4Runner:

Step 1: Prepare Your Vehicle

Find a good location to change the oil. If you need to, raise your car using ramps or a lift. Put on some latex gloves to keep your hands clean and remove the skid plate cover using a 12mm socket and ratchet.

Step 2: Drain the Oil

Place a container underneath the oil drain plug to catch the oil. Use a 14mm socket and ratchet to unbolt the drain plug and then unscrew it by hand. Once the plug is removed, oil will start draining into the container.

Step 3: Remove the Front Skid Plate and Cover

While the oil is draining, remove the front skid plate and cover. To do this, first, remove the five bolts using a 10mm socket and ratchet, and then remove one push pin. With the cover removed, you can now access and remove the four bolts holding the skid plate using a 12mm socket and ratchet.

Step 4: Remove the Oil Filter

Before removing the oil filter, reinstall the drain plug and the small skid plate that covers it. Move the container underneath the oil filter and use a ratchet with a 3/8-inch extension to remove the metal plug. Some oil will drip out, and you can use the plastic tool provided with your new oil filter to further drain the oil. Once the oil has finished draining, remove the plastic drain tool and the small O-ring, and then remove the oil filter using a 64mm filter wrench.

Step 5: Install the New Filter

Grab the new O-ring from the filter box and coat it with a small amount of oil. Place it on the filter housing, making sure it is seated all the way around. Then, place the new filter into the housing. Screw the filter assembly back in, ensuring that a metal indicator tab is in the same position as before.

Step 6: Reinstall the Metal Drain Plug

Coat the small O-ring in oil and place it in the drain area of the filter housing. Reinstall the metal drain plug into the filter housing, making sure it is snug.

Step 7: Add New Oil

Pour 6.6 quarts of 0W-20 oil into your 4Runner, using a funnel to avoid spills.

Step 8: Check for Leaks

Inspect the drain plug and filter housing for any leaks. If there are no leaks, reinstall the skid plate and skid plate cover.

Step 9: Reset Your Maintenance Light

Turn your key to accessory mode and verify that your odometer is showing Trip A. If not, press the knob to the right of the speedometer to switch to Trip A. Turn the key to the off position and then press and hold the odometer button while turning the key back to accessory mode. Continue holding the button until the maintenance light resets.

How to reset maintenance light

The average cost for a Toyota 4Runner Engine Oil Pan Replacement is between $506 and $577. Labor costs are estimated between $273 and $344 while parts are typically priced at around $233. This range does not include taxes and fees and does not factor in your unique location.

Now, to reset the maintenance light on your Toyota 4Runner, follow these steps:

• Push the odometer button to Trip A while the key is on. The odometer button is usually found in the console on the right side of your dashboard, below a small screen that displays other information.
• Turn off the ignition after you push the trip meter button to Trip A.
• Hold down the odometer button while turning on the ignition, but do not start the engine. After turning it on, you should see "Maintenance Reset" on the trip meter screen. Keep holding the odometer button until the reading area says "Reset complete".
• Release the button when the reset is complete. The maintenance light will flash and then go out, indicating that it has been reset.

Please note, the above steps are for a 2016 Toyota 4Runner. If you have a different model, the steps may vary. For example, for a 2010-2021 Toyota 4Runner, the steps are as follows:

• Put the car into the "On" position by turning the key. To start the engine on a push-button model, press the button twice. Don't crank the engine just yet.
• To view the Trip A mileage, select it from the menu that appears when you press the "Odometer/Trip" stem button on the panel.
• Make sure the car is turned off. Turn off the ignition.
• Click and hold the "Odometer/Trip" stem button.
• Hold the "Odometer/Trip" button down and turn on the car's ignition. Press the Engine Start button twice on push-button models without depressing the brake. Don't crank the engine just yet.
• The maintenance indicator will be reset when the odometer reads a full zero.

Frequently asked questions