Replacing Oil Pan On Toyota Tacoma: Step-By-Step Guide

Changing the oil pan on a Toyota Tacoma is a complex task that requires a range of tools and a significant amount of time and patience. The process involves removing the engine protection plate, sway bar, cross member, AC compressor, alternator, crankshaft position sensor, stiffener plates, and more. It is important to relieve the pressure inside the crankcase before removing the drain plug bolt to allow for more efficient drainage. The oil pan is typically glued or sealed to the engine, so a putty knife, a hammer, and other tools may be required to break the seal. It is also crucial to clean the surfaces, use a new gasket, and properly torque the bolts to prevent leaks.

Removing the skid plate

To remove the skid plate from a 3rd Gen Toyota Tacoma, you will need a 10mm socket. First, loosen the two front bolts and two rear bolts that hold the skid plate to the frame. Support the skid plate by hand and then remove all four bolts. Maneuver the skid plate to unhook it from the tabs and place it aside.

If you have a Cali Raised LED front skid plate, you will need an Allen key to remove the four bolts that hold the oil filter access panel in place. You will also need a 17mm bolt and a 13mm bolt to fully remove the skid plate.

If you are removing the skid plate to change your oil, it is recommended that you place your vehicle on even ground to ensure that you fully drain the old oil and replace it with new oil.

Draining the oil

Before you begin, ensure your Toyota Tacoma is parked on level ground. Warm up the engine by letting it run for 10-20 minutes. This will ensure the oil flows easily. Place an oil catch pan under the drain plug so that it catches the oil as it falls from the engine.

Next, locate the oil drain plug. It is underneath the front of the truck on the bottom of the engine crankcase. Loosen the drain plug by turning a 14mm socket counter-clockwise. Move your hand away quickly after loosening to avoid hot oil.

Once the drain plug is loosened, relieve the pressure inside the crankcase by unscrewing the oil cap and placing it aside. Be careful not to let any debris into the engine.

Now, place an oil catch pan under the drain plug and remove the drain plug bolt using a 14mm socket. The oil will start flowing out, so be prepared. Once all the oil has drained, you're ready to move on to the next step.

Grab a new gasket and reinstall the 14mm bolt. Some people tighten by feel, but for a 2019 Tacoma, Toyota recommends 30 ft/lbs of torque.

Draining the oil filter

To drain the oil filter of a Toyota Tacoma, you'll first need to remove the metal covering on the oil filter housing. This can be done with a ratcheting wrench and a 3/8" extension. There may be some oil collected inside the cover, so be prepared with a rag to avoid any mess.

Once the cover is removed, you'll be able to see the exposed filter housing. The next step is to drain the oil filter. For this, you can use a MotivX drain tool, screwing it into the filter housing. Place the tubing into your oil catch pan and tighten the bottom portion of the drain tool to allow the old oil to drain through.

If you don't have the MotivX tool, you'll likely have a plastic piece that looks like a drain tool. Place your oil catch pan beneath the filter and be ready for the oil to drain as soon as you insert the plastic tool.

The next step is to remove the oil filter housing. This can be done with a filter wrench, extension, and ratcheting wrench.

Now, you can replace the filter medium and seals. Remove and replace the large O-ring, being careful to not use anything sharp that could damage the threads. Before installing the new seal, dip it in some oil to ensure a good seal. Now, replace the seal at the bottom of the housing.

If you accidentally take apart the part that holds the oil filter in place, you'll need to bend the two outermost tabs on the cylinder to get it to seat again, then bend them back to ensure the cylinder remains in place.

Drop the new filter into the housing, and you're ready to reinstall the housing.

Removing the oil filter housing

To remove the oil filter housing on a Toyota Tacoma, you will first need to remove the metal covering on the oil filter housing. This can be done with a ratcheting wrench and a 3/8" extension. There may be some oil that has collected inside the cover, so be prepared with a rag to wipe it up.

Once the cover is removed, you will be able to see the exposed filter housing. You can now drain the oil filter. To do this, place an oil catch pan beneath the filter and insert a plastic tool or a drain tool, such as the MotivX drain tool, into the filter housing. This will allow the old oil to drain through the tube.

Now, you are ready to remove the oil filter housing. Using a filter wrench, extension, and ratcheting wrench, remove the oil filter housing. Be sure to use a 64.3mm 14 flute socket for this step.

If you encounter issues with the OEM plastic version of the oil filter housing, you may want to switch to a metal version.

Re-installing the oil filter housing

To re-install the oil filter housing on a Toyota Tacoma, follow these steps:

Firstly, you will need to replace the old large o-ring with a new one provided with the oil filter. It is important to not use anything sharp to remove the old o-ring, as the housing is plastic and you do not want to damage the threads. Next, replace the seal at the bottom of the housing with the new one provided.

Now, you can drop the new filter into the housing. Once the filter and seals are replaced, re-insert the oil filter housing and torque to the manufacturer's specification. For a 2019 Toyota Tacoma, this is recommended at 30 ft/lbs.

Finally, re-insert the metal cover and torque to spec with your ratcheting wrench, paired with a 3/8" extension.

This process is part of a wider oil change procedure, and it is important to note that the oil and its components can get very hot. Always be cautious and wear appropriate protection when performing vehicle maintenance.

Frequently asked questions