Oil filter

Welcome, Dennis. The location of the panel under the car that you need to open is in the owner's manual. On the Gen 4 and Prime, IIRC, it's just three 10mm hex head screws. Other than that, it's no different than changing the oil on any car where the filter is under the engine. Some people like to remove the entire panel so they can inspect CV boots and other stuff while they are under the car.

Since Toyota's synthetic oil is rebranded Mobil 1, I think it's safe to assume the filters are at least as good if not identical. Pretty unlikely that they would sell a filter that might cause them to have to buy someone an engine. I get oil and filter at my nearby Toyota dealer for a reasonable price.

 

Also be aware that Prius Primes have two versions of oil filter - cartridge and screw on. Only way to know is get under and check. Here's one on youtube with screw on.

 

The definitive procedure, with quantities, torque specifications, etc., is in the Repair Manual (more info), under General: Maintenance: Oil and Oil Filter: Replacement.

That’s a good point, though for most cars, I think the production date determines the filter type. For Prius Prime cars sold in the U.S., Toyota’s Electronic Parts Catalog shows that the “element type” filter, the insert for the reusable plastic cap, applies to vehicles produced through November 2017, and the “cartridge type” filter, in a disposable can, applies to vehicles produced in September 2017 and later. (Note the overlapping dates.)

 

Basic maintenance like the oil change instruction should be in the #$@*! Owner's Manual... . Instead we get this:



Anyway, an excerpt from the 2016 Prius Repair Manual. The spin-on oil filter revision in later years is a bit different, but I believe the same socket size. And simpler:

 

That’s a procedure for the liftback Prius. For Prius Prime cars, the procedure is basically the same, but for model year 2020, the Repair Manual specifies “API SN/RC multigrade engine oil,” SAE 0W-16.

 

Good point. Oil viscosity changed in 2020.

Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.

 

I am sure the change from a cartridge type to spin-on happened in late 2017 model. I think all of post-2018 PRIME models come with spin-on type.

Edit: @Elektroingenieur has already commented on this.

 

Good to know, thanks.

Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.

 

Correct....The socket size is the same.

 

Socket size is same for Honda and Mazda too, that I know of. 64 mm face to face, 14 flutes.

 

Thanks for providing that, Mendel.

Also, with those early versions (cartridge or element as you prefer) it's vitally important to heed the instructions for the placement and lubrication of the O-ring when you reinstall it. In fact, even though it says to lightly lube it, I prefer to make sure it's totally wet, but not dripping when I put it on the cap and then wipe a little more on it before screwing the cap back into place. You do not want that O-ring to crawl out of its grove when it starts to get tight in there.

This isn't a concern to the newer models such as @Dennis G Waller asked about, but it is for those with earlier ones who might read this thread. And, as I understand it, that O-ring is the biggest reason Toyota went back to spin on filters. Not that it's impossible to have a catastrophic failure with either system, it's just that more people are familiar with the older one.

 

Amen. I've had that happen one time: when I removed the filter housing the O-ring was right up at the flange, and I'm cognizant of the correct position, when installing. It was positioned correctly. Didn't leak, luckily. Since then I've tried to ensure it's really oiled, fresh oil, just before install, haven't had a repeat.

 

Good point about the o-ring for the cartridge filters. Changed oil many a time on my Gen IIIs and remember that o-ring.

 

I use car ramps to do the oil change I am not a fan of Toyota’s cartridge style filters. I am glad they made it easier. I like the oil changes on my Subaru’s filters. Even BMW has easier top access. Glad I only change every 10k. 95k miles now and going strong.

 

I toy with the idea of doing the conversion to spin-in style, but all sorts of factors keep me where I am. Mostly inertia. Some frugality, though I love a "project".

Also, kinda nice to contributing a little less to the used oil recycle stream. Last oil change I was all primed up to try cutting the paper-only filter, uncurling it, flattening the accordion folds, setting it in vice jaws and squeezing the oil out of it.

It was not to be though: it has a hard-plastic rim, makes it hold that shape, and I could only get it to come apart one pleat at a time.

If you click on "More Images", and select the right side image, here (2019 Prius):


OIL FILTER. 2019 Toyota Prius HYBRID | Toyota


the parts for oil filter conversion (to regular spin-on filter) are shown. My notes:

Parts for oil filter conversion kit:
(4)-91551-F0835 (Bolt)
(1)-15609-0T070 (Oil Filter Bracket Assembly)
(2)-96723-24020 (O-Ring)
(1)-90904-04006 (Union, for Oil Filter)
(1)-90915-YZZF2 (Oil Filter, readily available at local dealership)

 

I initially thought cartridge filters were great, but that's because the Chevies I had with them made the filter top access.

 

I did the conversion to the spin on and never looked back.

My recycling center takes used spin on metal can oil filters.

I can put a neodymium magnet like this one on the end of the steel filter can.

 

You put on the magnet to capture steel filings?

Being in Canada it's hard to get a lot of parts. I've found Amayama recently, they're good, but sadly drawing a blank on the main part for the conversion, so a non-starter.

Yeah I'll keep thinking about it, though it might be one of those prospective projects I gradually "wean" myself from.

 

DITTO!