First DIY Prius oil change this weekend

Take a look at the illustrated oil-change document I provide (link on my homepage). Those photos may answer your question.

But it's somewhat trivial. The wrench type works so much better than the strap that the few bucks to get one shouldn't matter, especially if you will be changing the oil yourself for many years to come.

 

You could also get one of the filter wrenches at AutoZone or similar stores. I got mine there, and it's done the job.

By the way, john1701a, excellent site, I used that for my first DIY oil change, and I still keep the printout handy.

 

no, it won't work. I had a heckuva time getting that filter off the first time, and I have a collection of various filter wrenches.

don't go to the dealer...checker (and probably every auto parts store) has the plastic cap-end wrench (I think it's a #5 size, but you can verify that) for just a few dollars. Fits a 3/8" socket.

rpm

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(onerpm @ Jul 13 2006, 05:03 PM) [snapback]285831[/snapback]</div>

I'd spring for the metal end-cap wrench. The metal one I bought for the Prius worked great. I've had a plastic one in the past and the inside rounded out pretty easily.

 

Mr Greengene,
No need to hop around with the captian. :lol:

Ok I just did my 5k oil change and tire rotation on my 06. I read from Priuschat.com since then one of the coolest tips I have ever heard. Buy your self a 1 litter soda in a plastic bottle. This is so cool! Don't cut it short but cut the top dome of the bottle off so the bottom part is taller then the filter. Now put it over the old oil filter like a sleeve. As the filter starts to come off slide the sleeve up and do the rest by hand. The filter drops into the 1 liter bottle and so does the oil. Then when the oil has slowed down, set the bottle upright like it would normally sit under the dripping oil.


Here is how I did mine.
1. Drove the car and got the oil warm not hot.
2. Jack up the car on the front drivers side. (Less room for the filter removal but every thing seemed to drain better that way.
3. Placed container under the oil pan and undid the screw.
4. Removed filter. I could remove it by hand but I am a big guy.
5. let it drain for about 15 min
6. Put new oil on new filter seal and installed by hand as tight as it was before.
7. Installed new washer and plug (Wish I would have had installed the
Fumoto valve drain plug!
http://www.darelldd.com/ev/prius_fumoto.htm
8. Used a funnel to fill with 3 quarts of 5 w 30 mobile one. Did not want even one drop to touch my engine compartment. (I’m a syntec man but it’s a Prius. So, everything is different.)
9. I checked later and I did add a little more. But the book says warm or cold it should be between the dots never over, never under.

Next time I after the Fumoto valve drain plug I should be able to do the oil change with out tools. :huh:

Check you brakes and rubber covers when you do the tire rotation.

 

personally, I skip the jacking up the car part. not necessary, and why play with your life?

 

I just changed my oil and filter for the first time this week. I too discovered that I could not drive the car up on my ramps. The front air dam hits the ramps before the tires can get on the ramps. So I had to use the Prius jack and blocks to get the car up high enough so I could get under it. I used a big ChannelLok pliers to remove the factory oil filter. I spun on a new Toyota filter by hand. Next time I'll be able to remove the filter by hand - no tools needed. I also installed a Futomo F-103N drain valve. Hopefully, next time I can change the oil and filter in half the time.

 

Looks like a lot of you like doing things the hard way. I want my oil changes easy.

1 The metal oil filter wrenches that go on the end of the oil filter and you turn with a big socket wrench handle are a must.

2 Ramps are readily available. I tossed my old ones and got low rise ones that fit the car. I think from Autobarn.

3 And for tires I don't even mess with the junk jack that came with the car. I got a nice little electric bottle jack and makes tire swaps really easy and fast.

I do have an old big garage jack that goes under the car if it is up on ramps but have not needed it yet. I doesn't fit under the car when down so you can jack it up. There are extra low models of these also.

4 I like the drain valves. Makes oil changes easy.

 

I guess you did not get to use the 1 litter bottle trick this time. I didn't get to use it on my 5k change but next time. I need to find where to buy that oil valve for myself. I have a good floor jack that is built to go under cars like the Prius. However, after I get the valve installed I don't think I will need the jack anymore. I put my filter on hand tight, or should I say hand very tight. My car is at the dealership right now getting the rear dome light fixed so I can't check on the under panel for you right now, maybe someone else can.

Remember to rotate your tires, check your brakes, and all of the rubber covers on the underside of your car. If you don't do it who will?

 

The right toolsmake everything easier. I have a couple of short 2x8s I drive the car on before it goes up the ramp so the front doesn't hit. that provides just that little bit of extra clearance underneath when working on it. plus I have a decent floor jack so i can lift the rear and use jack stands for then I need all four off the ground. The car can go high enough so i can drop the tranny out the bottom if necessary.

For tires i have a battery operated impact wrench which makes light work of what can be a frustrating job. Oil filters I always put on hand tight with 1/4-1/2 turn with the filter wrench, whichever type fits best.

I am going to buy one of those plugs for my car. That looks like a great idea and my Canton pan is a real pain to drain out because the plug has a separate gasket which also needs to be changed each time.

I had to replace the rubber bump stops the other day and what a pain it was locating them... About five minutes to do the work per side but 48 hours to locate and have them show up...

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(GreenGene @ Jul 13 2006, 06:46 PM) [snapback]285857[/snapback]</div>

I did the first oil change with a strap wrench. After about 10 minutes of frustration under the car due to inadequate room to use a strap wrench (or at least mine), I managed to finally get the filter off. I've purchased an oil filter socket for future oil changes on the Prius and would recommend that others not waste time trying to use a strap, chain, or plier style wrench.

I'll also be using longer 90915-YZZF1 filters for better protection and easier access.

 

Ramps? I just drive "r" up on a double set of 2x6's in my yard and get r done. One winter day I did it on my garage floor without even raising the front end. A little tight but the plug and filter are right near the front and very accessible. Good luck!

 

Rhino 8000 low clearance vehicle ramps work great for the PRIUS.
Kathleen

 

I've done several oil changes and the socket wrench attachment is a MUST!

One question? Every time I remove the filter oil pours out of the thing, even if it is kept level and the pan is drained first.

Any suggestions of simmilar issues?

 

Can you post the model of the electric bottle jack. Google hasn't turned up many. Thanks.

 

First, wear some latex gloves to keep oil off your hands. Second, punch a hole in the bottom of the oil filter and let it drain before removing it.