How to Change the Oil Filter on a Toyota Tacoma (DIY Guide)

Changing the oil filter on a 2016–2023 Toyota Tacoma with the 3.5L 2GR-FKS V6 is a practical DIY job when you use the correct cartridge-cap wrench, replace both filter-housing O-rings, and verify the final oil level on level ground. This cartridge procedure does not apply to the 2.7L 2TR-FE four-cylinder, which uses a spin-on oil filter. If you drive a 2024 or newer Tacoma, use the service information for that generation because Toyota redesigned the truck and changed the powertrain family.

Last updated: September 19, 2026 — engine/filter fitment, model-year refill quantities, filter-wrench dimensions, maintenance guidance, internal links, external-link attributes, and schema were rechecked.

Does Every 2016–2023 Tacoma Use a Cartridge Oil Filter?

No. The third-generation Tacoma was offered with more than one engine, and the filter design is not the same. This guide is specifically for the 3.5L 2GR-FKS V6 cartridge-filter system. A Tacoma with the 2.7L 2TR-FE four-cylinder uses a spin-on filter and should follow the engine-specific spin-on procedure instead.

Toyota lists 04152-YZZA1 as a replaceable-element oil filter. Treat that number as an OEM reference and confirm filter fitment against your VIN before ordering.

Quick Checklist: Change Tacoma Oil & Filter

1. Confirm the engine: use this cartridge procedure only for the 2016–2023 Tacoma 3.5L 2GR-FKS V6.
2. Gather gear: confirm the oil grade and refill capacity in the Toyota owner’s manual, then prepare the filter element, both housing O-rings, a drain-plug gasket or crush washer, drain pan, funnel, gloves, rags, and a correct-fit filter cup wrench.
3. Secure the truck: park on solid ground, set the parking brake, use rated ramps or jack stands, and chock the wheels before working underneath.
4. Drain the oil: remove the underbody access panel if required, place the drain pan under the drain plug, remove the plug, and allow the engine oil to drain.
5. Drain and replace the cartridge: drain the filter housing through the center plug if equipped, replace the small O-ring, remove the main housing, replace the cartridge and large O-ring, and reinstall the components to the applicable service specifications.
6. Refill and verify: add the model-year reference quantity gradually, start the engine briefly, inspect for leaks, return the truck to level ground, wait for drain-back, and confirm the dipstick level.

What Tools Do You Need for a Tacoma 3.5L Oil Filter Change?

For the 2016–2023 3.5L V6 cartridge housing, use a 64.3 mm, 14-flute Toyota/Lexus-style filter cap wrench. The Motivx Tools MX2320-US is one example of this wrench size. Confirm the housing and tool fit before purchase, especially if the truck has an aftermarket filter housing.

You will also need enough SAE 0W-20 engine oil to cover the model-year refill quantity, a correct cartridge-filter kit, the large filter-housing O-ring, small center-plug O-ring, a new drain-plug gasket or crush washer, a calibrated torque wrench, 12 mm and 14 mm sockets as needed, a ratchet, extension, drain pan, funnel, gloves, eye protection, and shop towels.

Check the oil bottle label before pouring. Toyota’s model-year manuals are the final authority for viscosity and oil specification. API also notes that current gasoline-engine categories generally include the performance properties of earlier categories; for example, API states that API SP provides full protection where API SN was specified.

Safely Lift & Access the Filter Housing on a 3rd-Gen Tacoma V6

Set the Tacoma on a solid surface before lifting it. Center each front tire on a rated ramp and drive up slowly, or use a floor jack only to raise the truck before placing it securely on rated jack stands at approved lift points. Set the parking brake and chock the wheels before getting underneath.

Visually confirm that the ramps or stands are fully seated and stable. Put on gloves and eye protection, then position the drain pan and tools under the front of the truck. If a skid plate or access cover blocks the oil-pan drain plug or cartridge housing, remove only the hardware needed for access and keep the fasteners organized.

Drain Engine Oil: Remove the Drain Plug and Catch the Oil

Place a wide drain pan under the engine-oil drain plug. Use the correct socket to loosen the plug, then remove it carefully by hand while keeping clear of the hot oil stream.

Prepare Vehicle and Ramps

Before opening the drain plug, confirm the parking brake is set, the wheels are chocked, and the truck is securely supported. Keep the drain pan, rags, and a light within reach.

• Confirm the ramps or jack stands are fully seated and stable.
• Loosen the oil fill cap before draining.
• Position the drain pan so it can catch the initial outward oil stream.

Remove Drain Plug and Access Cover

If an access cover blocks the drain plug, remove the required fasteners and lower the cover carefully. Do not loosen or remove the engine oil pan itself for a routine oil change. Remove the drain plug and allow the oil to drain until the flow slows to an occasional drip.

Remove the old drain-plug gasket or crush washer from the plug or sealing surface. Confirm that the old washer did not remain stuck in place, because stacking an old and new washer can cause a leak. Wipe the plug clean, install a new gasket or crush washer, and start the plug by hand before tightening it.

Task	Purpose
Remove drain plug	Drains used engine oil into the catch pan
Replace drain-plug gasket	Restores the sealing surface and reduces seepage risk
Inspect sealing surface	Catches a stuck old washer, dirt, or damaged threads before reassembly

Capture and Dispose Oil

Let the oil drain into a container that can later be sealed for transport. Reinstall the drain plug with the new gasket or crush washer and tighten it to the specification for the exact truck. A commonly published third-generation V6 service value is 30 ft-lb (40 N·m). [VERIFY: confirm the oil-pan drain-plug torque against Toyota TIS/service information for the exact model year/VIN before publishing.]

• Wipe the area around the drain plug after tightening it.
• Transfer used oil to a leak-proof container with a secure cap.
• Keep used oil away from soil, household drains, storm drains, and waterways.

The U.S. EPA says used oil from one oil change can contaminate one million gallons of fresh water, so collect it carefully and recycle it instead of dumping it.

The EPA recommends recycling used motor oil and drained oil filters through suitable maintenance facilities, waste programs, or approved collection centers.

How Do You Remove the Tacoma V6 Cartridge Filter Housing?

Move the drain pan under the cartridge housing before loosening anything. The 3.5L V6 housing includes a small center drain plug that allows the housing to be emptied before the main cap is removed. Draining it first reduces the amount of oil that spills over the crossmember and surrounding components.

Remove the small center plug and its old O-ring. If the replacement filter kit includes a housing drain adapter, install it as directed and allow the housing to empty into the pan. Remove the adapter after the flow stops. Lightly coat the new small O-ring with clean engine oil and place it in the correct groove on the center plug.

Next, fit the 64.3 mm 14-flute filter cup wrench squarely over the main housing. Keep the wrench fully seated and turn counterclockwise until the housing breaks loose. Lower the housing carefully, remove the old cartridge, and remove the large O-ring without scratching the sealing surface.

Step	Action	Purpose
1	Drain the housing through the center plug	Reduces the amount of oil released when the main cap comes off
2	Replace the center-plug O-ring	Renews the small housing seal
3	Seat the 64.3 mm 14-flute cup wrench fully	Reduces slipping and housing damage
4	Replace the cartridge and large O-ring	Restores filtration and the main housing seal

Replace Both O-Rings, Seat the New Filter, and Torque the Housing

Clean the main housing O-ring groove and inspect it for grit, pieces of the old seal, or damage. Lightly coat the new large O-ring with fresh engine oil, then install it in the designated groove without twisting, stretching, or pinching it. Install the new cartridge in the same orientation as the old element.

Replace O-Rings Properly

The cartridge system uses more than one seal. Replace both the large housing O-ring and the small center drain-plug O-ring rather than reusing compressed seals.

• Use a plastic pick or your fingers rather than a sharp metal tool on the O-ring grooves.
• Apply a thin film of clean engine oil to each new O-ring.
• Confirm each O-ring sits flat in its proper groove rather than on the threads.
• If the housing binds while threading in, back it out and restart it by hand.

Install the New Cartridge Without Prefilling the Housing

Seat the new cartridge squarely in the housing and start the housing threads by hand. There is no need to prefill the cartridge housing for this procedure. The engine will be refilled through the normal oil-fill opening after the housing, center plug, and oil-pan drain plug are installed.

Torque to Specification

Start the cartridge housing by hand, then use the cap wrench and a calibrated torque wrench for final tightening. Current Tacoma V6 service references commonly list 18 ft-lb (25 N·m) for the main cartridge housing and 10 ft-lb (13 N·m) for the small center drain plug. [VERIFY: confirm both torque values against Toyota TIS/service information for the exact model year/VIN before publishing.]

• Do not use an impact wrench on the cartridge housing.
• Do not add extra torque after the torque wrench reaches the specified value.
• Confirm neither O-ring has squeezed out of its groove.
• Wipe the housing and center plug clean so fresh seepage is easy to identify after startup.

How Much Oil Does a 2016–2023 Tacoma 3.5L V6 Take?

Toyota’s model-year owner manuals list different drain-and-refill reference quantities for the 3.5L V6. These numbers are starting points after an oil-and-filter change, not a substitute for the dipstick.

Reinstall any access cover or skid plate removed for service, then return the truck to level ground before the final oil-level check. Place a funnel in the oil-fill opening and add slightly less than the applicable reference amount first.

Reinstall the oil-fill cap and dipstick, then start the engine briefly. Confirm that the oil-pressure warning light goes out normally. Shut the engine off immediately if the light remains on. Inspect the cartridge housing, center drain plug, and oil-pan drain plug for leaks.

After shutdown, allow the oil to drain back into the pan for more than five minutes, then pull the dipstick, wipe it, reinsert it fully, and check the level. Add oil in small increments until the reading is within the proper range without overfilling. Toyota describes the published capacity as a reference quantity and directs owners to confirm the final level with the dipstick.

Troubleshooting After the Oil Filter Change

If something looks wrong after the oil change, shut the engine off and correct the problem before normal driving. Most immediate post-service leaks come from a misplaced O-ring, reused seal, stacked drain-plug washer, loose plug, damaged housing, or incorrect final oil level.

• Leak at the main filter housing: shut the engine off, remove the housing, and inspect the large O-ring location for twisting, pinching, or incorrect groove placement.
• Leak at the center filter plug: inspect the small O-ring and confirm it was replaced, lubricated, and installed in the correct position.
• Leak at the oil-pan drain plug: check for a stacked old washer, damaged gasket, loose plug, damaged threads, or dirty sealing surface.
• Low dipstick reading: add the correct oil in small increments, allow it to settle, and recheck on level ground.
• Overfilled oil: remove a small amount and recheck rather than driving with a significant overfill.
• Oil-pressure warning stays on: shut the engine off immediately and check the oil level and the three serviced sealing points before restarting.
• Stuck cartridge housing: use a fully seated correct-fit cap wrench rather than pliers or an impact tool that can deform or crack the housing.

How Often Should You Change the Tacoma Oil and Filter?

Toyota’s 2023 Tacoma maintenance guidance states that vehicles certified for 0W-20 oil can use an engine-oil and filter interval of 10,000 miles or 12 months when the specified 0W-20 oil is used under normal service. Toyota calls for 5,000 miles or six months for vehicles primarily operated under its listed special operating conditions, regardless of the oil used.

Those special conditions include situations identified in the model-year maintenance guide, such as dirt or dusty-road use and other demanding operating patterns. Because the detailed conditions and service items can vary, check the warranty and maintenance guide for your exact model year instead of applying one shortened interval to every Tacoma.

For broader service planning, see the Toyota Tacoma oil-change interval guide.

Reset the Maintenance Reminder

After the oil level is correct and the drain plug, center filter plug, and main filter housing remain dry, reset the Tacoma’s maintenance reminder using the procedure for your model year and display type. The reminder does not measure oil condition, so reset it only after the required maintenance has actually been completed.

If you need the year-specific reset process, see how to reset the Toyota Tacoma maintenance light.

Related Guides

• Complete Toyota Tacoma Oil Change Guide
• Toyota Tacoma Engine Oil Capacity
• Toyota Tacoma Oil Viscosity Grades
• Toyota Tacoma Oil Change Interval
• Toyota Tacoma Maintenance Light Reset

Frequently Asked Questions

Does every 2016–2023 Toyota Tacoma use a cartridge oil filter?

No. This cartridge procedure applies to the 2016–2023 Tacoma 3.5L 2GR-FKS V6. The 2.7L 2TR-FE four-cylinder uses a spin-on filter and requires a different filter-removal procedure.

What size oil filter wrench does a 2016–2023 Tacoma 3.5L V6 need?

The cartridge housing uses a Toyota/Lexus-style 64.3 mm, 14-flute cap wrench. Confirm the housing and tool fit before purchase, especially if the truck has an aftermarket filter housing.

How do you remove a Toyota Tacoma V6 cartridge oil filter?

Place a drain pan below the housing, drain the housing through its small center plug if applicable, replace the center-plug O-ring, seat a 64.3 mm 14-flute cup wrench fully on the main housing, and turn the housing counterclockwise. Replace the cartridge and large housing O-ring before reassembly.

How much oil does a 2016–2023 Tacoma 3.5L V6 take with a new filter?

Toyota’s reference capacities are 6.1 US quarts for 2016–2020 V6 trucks without the towing package, 6.2 quarts with the towing package, and 5.9 quarts for 2021–2023 V6 models. Treat these as starting quantities and confirm the final level with the dipstick on level ground.

Can I change only the oil filter by myself?

Yes, but removing the cartridge housing releases oil and changes the engine’s oil level. Check and correct the dipstick level afterward. For normal scheduled service, changing the oil and filter together follows Toyota’s maintenance wording and gives you a known service interval.

How do you get a Toyota oil filter housing off without a special tool?

Improvised gripping tools are not recommended for the cartridge housing. Pliers and poorly fitting universal tools can deform or crack the cap. A properly seated 64.3 mm 14-flute cartridge-cap wrench spreads the load more evenly and gives better control.

Does this procedure apply to 2024 and newer Toyota Tacoma models?

Do not assume it does. Toyota redesigned the Tacoma for 2024 and introduced a different 2.4-liter turbocharged powertrain family. Use the owner’s manual, parts catalog, and service procedure for the exact 2024-or-newer truck.

Conclusion

Changing the cartridge oil filter on a 2016–2023 Toyota Tacoma 3.5L 2GR-FKS V6 is manageable at home when the engine is identified correctly and the cartridge housing is serviced as a complete sealing system. Use the correct 64.3 mm 14-flute wrench, drain the housing cleanly, replace both housing O-rings, install a fresh drain-plug gasket, and refill according to the model-year reference quantity.

Before driving, return the truck to level ground, confirm the dipstick level after the oil has drained back, and inspect the oil-pan plug, filter-housing center plug, and main cartridge housing for leaks. Record the mileage, service date, oil used, and filter part number, then recycle the used oil and filter through an approved collection location.

Sources

1. Toyota Owners Manuals and Warranties — model-year oil viscosity, refill quantity, dipstick, maintenance, and vehicle-specific reference information.
2. Toyota 2023 Tacoma Warranty & Maintenance Guide — oil/filter service intervals and special-operating-condition guidance.
3. Toyota Genuine Replaceable Element Oil Filter 04152-YZZA1 — Toyota replaceable-element filter reference.
4. Motivx Tools MX2320-US — 64.3 mm, 14-flute cartridge-cap wrench dimensions and application information.
5. American Petroleum Institute Oil Categories — current and previous gasoline-engine oil category guidance.
6. U.S. EPA: Managing, Reusing, and Recycling Used Oil — used-oil and drained-filter recycling guidance.
7. Toyota USA Newsroom: 2024 Toyota Tacoma — fourth-generation redesign and 2.4-liter turbocharged powertrain information.