Changing your Toyota FJ Cruiser's oil does more to extend the life of your engine than any other maintenance. Motor oil lubricates, cools, cleans and protects your engine's vital moving parts. Toyota recommends an oil change every 6,000 miles with high-grade, synthetic motor oil, while dealers, with their service department and monthly quotas, recommend a change every 3,000 miles. Stick with the manufacturer's recommendation. Changing your own oil is simple enough, but with the Cruiser's high clearance and top-of-the-engine accessible filter, it is a breeze.
Park on a flat surface, apply the parking brake and raise the hood.
Slide the oil container pan underneath the oil pan, remove the drain plug with the socket and allow the dirty oil to drain into the pan, Wipe the area around the drain, and then replace the drain plug. This completes your work under the car.
Open the hood. Place the small can beneath the oil catch basin to catch any remaining oil, and then remove the oil filter. Rub a thin film of oil onto the new filter's rubber gasket. Twist the new filter on by hand.
Remove the filler cap and set it aside. Pour 5.5 quarts of oil into the engine, and replace the filler cap. Consider using a GF-4 oil. GF-4 oils provide improved oxidation resistance, deposit protection, engine-wear protection and low-temperature performance. Idle the engine for one minute.
Check the oil level with the dipstick; add more oil if it registers below low. Replace the dipstick and close the hood. Take the old oil and filter to a quick lube or service station for proper disposal.
