The IS series of cars from Lexus that includes the IS200, IS250, IS300, IS350 and the IS-F. The IS series cars are considered sportier than Lexus’ other offerings, providing more speed and handling to their buyers. Changing the filter and oil on a Lexus IS250 can be done in less than an hour if you have the appropriate tools. There is a special tool that is needed to loosen and remove the oil filter housing, available from Toyota dealers or online.
Lift the front of the Lexus with a floor jack. Lower the vehicle onto a pair of jack stands. Locate the access panel that covers the oil filter housing under the car. This is located near the middle of the car (towards the driver’s side) at the front of the engine.
Place an oil drain container under the engine’s oil drain plug. Remove the oil drain plug with a socket and a ratchet. Let all of the oil drain into the oil container.
Remove the three 10 mm bolts that hold the access door to the engine with a socket. Place the special tool that is required for oil filter housing removal over the oil filter housing. This is a large cap-like tool that matches the contours of the oil filter housing and loosens the oil filter housing.
Turn the special tool by placing an open-ended wrench or a socket on the top of the tool and turn it counterclockwise. The filter housing cap will likely be on very tight and it may take considerable effort to loosen it.
Remove the oil filter element and the old O-ring from the housing. Install a new O-ring (comes with the new filter) and then the new filter. Thread the oil filter housing back onto the engine. Tighten the housing to 4 foot-pounds. Do not over tighten it.
Reinstall the oil drain plug with a gasket. Tighten it to 2 foot-pounds. Lower the car off the jack stands. Remove the oil cap at the top of the engine. Fill the engine with 6.75 qts. of oil. Let the engine settle. Check the oil level with the dipstick. Start the engine and check for oil leaks.
