Proper maintenance of the oil in your 1997 Toyota 4Runner is an important part of keeping your truck’s engine in the best condition possible. The manufacturer recommends that you change the oil and filter at least every 5,000 miles. If you drive in extreme conditions, you should change it more regularly. You can buy the oil and filter from an auto parts retail store.
Open the hood of your 4Runner and remove the oil fill cap. The cap is located on the valve cover and is marked with “OIL” or an image of an oil can.
Lift the front of the 4Runner with a jack and place a set of jack stands securely beneath the SUV for support.
Position an oil drain pan beneath the drain plug on the oil pan. The drain plug on the 1997 Toyota 4Runner is located near the rear of the oil pan. Use a wrench to remove the drain plug, and allow the oil to drain completely. When the dripping stops, replace the drain plug and tighten it with a wrench.
Move the drain pan to beneath the oil filter mounting area. You will find the oil filter near the oil pan, either beside or in front of it. Remove the oil filter with an oil filter wrench. Tip the filter upside down and place it in the pan to drain.
Use a clean, dry rag to wipe the 4Runner oil filter mounting area. Place a thin layer of new oil around the gasket on the new filter. Install the new filter and screw it in by hand until it is snug. Then, by hand, tighten it another one-half to three-quarter turn.
Raise the truck with your jack and remove the jack stands. Return the truck to the ground.
Fill the engine with oil. Your 4Runner will take close to 5.5 quarts of oil. Close the hood and test-run the engine to allow the oil to flow through the system. Check the oil level using the dipstick and add oil if necessary.
