2023 Toyota 4Runner 3.4L Oil Change Guide and Tips

Oil change on a 2023 Toyota 4Runner is an easy job for most DIYers. Biggest comeback I see: reusing the drain plug washer, which causes leaks. If you’re working under the truck, always use jack stands if you lift it—safety first.

What you'll need

Tools

• 14mm socket and ratchet (for drain plug)
• Oil filter wrench (cap style for Toyota)
• Drain pan (at least 7 qt capacity)
• Funnel
• Rags

Parts & consumables

• 6.6 quarts of 0W-20 full synthetic oil (Toyota spec)
• New oil filter (Toyota 90915-YZZD3 or equivalent)
• New drain plug crush washer (Toyota 90430-12031 or equivalent)

Optional

• Gloves
• Torque wrench (for drain plug)

Step-by-step

1. Warm up engine for 2-3 minutes, then shut off. This helps oil drain faster.
2. Lift front end if needed, and secure with jack stands. Chock rear wheels.
3. Remove skid plate (if equipped; 12mm bolts).
4. Place drain pan under oil pan. Remove drain plug with 14mm socket. Let oil drain fully.
5. Replace drain plug washer with new one. Reinstall and torque drain plug to spec.
6. Remove oil filter using cap wrench. Watch for hot oil.
7. Lube new filter gasket with fresh oil. Install new filter hand-tight (plus 3/4 turn after gasket contacts).
8. Reinstall skid plate if removed.
9. Add 6.6 quarts of 0W-20 full synthetic oil through filler cap.
10. Start engine, check for leaks at drain plug and filter. Shut off, wait 5 min, check oil level, top off if needed.
11. Reset oil maintenance light (see below).

Specs & resets (verify if unsure)

• Engine oil capacity: 6.6 US quarts (with filter)
• Oil type: 0W-20 full synthetic (Toyota spec)
• Drain plug torque: 30 ft-lb (40 Nm)
• Oil filter torque: Hand-tight only (or 13 ft-lb if using torque wrench)
• Drain plug washer: Replace every oil change
• Oil maintenance light reset:
  1. Turn ignition ON (engine off).
  2. Use steering wheel buttons to select “Settings” → “Maintenance Reset.”
  3. Confirm reset.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Reusing drain plug washer: Always use a new one—old washers leak.
• Over-tightening filter: Hand-tight plus 3/4 turn is enough—don’t use a wrench to tighten.
• Underfilling/overfilling oil: Measure carefully, check dipstick after running engine.
• Not checking for leaks: Always inspect after starting the engine.
• Forgetting to reset oil light: Do it right after the change.

Let me know if you have a skid plate, or if you want filter/OEM part numbers. Otherwise, you’re good to go.