This guide includes lots of pictures and a detailed step-by-step explanation of how to change the oil and oil filter in a Toyota Corolla, Matrix and Pontiac Vibe. This covers vehicles of years 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2008!
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Benefits of Changing Your Oil
Changing the oil in your vehicle is one of the quickest and most satisfying maintenance tasks you can do yourself, and is the gateway to more complicated maintenance projects later on. This task involves very few steps, and takes less than 1 hr to complete.
Alright, let’s get started! The vehicle shown here is a 2004 Toyota Corolla CE. I use and recommend 5w-30 synthetic oil for any Corolla built before 2009. For Corollas built in 2009 and onward, I recommend 0w-20 synthetic oil. This procedure and pictures will apply very closely with Corollas, Matrix and Pontiac Vibes from 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2008 as well. Here is a list of supplies and tools you will need, along with links to these items on Amazon:
List of Supplies:
- motor oil 5 qts (5W-30) (this is the best-priced synthetic oil I could find)
- oil filter (model# PH4967) or, the best filter available for this vehicle, the XG4967
List of Tools Required to Change Oil in a Toyota Corolla:
- 14mm Wrench or Socket Wrench
- Oil Filter removal tool (Optional)
- Funnel
- Drain Pan
- torque wrench (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions for Changing Oil and Filter in a Toyota Corolla
Watch the Video Tutorial here, or continue reading for photos and descriptions!
This photo shows the supplies and tools used in this guide. Before changing the oil, you may want to check the level to see if your vehicle is burning oil.
Warm up the oil, so that it will drain out more efficiently
The first step is to drain the oil. In order to do this, it is best if the oil is warmed up, so try to drain the oil after the vehicle has been running for at least 15 minutes, or take it for a quick spin before you begin. This is not a strictly necessary step, but it will help as much of the old oil as possible drain out of the vehicle. It would be more recommended if you are doing this during the cold winter when your oil acts like molasses!
Corollas are a pretty low vehicle, without a lot of ground clearance. That being said, it is possible to fit under the car to remove the drain plug and the oil filter, if you are very slim and not claustrophobic! This is what I typically do just to save time, but jacking the vehicle up and securing it with some jack-stands will not only give you more clearance to work, but also inclines the vehicle in a way that is beneficial for draining the oil, since it slants toward the drain hole.
Make sure the vehicle is off and well secured with the parking brake.
Remove the drain plug using a 14 mm wrench or socket
Have a drain pan ready as you loosen the drain plug. After braking the bolt loose, usually you can unscrew it the rest of the way using your fingers. If you need a drain pan, check this link to an inexpensive one on Amazon.
Take care not to drop the bolt into the drain pan as you get to the end of the threads. Position the drain pan under the drain hole as you remove the bolt. Then let the oil drain for about 10-15 minutes. Removing the oil filler cap while draining will help speed up the process of draining.
Replace the drain plug
Replace the drain plug bolt and snug it up (torque it to 27 lb-ft for the 1.8L Corolla).
After the draining oil has slowed to a drip, replace the drain plug and snug it up. Don’t over do it.
Where is the Oil Filter on a Toyota Corolla?
The oil filter is located above and to the left of the oil drain plug. In the next photo, you can see the oil drain plug in the lower right of the image, and the oil filter (orange) in the upper left. Remove the old oil filter.
Position the oil pan under the oil filter while you are unscrewing it. It will drip oil when it is removed, and you want to catch as much of the oil as possible. If the oil filter is stuck, not to worry, you may want to get an oil filter removal tool (basically a large pliers).
This is a view with the oil filter removed.
Put some oil on the seal of the new oil filter
Take out the new oil filter.
You want to put a little oil on the new oil filter seal, so that it will create a nice seal. Use your finger or a rag to wipe a sheen of oil around the circumference of the new oil filter seal.
Install the new oil filter
Put the new oil filter on and tighten it. When you feel resistance, go another 1/2-3/4 turn or so.
You don’t want oil to leak out, but you also don’t want it so tight that you have to remove it by stabbing it with a screwdriver the next time.
Add fresh oil
You’re now ready to move to the engine bay.
Pop the hood and remove the oil filler cap.
With oil filter change, the vehicle requires 3.9 qts of oil. You can check the specs in your manual to confirm.
Put the funnel into the oil fill hole.
Pour in 3.9 qts of oil. The recommended oil for the Toyota Corolla is 5W-30. For this job I picked up a 5 qt bottle of synthetic oil at Walmart for about $22. Otherwise if you want to save a couple bucks and can wait for the delivery, this is the best price I could find on Amazon for full-synthetic oil.
You know when you are at 3.9 when there remains 1.1 qts in a 5 qt jug.
Put the oil filler cap back on
Replace the oil filler cap. You’re now finished. Good work! You just saved yourself some time and money. Take the old oil to an auto parts store, Walmart, or some other place that takes old oil for recycling.
Here’s a list of supplies and tools that can be used in this job, along with the corresponding links to see them on Amazon:
- motor oil 5 qts (5W-30)
- oil filter (model# PH4967) or, the XG4967
- 14mm Wrench or Socket Wrench
- Oil Filter removal tool (Optional)
- Funnel
- Drain Pan
- torque wrench (optional)
I hope this guide was helpful!
Click here for more DIY Corolla maintenance articles!
