DIY Toyota Matrix Oil Change
by Melissa Kelly
The engine oil and filter on your Toyota Matrix should be changed at least every 5,000 miles, according to the Toyota schedule maintenance guides. The Matrix, first released in 2003, has either a front-wheel-drive or an all-wheel-drive 4-cylinder engine. Regardless of the engine type, the procedure for changing the oil is the same, although the location of the filter can vary slightly based on the configuration of the engine.
Step 1
Engage the parking brake. Raise the front end of the Matrix and lower it onto jack stands.
Step 2
Lift the hood and find the oil engine filler cap and oil dipstick. Remove both the cap and dipstick and place aside.
Step 3
Check the engine type on the vehicle. If the vehicle has a 1ZZ-FE engine, which was an option for vehicles manufactured between 2003 and 2008, the oil filter will be beneath the front exhaust manifold. For all other engine types, the oil filter is located under the car.
Step 4
Slide under the vehicle. Loosen the oil filter with a filter wrench by turning counterclockwise. Remove the filter and drain the excess oil from the filter housing into a disposal container.
Step 5
Place the oil disposal container beneath the oil pan. Loosen the oil pan drain plug using a 14-mm wrench. Remove the bolt quickly and allow the oil to completely drain into the container.
Step 6
Replace the drain plug and tighten using a wrench.
Step 7
Coat the rubber gasket on the new oil filter with a small amount of oil. Replace the oil filter and tighten using the filter wrench.
Step 8
Slide out from beneath the Matrix. Place the funnel into the oil filler hole. Pour oil into the oil. Start your vehicle and allow the pressure to build. Check the oil level using the dipstick and fill until the oil level is within the specification marks.
Step 9
Raise the vehicle above the jack stands. Remove the jack stands and lower the Matrix to the ground. Shut the hood. Dispose of the oil according to Environmental Protection Agency guidelines.
References
Tips
- It is a good idea to record the date and mileage of your oil and filter change to ensure that you adequately follow a regular maintenance schedule.
Things You'll Need
- Jack
- Jack stands
- Filter wrench
- Oil disposal container
- 14-mm wrench
- Oil filter
- Oil
- Funnel
Writer Bio
Melissa Kelly is a freelance writer from Indianapolis who focuses on scientific and medical topics. Kelly attended Marian College where she obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry. Recently, she completed her Master's in business communications & project management.
