Toyota oil filter wrench: Which wrench is best?

Save time and frustration by using the proper Toyota Oil Filter Wrench

Starting in 2007, Toyota switched to cartridge oil filters instead of the traditional spin-on filters. The cartridge filters fit inside an oil filter housing covered with a plastic cap. And it’s the plastic cap that’s causing problems for technicians and DIYers. The cap requires a special wrench to fit onto the flutes and exert maximum release torque. Using a universal band or cap wrench will damage the oil cap.

Toyota specifies a special Toyota wrench P/N 09228-06500-02 or 09228-06501, but several companies make a comparable tool.

ABN Toyota / Lexus 6 – 8 Cylinder Oil Filter Wrench for 64mm Cartridge-Style Oil Filter Housings

Danti Oil Filter Wrench For Toyota & Lexus 4 Cylinder Prius Matrix Rav4 Auris Corolla Highlander Avalon Camry Scion TC- Super Strong Aluminum Alloy, Fits 3/8″ & 1/2″ Drive

The CTA 1726 Oil Filter wrench is my choice for removing and installing Toyota cartridge filter caps

How to change the cartridge filter on a Toyota using the special wrench

The housing is made from plastic and includes a 64.5mm cap with 14 flutes. If you try to use an ordinary cap wrench on this housing, you’ll damage it. You MUST use the correct tool. Here’s how it works.

The new oil filter comes with a plastic drain tool. Remove the drain plug from the bottom of the filter housing. Then screw in the drain tool. Once it seats, it opens a valve inside the housing, and the filter’s oil will flow out. When the dripping stops, unscrew the drain tool and toss it. Place a new O-ring from the new filter box on the drain plug, screw in the plug, and torque it to spec.

Next,  place the special fluted tool onto the housing and unscrew it. The entire housing will turn.

Remove oil filter on late model Toyota/Lexus engines

Then, lift out the cartridge filter and install the new unit. Replace the housing O-ring with the new one from the filter box. Apply a light coat of engine oil on the O-ring and screw the housing back in place. Here’s the important part. Do NOT exceed 18-ft/lbs. or you may not be able to remove it on the next oil change.

©, 2014 Rick Muscoplat