New Member. Diy Oil Change Question

[miklic]

Hello

I just bought a Toyota Previa (1993 2.4 L GL) last week and have a few niggles to sort out. I came across this forum which seems to be very informative.

There are two things that I would like to ask, and I will ask them in two different posts:

I would like to do an oil change myself. I have seen the filler cap beneath the passenger seat and the sump plug and the oil filter beneath the drive shaft. However, it seems that I will need to have the van on ramps (which I do not have) to remove the oil filter. Can anyone advise whether the oil filter can be replaced without having to lift the vehicle? Would I need to remove the ‘under-belly protective panels’ before I can get to the oil filter.

Thank you in advance.

Miklic

[martin1]

I do not use ramps to do the oil change on my Previa, sometimes put the front wheels up on the kerb just to raise it slightly but not ramps although they would be beneficial

[miklic]

Martin1

Thank you for the prompt answer. Never thought about using the kerb but might try that (although that might mean the van would close the road then :)).

So do you have to remove the underbelly panels?

Thanks

Miklic

[propnut]

Martin1

Thank you for the prompt answer. Never thought about using the kerb but might try that (although that might mean the van would close the road then :)).

So do you have to remove the underbelly panels?

Thanks

Miklic

It certainly makes access to the filter much easier if you do. Personally I would suggest acquiring some ramps from Halfords. It allows you to raise the front of the car up to a comfortable height to get not only to the oil filter but to do other jobs such as the timing and if need be change the thermostat. Also inspections are made much easier. Also adjustment of the handbrake cable is much easier if you use the ramps to get the back of the car up to a suitable height.