How To: 2012 to 2017 Toyota Camry Oil Change

These step-by-step instructions and video detail how to replace the oil filter in a 2015 Toyota Camry LE, and will be similar for select 2012, 2013, 2014, 2016, and 2017 Toyota Camry models. Changing the oil and replacing the oil filter regularly helps remove trapped contaminants and ensures you have fresh, filtered oil to lubricate and cool your car’s internal engine parts. Dirty oil, low oil levels, and a clogged oil filter can all contribute to engine damage or accelerate engine wear. If this occurs, you may notice low oil pressure, an illuminated oil pressure warning light, or hear ticking or other metallic noises while your engine is running. Your 2012-2017 Toyota Camry’s owners manual includes service interval information, but if you notice a decrease in engine performance, engine noise, or oil discoloration and degradation, an oil change may be required immediately to prevent further engine damage. Maintain engine health with regular oil changes and our step-by-step instructions tailored for your 2012-2017 Toyota Camry.

Tools & Materials List

Step by Step Instructions:
  1. Drain the Old Oil
  2. Replace the Oil Filter
  3. Install the New Oil Filter
  4. Add New Oil

Additional Resources

Tools & Materials

Safety Glasses Safety Glasses

Nitrile Gloves Gloves

O'Reilly Full Synthetic Motor Oil Motor Oil

Oil Filter Oil Filter

Fel-Pro Oil Drain Plug Gasket Fel-Pro Oil Drain Plug Gasket

floor jack Jack

Jack Stands Jack Stands

Wheel Clocks Wheel Chocks

Generic socket set Socket Set

Oil Filter Wrench Oil Filter Wrench

Drip and Drain Pans Drain Pan

Towels Shop Towels

Funnels Funnel

Breaker Bar Breaker Bar

How To Change the Oil in a 2012 to 2017 Toyota Camry

We will be changing the oil in this 2015 Toyota Camry LE, and procedures will be similar for 2012-2017 Toyota Camry models. Be sure to know the specifics for your vehicle before getting started. If you’re not completely comfortable doing the job yourself, we’d be happy to recommend professional technicians in your area.


A three image montage of the O’Reilly expert raising the hood of the Camry, lifting the vehicle and chocking the wheels.

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Step 1: Prepare Your Vehicle


Park on a level surface and pop the hood. If needed, lift and support the front end of the car and place chocks behind the rear wheels to keep it in place.
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Our expert removes the bottom cover of the oil filter canister using a ⅜” drive.

Step 2: Remove Oil Filter Canister Cover


Use a ⅜" drive with an extension to remove the bottom cover from the oil filter canister.
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A four image montage of our expert putting an oil pan under the Camry, them holding an oil drain pipe, and the oil draining out of the old oil filter.

Step 3: Drain the Old Oil


Insert the drain pipe supplied with your oil filter at the bottom of the filter housing and let the oil drain. If desired, a 15mm hose can be attached to the drain pipe before installing it for more controlled drainage. Loosen the oil pan drain plug using a 14mm socket and ratchet. Make sure your drain pan is in position before fully removing the drain plug by hand.
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Our expert removes the old oil filter.

Step 4: Remove the Old Oil Filter


Once the filter has completely drained, squeeze the drain pipe on either side to remove it from the filter housing. Use a ⅜” drive ratchet with an extension and a 64mm 14-flute oil filter wrench or an oil filter strap wrench to loosen the filter canister. Unscrew the canister the rest of the way by hand and remove the used filter.
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After removing the oil filter housing from the car, our expert removes the old oil filter canister o-ring and wipes down the housing before adding a new o-ring.

Step 5: Remove the Old Filter Canister O-Ring


Slip the old O-ring off the outside of the filter canister and remove the smaller O-ring from the bottom of the canister. Use a shop towel or rag to thoroughly wipe down the filter housing both on the engine and the separate canister housing.

Install the new large O-ring on the canister, making sure it’s in its designated groove and properly seated all the way around with no twisting. Lubricate the new O-ring with some fresh engine oil.
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A new oil filter is placed in the oil filter canister.

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Step 6: Install the New Oil Filter


Install your new cartridge filter into the canister by inserting and pressing inward until it is secure. Thread the canister into place in its housing on the engine by hand. Use a torque wrench and your oil filter socket or strap wrench to tighten the canister housing to 18 foot-pounds.
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Our expert uses their ⅜ ratchet to reinstall the bottom cover of the oil filter housing.

Step 7: Replace Oil Filter Canister Cover


Lubricate your new, smaller O-ring with fresh oil and install it at the bottom of the filter housing. Reinstall the bottom cover of the oil filter housing by hand then tighten it to 9 foot-pounds using your ⅜" drive ratchet and an extension.
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Step 8: Reinstall the Oil Drain Plug

Step 8: Reinstall the Oil Drain Plug


Before reinstalling your oil drain plug, wipe down the oil pan and the drain plug with a shop towel or rag. Be sure to replace the old drain plug gasket with a new one before threading the plug by hand, and tighten the plug to 30 foot-pounds.
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A two image split with our expert replenishing the oil with SYNTEC High Mileage 0W-20 and them starting the ignition.

Step 9: Refill with New Oil


Now, remove the oil fill cap and use a funnel to refill the oil levels. This model takes 6.4 quarts of 0W-20, and we’re using SYNTEC full synthetic high mileage oil since it has over 75,000 miles on the odometer.

Check the oil level with the engine dipstick to ensure it is appropriately full. Once the oil level is restored, reinstall and tighten the oil fill cap and start the engine.
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A two image split of our expert checking the fluids to make sure the oil levels are correct.

Step 10: Check Oil Levels


Check under the car for any leaks. If everything looks good, it’s safe to shut off the engine and lower the front end, as well as removing the wheel chocks. Double-check using the dipstick to make sure the oil level is within the appropriate range.
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A gloved finger sets the dashboard light to Trip A.

Step 11: Reset Your Oil Change Indicator Light


Turn the ignition to “ON” and switch the display to Trip Meter A.
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The dashboard trip meter light is showing 0, indicating it has been reset.

Step 12: Press The Trip Meter Reset Button


Set the “ENGINE START STOP” switch or ignition switch to “OFF” with the odometer showing TRIP A. While pressing the trip meter reset button on the stem, set the “ENGINE START STOP” switch or ignition switch to “ON”.

Do It Right:

  • If your model is NOT equipped with a Multi-Information Display, continue to press and hold the button until the trip meter displays zeroes (“000000”).
  • If your model IS equipped with a Multi-Information Display, continue to press and hold the button until a confirmation message appears on the display.
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Additional Resources

pouring oil in funnel

Engine Oil Numbers Explained
Motor oil leaking from the vehicle.

Common Causes of Oil Leaks in Your Vehicle
motor oil selection

Selecting the Right Motor Oil for Your Vehicle

The automotive repair work depicted in this series is performed under the direction of the manufacturer of the product featured. Prior to undertaking any of the demonstrated repairs on your vehicle, we suggest you consult with a certified mechanic or another professional who can adequately advise you of the proper repair or remedy required. O’Reilly Automotive Stores, Inc. and its affiliates (“O’Reilly”) disclaims any responsibility for injury or damage resulting from a viewer’s attempt to recreate the repairs shown in this series.