Changed the oil and filter today.
Thread Starter
Moderator
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 3,914
Likes: 227
From: Alabama
Changed the oil and filter today.
Changing the oil today reminded me again of what a superbly engineered car the LS430 is. Put the car up on wheel ramps. The bolt for the oil pan came off easy. Easy quick drain process. Go get a cool drink. Clean and replace drain plug. Then remove two bolts to open the plastic access door to get to the oil filter. The filter sits horizontally and is very easy to access and easy to spin off. As it is loosened the oil from filter drains vertically right into drain pan with no splashing on any panels or other parts of the LS. Then it's easy to see and clean off the filter mount and reinstall new Toyota filter...hand tighten very snug. Reinstall the two bolts to close up the plastic access door. Fill up with 5.4 quarts of Pennzoil Ultra 5w-30. Done. Saved about $40 from taking to Lexus. Feeling of accomplishment - priceless.
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 1,052
Likes: 128
From: GA
I know the sense of accomplishment. I already bought the oil for next oil change. Now just waiting for mileage to accumulate which is not going to happen soon though.
I have to stop taking out the whole plastic undercover. lol
Next time.
I have to stop taking out the whole plastic undercover. lol
Next time.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 4,078
Likes: 87
From: Birmingham, AL
Racer
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,856
Likes: 87
From: TX
Wow... I get the same feeling when I do mine. And we follow the same process. I do need to get some of that Pennzoil Ultra though... been using the Mobil 1 Extended... but heard from LSCowboy that Ultra is better... again, have to wait till I accumulate some more miles. But that's a pleasure all its own.
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 36
Likes: 5
From: Ca
Changing the oil today reminded me again of what a superbly engineered car the LS430 is. Put the car up on wheel ramps. The bolt for the oil pan came off easy. Easy quick drain process. Go get a cool drink. Clean and replace drain plug. Then remove two bolts to open the plastic access door to get to the oil filter. The filter sits horizontally and is very easy to access and easy to spin off. As it is loosened the oil from filter drains vertically right into drain pan with no splashing on any panels or other parts of the LS. Then it's easy to see and clean off the filter mount and reinstall new Toyota filter...hand tighten very snug. Reinstall the two bolts to close up the plastic access door. Fill up with 5.4 quarts of Pennzoil Ultra 5w-30. Done. Saved about $40 from taking to Lexus. Feeling of accomplishment - priceless.
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
Moderator
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 3,914
Likes: 227
From: Alabama
My 2006 LS430 takes apprx 5.4 quarts to fill - with a filter change. This puts oil level at top dot (highest of the two) of the dipstick. The few times I took it to Lexus they charged me for 6 quarts of oil. If it is 4.8 then I've been overfilling by 1/2 quart for several oil changes ...likley not doing any harm at that level. But I will check my manual tomorrow and report back if it says something lower than 5.4 quarts.
ClubLexus Stories
Celebrating Lexus & Toyota from Around the Globe
Top 10 Lexus & Toyotas to Drive Before You Die!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Lexus/Toyotas With The LEAST 5-Year Depreciation
Joe Kucinski
Lexus LC500 Convertible Auction: A Preview of Rising Values?
Brett Foote
GX 550 vs TX 550: Best 3-Row Luxury Lexus Family Hauler
Michael S. Palmer
9 Best Lexus Models You Can Buy for Half Price (And 1 You Shouldn't!)
Joe Kucinski
2026 Lexus NX Buyer's Guide: Models, Features, Prices & More!
Brett Foote
Top 10 Reasons to Buy a Lexus TX 550h+ (& 3 Reasons to AVOID!)
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Lexus & Toyota Models of the 1990s RANKED!
Joe Kucinski
10 Great Toyotas That Could Have Been Lexus Models
Joe Kucinski
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 832
Likes: 8
From: CA
I am curious about the difficulty of checking the coolant level.
It is true that you have to walk over next to a front wheel (either one) instead of directly viewing the reservoir from the front as in most other cars. And you might need a flashlight.
Am I missing something else?
It is true that you have to walk over next to a front wheel (either one) instead of directly viewing the reservoir from the front as in most other cars. And you might need a flashlight.
Am I missing something else?
Lead Lap
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 4,189
Likes: 16
From: NY/NJ
No, the coolant reservoir is under the air intake in the middle of the bay above the radiator. You have to remove the cover, which is held down by two plastic bolts and then you can see the reservoir. You have to do this just to fill also. Just weird inconvenience.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 4,078
Likes: 87
From: Birmingham, AL
My 2006 LS430 takes apprx 5.4 quarts to fill - with a filter change. This puts oil level at top dot (highest of the two) of the dipstick. The few times I took it to Lexus they charged me for 6 quarts of oil. If it is 4.8 then I've been overfilling by 1/2 quart for several oil changes ...likley not doing any harm at that level. But I will check my manual tomorrow and report back if it says something lower than 5.4 quarts.
Many factors can affect the final amount of oil needed, such as how long the oil was drained for at the bolt, the angle the car was at when drained, the use of an oversize filter, and even then temperature of the oil when you are changing it.
Can't believe you guys are not going nuts about the amazing Fumoto valve!
Pole Position
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 2,875
Likes: 31
From: wi
Changing my oil gives me a caffiene rush also when I am lounging over a warm cup of coffee, snacking ons some fruit or sitting in an Avalon, Sequia or Landcruiser on the dealers showroom floor. Pull in, pull out with a freshly washed car and I become a regular customer treated well for any future more major service work.
Priceless no 11 bucks, my own oil plus the cost of the filter.
Just kidding!!! I still have to check the oil myself so it is not overfilled the oil service guys are practically new every 5-6 k miles. I will have to check out the routine one of these days.
Priceless no 11 bucks, my own oil plus the cost of the filter.
Just kidding!!! I still have to check the oil myself so it is not overfilled the oil service guys are practically new every 5-6 k miles. I will have to check out the routine one of these days.
Thread Starter
Moderator
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 3,914
Likes: 227
From: Alabama
Changing my oil gives me a caffiene rush also when I am lounging over a warm cup of coffee, snacking ons some fruit or sitting in an Avalon, Sequia or Landcruiser on the dealers showroom floor. Pull in, pull out with a freshly washed car and I become a regular customer treated well for any future more major service work.
Priceless no 11 bucks, my own oil plus the cost of the filter.
Just kidding!!! I still have to check the oil myself so it is not overfilled the oil service guys are practically new every 5-6 k miles. I will have to check out the routine one of these days.
Priceless no 11 bucks, my own oil plus the cost of the filter.
Just kidding!!! I still have to check the oil myself so it is not overfilled the oil service guys are practically new every 5-6 k miles. I will have to check out the routine one of these days.
As I got in my 50's doing light maintenance (and easy mods) on our various family cars has turned into an enjoyable hobby. I have all the tools, take my time, work very carefully and typically have my 16 yo stepson around helping so that he can learn a little about maintaining cars and how they are put together. It takes my mind completely off what I do for a living so it is also a great stress reliever for me.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 832
Likes: 8
From: CA
Perhaps it is different for the 01-03s. Mine is an '05
Pole Position
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 2,875
Likes: 31
From: wi
Jab, I wish I could 1/2 my season is winter and I drive a ton of miles but ya I will change it next time for kicks just to see how the engineering is so sweet. I am 53 I also find it is hard to get rid of the oil. The garages can't take it in wisco as they can't vough for what it is for EPA.