2007-2012 Lexus ES — Oil and Filter Change

Warm the engine and lift the ES safely

Start the 3.5L V6 and let it idle for 2–3 minutes so the oil warms and drains quickly. Park the ES on a flat, level surface, shift into Park, set the parking brake, then raise the front on ramps or jack stands.

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Remove the engine undercover

The ES has a plastic splash shield under the engine that blocks access to the drain plug and filter housing. Remove its bolts and clips with a socket and trim tool, then set the cover aside where it will not get dirty.

Position the drain pan and remove the drain plug

Slide a wide drain pan under the oil pan at the front of the engine. Fit a 14mm socket on the drain plug, turn counterclockwise, and finish by hand while pushing inward so you can pull the plug away fast once the threads release.

Drain the oil and reinstall the plug

Let the oil drain until it slows to an occasional drip, which takes several minutes on the 2GR-FE. Wipe the plug and pan surface clean, fit a new crush washer, thread the plug in by hand, then snug it with the 14mm socket without overtightening the aluminum pan.

Open the cartridge filter housing

The 2GR-FE uses a plastic cartridge housing on the front of the engine rather than a spin-on filter. Fit a 64mm cap wrench over the housing, turn counterclockwise, and lower it carefully since it holds about half a quart of oil.

Swap the filter element and o-rings

Pull the old paper element off the housing stem and remove the large o-ring from its groove. Lubricate the new o-ring with fresh oil, seat it in the correct groove, snap the new element onto the stem, and thread the housing back on by hand before final snugging with the cap wrench.

Refill with fresh oil

Reinstall the undercover, lower the car to level ground, and remove the oil filler cap on the valve cover. Pour in 6.4 quarts of the viscosity listed in the owner's manual through a funnel, checking the dipstick as you approach full.

Check for leaks and reset the maintenance light

Start the engine and let it run for 30 seconds while you look under the car for drips at the drain plug and filter housing. Shut it off, wait two minutes, recheck the dipstick level, and reset the maintenance-required light through the instrument cluster menu.