How to Change the Oil in a 2005 Camry

by Anne DavisUpdated November 07, 2017

Items you will need

  • Drip pan or bucket

  • Car lift or ramps

  • Socket wrench

  • Funnel

  • Work gloves

  • Oil filter

  • 5 quarts of 5W-30 motor oil

In tough economic times, many individuals choose to change their own oil. Not only is it cost efficient, it can be an opportunity for you to gain familiarity with your vehicle. Changing your Camry's oil requires some up front costs, like purchasing ramps and a socket wrench, but is worthwhile in the long run. While it can be a messy experience, time and patience will ensure that you can perform this task in a short amount of time.

Lift your vehicle, or drive its front wheels up onto ramps. Secure it in place.

Locate the oil pan. It is a silver or gray pan with a single bolt protruding from the bottom. It is located on the underside of the car near the front.

Place a drip pan or bucket under the oil pan. When you unscrew the drain plug bolt, the oil will begin flowing immediately, so you must be prepared to ensure that no oil spills.

Unscrew the drain plug using a fitted socket wrench. Allow the oil to drain entirely.

Replace the drain plug and tighten it by hand until it is very tight.

Locate the oil filter. It will likely be either blue or white, but its color could vary depending on brand, and be shaped like a cylinder.

Remove the oil filter using an oil filter wrench or your hand. Rotate it counterclockwise to remove it.

Moisten the rubber rim on the new oil filter using motor oil. This allows the rubber to expand to create a better seal.

Screw the new oil filter into the location from which you removed the old oil filter. Rotate it clockwise until you feel resistance, then rotate it about a quarter-turn more. Do not over-tighten the oil filter, as it will be very difficult to remove again.

Lower the vehicle from the lift or ramps. Do not turn the vehicle on to do this.

Open the hood of the car and locate the engine oil compartment. It will likely be brightly labeled.

Pour five quarts of 5W-30 oil into the engine oil compartment under the hood. Use a funnel to prevent spills. You may want to pour in about 1 quart, then look below the car to ensure that it is not spilling out if you didn't tighten the drain plug correctly.

Wipe the dipstick that extends into the engine oil compartment and replace it in its proper location. Remove it again and look at the stick to ensure that the engine oil levels fall within the marked levels on the dipstick.

Dispose of all of your used engine oil at any mechanic's shop or automotive supply store. States regulate the disposal of such hazardous materials, so make sure you dispose of everything correctly.


Check your owner's manual to ensure that you purchase the correct oil filter. Depending on which engine you have (2.4 liter S4 or 3.0 liter V6), you will need a specific filter. Most automotive supply stores have books that will tell you the correct oil filter. Different brands have different part numbers for the same oil filter. You can use a disposal turkey pan as a drain pan if you don't want to invest in a more permanent bucket. You just need something that will hold more than five quarts of oil without spilling or breaking.


Ensure that the drain plug bolt is screwed in correctly. Incorrectly screwing this bolt will cause your new engine oil will leak from the oil pan.

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