Where the oil filter sits on a 2017 Tacoma

On a 2017 Toyota Tacoma, the oil filter is mounted on the driver's side of the engine, below the intake manifold and above the subframe. You'll find it by looking underneath the engine bay on the left side — it's a cylindrical canister roughly 3 inches tall, oriented vertically. The exact position varies slightly between the 2.7-liter four-cylinder and the 3.5-liter V6, but both are accessible from underneath the vehicle without removing other components.

Access is easiest if you raise the truck on jack stands or drive it onto ramps. You do not need to remove the wheel well liner, though some owners do to make the job less cramped. The filter sits close enough to the frame that you'll want a filter wrench — trying to turn it by hand in that tight space usually results in stripped threads or skinned knuckles.

Key Takeaways

  • The 2017 Tacoma's oil filter is located on the driver's side of the engine, below the intake manifold, and requires a filter wrench to remove safely.
  • Toyota specifies either a 3/4-inch or 14-millimeter socket-style filter wrench depending on which engine you have; confirm your engine size before buying.
  • The filter drains into the pan below, so place a drain pan underneath before loosening to catch spilled oil.
  • Replacement takes 10 to 15 minutes once you have the right wrench and the engine is cool enough to touch safely.

Which filter wrench fits a 2017 Tacoma

Toyota does not use a spin-on filter on the 2017 Tacoma — instead, the filter is a cartridge that sits inside a plastic housing. This means you need a cartridge filter wrench, not the cup-style wrench you might use on other vehicles. The wrench grips the plastic cap that covers the filter element inside.

For the 2.7-liter engine, Toyota specifies a 3/4-inch socket-style wrench. For the 3.5-liter V6, the cap is slightly larger and requires a 14-millimeter wrench. Both are inexpensive — typically $8 to $15 — and widely available at auto parts stores. If you own both engine sizes or plan to work on multiple Tacomas, a universal adjustable cartridge wrench works on both, though it's slightly less reliable than a fixed-size tool.

Do not attempt to turn the cap by hand or with a regular wrench. The plastic strips easily, and a stripped cap means the housing cannot seal properly on reassembly, leading to oil leaks.

Steps to remove and replace the filter

Start with the engine cold or only warm to the touch — hot oil will burn you. Raise the truck on jack stands or ramps and position a drain pan underneath the filter housing. Locate the plastic cap on top of the filter cartridge (you may need to reach from underneath or remove the wheel well liner for better access on some model years).

Fit your cartridge wrench onto the cap and turn counterclockwise. The cap will come free with the old filter element still attached inside. Drain any remaining oil from the cap into your pan, then separate the filter element from the cap by hand — it usually pulls straight out. Inspect the rubber gasket on the cap; if it's cracked or deformed, replace the cap assembly (Toyota sells it as a unit).

Rinse the inside of the housing with a clean rag to remove any debris or old gasket material. Install the new filter element into the cap, then hand-thread the cap back into the housing until the rubber gasket contacts the sealing surface. Use your wrench to tighten an additional three-quarters of a turn — do not over-tighten, as this crushes the gasket and causes leaks.

Lower the truck, start the engine, and let it run for 30 seconds. Check underneath for leaks around the filter cap. If you see oil dripping, turn off the engine, let it cool, and tighten the cap another quarter turn.

Oil filter part numbers and specifications

Toyota's OEM filter for the 2017 Tacoma is part number 90915-YZZA1, which fits both engine sizes. This is a cartridge-style filter, not a spin-on. The filter element itself is the same across both engines; what changes is the cap assembly depending on your engine displacement.

Aftermarket filters from Fram, Bosch, and Mobil also fit the 2017 Tacoma and meet Toyota's specifications. When shopping, confirm the part is listed as compatible with your specific engine size (2.7L or 3.5L) and model year. Some aftermarket filters are sold as cartridge elements only; others come with the cap assembly included. Check the packaging to know what you're getting.

The filter capacity is roughly 0.6 quarts. When you change the filter, you'll lose a small amount of oil, so plan to top up your oil level after the job is complete.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

The most frequent error is over-tightening the filter cap. The rubber gasket only needs light pressure to seal — once it contacts the housing, an additional three-quarters of a turn is enough. Cranking it down with all your strength will compress the gasket permanently, causing it to leak when ready or fail on the next oil change.

Another common problem is forgetting to drain the old oil from inside the cap before installing the new filter element. If you skip this step, dirty oil mixes with your fresh oil and defeats the purpose of the change. Always empty the cap into your drain pan first.

Some owners also fail to inspect the rubber gasket on the cap. If it's cracked, hardened, or visibly damaged, the new filter will leak no matter how carefully you install it. Replace the cap assembly if the gasket is anything less than soft and pliable.

Tools and supplies you'll need

Gather these items before you start: a cartridge filter wrench (3/4-inch for the 2.7L engine, 14-millimeter for the 3.5L), a new filter element or filter cartridge assembly, a drain pan large enough to hold at least 1 quart of oil, clean rags or paper towels, and jack stands or ramps to safely raise the truck. A socket wrench set is helpful for removing the drain plug if you're doing a full oil change at the same time, though filter replacement alone does not require it.

Wear gloves to keep oil off your hands, and have a waste oil container ready for disposal. Most auto parts stores accept used oil and filters for free, so plan to bring yours in after the job.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change the filter without raising the truck?

It's possible but uncomfortable. The filter sits low enough that you can reach it from underneath while the truck is on level ground, but you'll be lying on your back in a tight space. Raising the truck on jack stands gives you room to work safely and reduces the risk of spilling oil on yourself.

How often should I replace the filter on a 2017 Tacoma?

Toyota recommends changing the oil and filter every 10,000 miles under normal driving conditions, or every 5,000 miles if you tow, idle frequently, or drive in dusty conditions. Check your owner's manual for the interval that matches your driving habits.

What if the filter cap won't come loose?

If the cap is stuck, explore penetrating oil around the base and wait 15 minutes before trying again. Make sure your wrench is seated firmly on the cap — a wrench that's slipping will round off the edges. If it's still stuck, tap the wrench handle gently with a rubber mallet to break the seal, then turn slowly.

Do I need to replace the cap assembly every time?

No. The cap and gasket are reusable. Replace them only if the gasket is damaged, cracked, or no longer seals properly. A healthy gasket should last through multiple oil changes.

Is synthetic oil better for a 2017 Tacoma?

Toyota approves both conventional and synthetic oil for the 2017 Tacoma. Synthetic oil lasts longer between changes and performs better in extreme temperatures, but it costs more. Conventional oil is less expensive and works fine if you stick to the recommended change interval. The filter change procedure is identical regardless of oil type.