The 2012 Toyota Tundra is the latest in a long line of full-size truck models that are designed to tow and haul with ease. The 2012 model has been redesigned from the ground up, with some new features that make it even more powerful than before. One such feature is its engine block heater which will help avoid cold-start issues during winter months when oil viscosity can be lower due to cold weather. With this 2012 Toyota Tundra Oil Change Guide you’ll learn how to change your 2012 Toyota Tundra’s oil properly and get all the benefits of an oil change without any hassle!
2012 Toyota Tundra Oil Change Guide [hide]
2012 Toyota Tundra Oil Type and Capacity
The amount of oil needed depends on a variety of factors. Smaller engines require less, while V8 engines might need more. Conventional oils are usually enough for smaller vehicles and those with 4 cylinder engine types, but high performance cars may need full synthetic motor oil. Engines require varying amounts of oil, depending on the number of cylinders. In general, engines with 4 or less cylinders require between 5 and 8 quarts; while those with 6 or more cylinders will need about 6 to 10 quarts.
To select the best engine oil for Toyota Tundra, you have to choose an oil that meets API SN, ILSAC GF-5 and ILSAC GF-6 specifications.
For 2012 and older Toyota Tundra 4WD models, use 75w90 oil of an API GL-4 or GL-5 specification in the transfer case.
Some people think a 75W-90 gear oil is generic and can be used in any application. This is not the case – we recommend using a specific type of 75W-90 GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil for this application, including 100% synthetic base oils.
Toyota Tundra, motor volume: 4.0 V6 24V
- Engine: 1GR-FE, production year: 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014.
- Oil viscosity: 0w30, 0w40, 5w30, 5w40, 10w30, 10w40.
- Engine oil capacity, L (qt.): 6.1 l 6.45 US Quarts.
- Filter: 0.5 l 0.53 US Quarts
Toyota Tundra, motor volume: 4.0 V6 24V 2WD
- Engine: 1GR-FE, production year: 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013.
- Oil viscosity: 0w30, 0w40, 5w30, 5w40, 10w30, 10w40.
- Engine oil capacity, L (qt.): 7.5 l 7.93 US Quarts.
- Filter: 0.4 l 0.42 US Quarts.
Toyota Tundra, motor volume: 4.0 V6 24V 4WD
- Engine: 1GR-FE, production year: 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013.
- Oil viscosity: 0w30, 0w40, 5w30, 5w40, 10w30, 10w40.
- Engine oil capacity, L (qt.): 7.5 l 7.93 US Quarts.
- Filter: 0.4 l 0.42 US Quarts
Toyota Tundra, motor volume: 5.7 V8 32V FFV E85
- Engine: 3UR-FE, production year: 2012, 2013.
- Oil viscosity: 0w30, 0w40, 5w40, 10w40.
- Engine oil capacity, L (qt.): 7.5 l 7.93 US Quarts.
- Filter: 0.4 l 0.42 US Quarts
2012 Toyota Tundra Oil Change Intervals
At regular intervals, Toyota recommends changing your motor oil in the 2012 Toyota Tundra. Every 3,000-5,000 miles is a good rule of thumb for proper maintenance.Synthetic oil, which is a petroleum-based oil type, should typically be changed between 7,500 and 10,000 miles.
To find out how often to change the oil in your 2012 Toyota Tundra, you need to refer to the owner’s manual. According to this guide published by Car and Driver, changing engine oil is necessary every 15000 miles or 12 months for vehicles older than three years old. If it’s a newer car that has been driven less then the interval should be at 10000 miles or six months.
In the table above, find your Tundra’s mileage column to determine if you need an oil change. If you hear knock knock knock coming from the engine or notice excess exhaust coming out of tail pipes, it may be time for a different type of vehicle. If you drive heavy loads, traverse dust-prone terrain, or take to the dirt roads on occasion for long stretches, change your engine oil more often than Toyota recommends. Getting more frequent oil changes may not be helpful to your car. In fact, every oil change is a chance for your mechanic to diagnose and treat any other problems that are occurring with the vehicle.
How to Check Oil in 2012 Toyota Tundra
The easiest way to check your truck’s oil level is by checking the dipstick. To change Toyota Tundra engine oil, remove the drain plug and add a new type of synthetic motor oil (5W-20 or 10W-30) in place as much as possible without forgetting to replace the drain plug afterwards. Make sure your engine is cold when checking the oil in your Toyota Tundra. The dipstick may read low if it’s warm, but this just means there may be less particulate lubricant on the outer parts of the motor and that everything is okay. Look at how sleek or oily (or even foamy) the oil looks as well as checking for leaks to get an idea of what kind of state it’s in – if you’re going to change it anyway, go ahead and do so!
If an oil level is low or empty, fill it up and then check the next time you drive. If the oil level sinks too low, have a mechanic investigate before traveling much farther.
- Getting Started – Prepare for the repair.
- Open the Hood – How to pop the hood and prop it open.
- Remove Dipstick – Locate, remove and wipe oil dipstick.
- Read Oil Level – Reinsert dipstick, remove and then read oil level.
- More Info. – Additional information on the oil level.
What do oil levels mean:
- Low – When the level sharply drops below the normal operating range, find your car’s motor oil or engine flushing product and fill it up.
- Normal – It’s important to periodically change your car’s oil so that it can continue working smoothly. Some types of cars need more frequent changes and some less often, depending on their make and model and how they are driven. Before changing the oil in your car, check with a mechanic for an accurate reading.
- High – When the engine oil level exceeds normal operating levels, you should change your fluid more often to ensure optimum performance.
How to Change Oil in 2012 Toyota Tundra
When you change your own oil, it is convenient to know that the quality of the filter is being monitored and that you will be using high-quality new fluids. A full-length article answering common questions with product reviews and useful tips about changing oil in 2012 toyota tundra. Here are what you need to find: the oil drain plug, the oil filter and the fill cap- as well as the step to change your Tundra’s oil. Unscrew the oil filter with an old belt wrapped around it. If this does not work, you may need an oil filter wrench. If you can’t access the drain plug or oil filter on your Toyota Tundra because it’s too low to the ground, be sure you follow safe jacking procedures and use jack stands before going under.
Most Toyotas will have the oil type printed on the vehicle’s oil cap – it will likely be 5W-20, 5W-30, 5W-40, 10W-30 or 10W-40. If the type of oil isn’t printed on the cap, consult your owner’s manual for the correct kind before adding new oil. It is important to wear safety glasses while working under your Tundra. You never know what could be dripping from the engine, battery acid, engine coolant, brake fluid, etc. When changing oil in a 2012 Toyota Tundra brand vehicle, it is essential to take care of your skin and eyes. Use special tools and keep fluids away from the face too!
Tools you’ll need:
- 2 mm socket
- 14 mm socket
- 3/8” socket wrench
- 3” 3/8” extension
- 10 mm socket (or Phillips screwdriver)
- 65mm 14 flute oil filter wrench
- Toyota Oil Filter Kit( P/N 04152-YZZA4, or WIX Filter 57041) Be aware that the WIX filter does include two o-rings like the Toyota kit, but it doesn’t come with a plastic drain “tool”. If you don’t know what I’m talking about, read on.
- ~ 7 Quarts 0W20 or 5W20
So, let start step-by-step:
- Getting Started – Make sure you’re prepared to repair your car by checking for the necessary tools and making sure you’ve gathered all of the information about oil change for 2012 toyota tundra.
- Open the Hood – Containing your car’s engine is a necessary step before changing the oil.
- Find Oil Drain – Locating the oil drain plug is simple and done underneath the vehicle.
- Drain Oil – Always set up a workspace before working with oil. Remove the old plug, drain the existing oil and put on a new plug.
- Find Oil Filter – Locate the oil filter and remove it using a socket wrench.
- Remove Filter – Position the drain pan under the engine and unscrew the oil filter.
- Replace Filter – Place the old oil filter in the jar, add new oil, and refill with until it overflows.
- Remove Oil Cap – Remove the oil fill cap to make way for more detailed instructions.
- Add Oil – Determine the correct grade of oil for your vehicle and add it to the engine.
- Replace Cap – After you change the oil, make sure to replace and tighten the oil fill cap.
- Leak Inspection – For starters, start your vehicle and visually inspect for leaks.
- Remove Dipstick – Locate the oil dipstick and remove it. Wipe off excess dirt or oil on the part of the indicator round that sticks out from under your vehicle.
- Read Oil Level – Reinsert the dipstick, remove it again and then read what you find.
- Clean Up Tips – Proper ways to clean car spills and disposing of used oil.
2012 Toyota Tundra Oil Change Light Reset Instructions
To reset the oil change light in your 2012 Toyota Tundra, follow these steps:
- Shut off the engine, switch to “On,” and restart the vehicle. If you have a push-button model, press “Start.”
- To switch to “Trip A”, press the button labeled “Display Change” or press the signal sound button labeled with a bee icon.
- Turn the vehicle off completely before you change the oil.
- To change the oil, press and hold the “Trip” button.
- To enter the vehicle information screen, hold the Trip button until you hear a beep, and then turn on the ignition.
- When the “Trip” meter is set to all zeros, release the “Trips” button.
If you have any questions or comments, we would love to hear from you below!
