How to change the oil, oil filter, air filter, spark plugs and rotate tires on a 2005 Scion tc

   Its time for some basic maintenance on a 2005 Scion tc. We will change the oil, oil filter, air filter and spark plugs on this 2.4L engine. We will also rotate the tires.
 
                                                       Oil and filter change

Tools: 14mm socket and ratchet, oil filter wrench, oil catch pan, filling funnel,  two car ramps.
Materials: 4 qts 5W-30, oil filter (Fram PH4967), gloves, rags, bottle for the used oil.
Cost of Materials: $16.51 (11/15/2013)
Time: 45 minutes (allowing 30 minutes for draining)
Interval: Every 6,000 miles under normal driving conditions.

1) Warm the engine up to operating temperature.
2) Drive the front end up on ramps
3) Set the parking brake and block a back tire.
4) Position the oil catch pan under the engine oil pan
5) Loosen the 14mm drain plug with a socket and ratchet

Wear a glove and loosen the 14mm drain plug

6) With a glove on your hand, turn off and remove the drain plug. Have a rag ready to wipe the plug
7) Let the oil drain until it has slowed to a few slow drips.
8) Re-install the drain plug and snug it up. Not too tight, though.
9) Re-position the catch pan under the oil filter. It’s right next to oil pan.

The filter is conveniently located beside the oil pan

10) Using the filter wrench, turn the filter off in a counter-clockwise direction.
11) Drain as much of the used oil out of the filter as possible. I like to set it upside down on a screen placed over the catch pan.
12) Put a bit of clean oil on the rubber ring of the new filter.
13) Turn the filter on by hand. When it makes contact with the engine turn ¾ turn more.
14) Remove the oil filler cap and add 4 quarts of oil.
15) Run the engine a bit and then after 10 minutes check the level with the dipstick. Add oil as needed.

                                                         Air Filter
Tools: None
Materials: Air filter, Fram CA9482
Cost of materials: $12
Time: 5 minutes
Interval: Once a year under normal driving conditions.

1) Unsnap the two metals holders on the air filter cover (located to the right of the engine when facing the hood).

2) Pull the upper cover toward you until it disengages from the lower part of the filter housing.
3) Remove the filter and discard.
4) Seat the new filter in the lower housing. Make sure to follow the direction arrows.
5) Snap the cover back in place.


                                                         Spark plugs

Tools: 10mm socket and ratchet, 5/8" spark plug socket, torque wrench.
Materials: 4 iridium spark plugs (Bosch IR Fusion 4501)
Cost of materials: $12
Time: 15-20 minutes


1) Remove the plastic cover that is mounting atop the engine with 2 10mm acorn nuts.
2) Remove coil packs one at a time with a 10mm socket and ratchet.

With the 10mm bolt out, remove the coil pack (one at a time).

3) Use a 5/8” spark plug socket and a 6 inch extension bar to remove the plug.

The old plug is out

4) They are Denso part SK20R11. The sticker nearby says “do not adjust gap” The gap on the plus presently is 1.12mm.
5) Get four new irridium plugs.
6) Add a bit of clean motor oil to the threads and torque to 20 ft lbs.

Torque to 20 ft lbs

7) Reinstall the coil pack and torque just snug up the 10mm bolt.
8) Repeat steps 2-7 on the other three plugs.
9) Re-mount the plastic cover.

Tire Rotation

     This is a simple job that needs to be done to get the most out of our tires.  The front tires will wear out much faster than the rear so they need to be rotated to even out the wear.  Rotation is front to back and back to front on the same side.

Tools:  Two jacks, one OEM tire jack along with an additional OEM or  floor or scissors jack. 
A lug wrench or a breaker bar and socket sized for wheel lug nuts. Torque wrench (optional but highly recommended)
Materials: None
Cost of materials:  $0
Time: 30 to 45 minutes
Interval: every 7500 miles

1) Put on the parking brake or block the tires on the opposite side being lifted.  We will raising one side of the vehicle at a time.
2) Break the lug nuts on both wheels on the side being done first, using a lug wrench or breaker bar.
3) Raise one wheel off the ground with the factory wheel jack.
4) Raise the other wheel with the floor or scissors jack position under a substantial part of the fame near the wheel being rotated.

One jack lifted both wheels on this light and short car, but don't count on it

5) Remove the wheels and switch places.Snug up the lug nuts by hand. 

6) Lower vehicle and tighten lug nuts to 100 ft lbs in stages and alternating opposite nuts.              

                                                                                                   Four needed!