2001 Toyota Tacoma Engine Oil Capacity

Most 2001 Toyota Tacomas have an engine oil capacity of six quarts, but the V6 engine only uses 5.5 quarts. Read more here!
Written by Mary Alice Morris
Reviewed by Melanie Reiff
background
The 2001 Toyota Tacoma takes six quarts of engine oil for all the four-cylinder engine models. But if you have a V6 Tacoma from 2001, it only needs 5.5 quarts of oil.
Toyota Tacomas have a reputation for durability, which sticks to the brand’s reputation for making
long-lasting vehicles
. There are many 2001 Tacomas still in great condition on the road, and to keep yours running with them, it's important to stay on top of regular maintenance, including timely oil changes and topping off the engine oil as needed.
Keeping your car in good health will save you money from costly repairs in the long run—and by extension can keep your
car insurance
costs lower, too. But before you try to change your oil, you’ll want to make sure you know exactly how much to use and what type to get. This guide will show you everything you ought to know about the 2001 Toyota Tacoma’s engine oil capacity. 

2001 Toyota Tacoma engine oil capacity

When it’s time to change your engine oil, you should know how much it will take. 
If you have an
XtraCab
or
Double Cab
2001 Tacoma, it’s probably paired with a
V6 engine
, which will hold 5.5 quarts of oil. Regular cab Tacomas from 2001 will need six quarts. 
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What kind of oil does a 2001 Toyota Tacoma need?

When you’re ready to take your truck in for an
oil change
—or you’re ready to do it yourself at home—you’ll want to make sure the right product is used. Getting the wrong engine oil type could wreak serious havoc by damaging or even ruining your truck’s engine! 
Toyota
indicates that SAE 5W-30 oil is best suited for the 2001 Tacoma. However, in a pinch, you could also use SAE 10W-30, as long as the weather does not get below 0° Fahrenheit before your next oil change. 
The difference between these two oil types is their respective viscosities, or degree of liquid thickness, in winter weather. Basically, 5W-30 oil is more viscous, or thin, at colder temperatures, while 10W-30 oil is thicker, or less viscous.

How often to change the oil on a 2001 Toyota Tacoma

So how do you know when it’s time for an oil change? There’s a general schedule to follow, but you should also keep an eye out for symptoms and signs that an oil change is needed, no matter how recent your last one was. 
According to Toyota, you should change the oil in your 2001 Tacoma every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. However, this can vary based on driving habits, such as frequent intense acceleration, driving in difficult conditions, hauling heavy loads, or navigating steep hills. As a car ages, regular
wear and tear
can also impact the frequency of oil changes required.
It's essential for car owners to regularly monitor their engine oil levels. A good practice is to check it once a month or each time you refuel. To check the oil level, simply insert the dipstick and read the results. Additionally, look for signs that an oil change is needed, including:
  • Dark brown or black engine oil, instead of the amber-colored hue of oil that’s in good condition
  • Gritty oil that looks or feels dirty
  • New or unusual noises from the engine
  • The scent of oil, smoke, or something burning
  • Poor performance from your vehicle
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How to change your oil and oil filter

Ready to take on the task of changing your engine oil at home? It can save you a little money and give you some hands-on experience with your car. Here’s how to do it. 
Start by gathering the supplies you need, including SAE 5W-30 engine oil. You’ll also need a filter wrench, socket wrench, drain pan, new drain plug gasket, and replacement oil filter.
Once everything is together, turn on your ignition and let the car run for about five minutes. Then,
pop the hood open
and follow these directions:
  • Unscrew the oil filler cap.
  • Get under the engine of your truck and remove the oil drain bolt and old drain plug gasket
  • Position the drain pan so that the old engine oil can drain into it.
  • Take out the old oil filter.
  • Put in the new oil filter.
  • Re-attach your oil drain bolt with the new drain plug gasket and tighten the bolt to 29 lb-ft.
  • Fill the oil tank with either 5.5 or 6.0 quarts of your new engine oil, depending on your engine size. 
When you’re done refilling, you can put the oil cap back on and start up your engine. Let it warm up for a few minutes, and then take a walk around the vehicle to check for any oil leaks
Use the dipstick to check your engine oil level and add more if needed. Take a look inside to make sure the
oil pressure light
is off, and shut off the engine. 
Before finishing up, you need to dispose of the old engine oil—it’s important to do this properly. Do not dump engine oil in the trash, on the ground, or down a drain. Instead, pour it into a sealed container, such as an old coffee can or a used, empty oil bottle, then take it to an oil recycling center for disposal. 
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