The 2003 Toyota Sequoia is a tough and reliable truck that’s built to last. And it’ll last a lot longer if you keep the engine topped up with the right amount and type of oil.

The 2003 Toyota Sequoia has an oil capacity of 6 quarts.

Toyota recommends using SAE 5W-30 full synthetic oil.

Engine sounds and smells of burning may be a sign that you need an oil change.

Warm up your car before and after an oil change to ensure you have the correct oil levels.

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2003 Toyota Sequoia engine oil capacity

First things first: how much oil does your 2003 Sequoia need?

Toyota

recommends 6 quarts or 5.7 liters of oil for the Sequoia’s engine.

What kind of oil does a 2003 Toyota Sequoia need?

Toyota recommends SAE 5W-30 full synthetic oil with an ILSAC (International Lubricant Standardization and Approval Committee) Certification Mark for the 2003 Sequoia. It’s best to use

Toyota Genuine Motor Oil

, but any brand will do. Just make sure you see that ILSAC mark, and that you choose full synthetic 5W-30.

We’ll be blunt—synthetic oil can be expensive. But do you know what’s more expensive?

Car repairs

that are brought on by using the wrong type of oil. The Sequoia’s engine best operates using full synthetic oil, so anything else could lead to a loss in performance, increased wear, and a shortened lifespan.

Long story short, when it comes time to decide between synthetic or conventional oil, spend the extra bucks on synthetic—it’ll save you more in the long run than it’ll cost you now.

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How often to change the oil on a 2003 Toyota Sequoia

Using synthetic oil will save you money by decreasing the need for oil changes. Toyota recommends an oil change every 7,500 to 10,000 miles. If you opt for a synthetic blend or conventional oil, you’ll not only need to change your oil twice as often (every 3,000 to 5,000 miles) but you’ll also be causing unnecessary wear to your engine that could lead to costly repairs.

If you feel strange going so long between oil changes, you don’t have to. You can change your oil more often than recommended, just don’t do it less than recommended.

In addition, remember to regularly check your engine oil levels between those changes—at least once a month. You should check your oil not only to ensure it’s staying at proper levels but also for signs of engine damage.

Here’s how to check your oil, and what to look for when you do:

Pull your truck onto a level surface, and make sure the engine is warm.

Remove the dipstick. It’ll be yellow with a ring on top to make it easy to remove.

Wipe the dipstick on a rag.

Reinsert the dipstick without screwing it in.

Check that the oil level registers between the upper and lower limits marked on the dipstick.

Look at the oil to make sure it’s still clean—clean engine oil is slightly translucent and amber in color.

If you notice any of the following when checking your oil or while you’re driving, get an oil change immediately:

Engine oil is black and gritty

Strange sounds coming from the engine

Odd smells

Decreased performance

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How to change your oil

Even the least handy person in a garage can learn how to change the oil in their vehicle! And learning how to do so is a great way to

save on car expenses

. All you need is a little time, a few supplies, and a willingness to get your hands dirty.

First, gather up these

essential car maintenance tools and supplies

6 quarts of 5W-30 synthetic oil and a replacement filter

A replacement washer for the oil drain bolt

A drain pan

A socket wrench

A filter wrench

A rag

If you have them, putting your car on jack stands will make the process a lot easier. However, your

Toyota Sequoia’s ground clearance

makes jack stands more of an option than a necessity.

Before you get your hands dirty, make sure your Sequoia is safely parked on a level surface, and that the engine is warm to ensure the old oil drains smoothly. If your truck has been sitting all day, let it run for about 5 minutes. If you’ve been out driving, let the engine cool until you can touch it before getting to work.

Now follow these steps to change your oil:

With your truck off and in park, pop the hood and remove the oil fill cap. If you’re not sure where this is, just look for a flat black cap that either says “engine oil” or has a picture of an oil can on it.

Now, grab your drain pan, socket wrench, and filter wrench, and get under your truck.

Look for a large flat area with a single bolt on it. This is your oil pan, and the bolt is your drain plug.

Position your drain pan beneath the oil drain bolt, then use the socket wrench to remove the oil drain bolt and washer.

Now, use the filter wrench to remove the old oil filter and wait for the oil to drain completely. To make sure you get as much of the old oil out as possible, allow yourself about 10 minutes or so for this step. (Perhaps we should’ve included a comfy chair and cold beverage in our list of supplies.)

Once all the old oil is drained, install the new filter.

Replace the oil drain bolt using a new washer and tighten it to 29 lb-ft.

Refill the engine with your new oil and replace the fill cap.

Time to check your work! Warm up your Sequoia’s engine for a couple of minutes, then check the oil. If your levels are low, top them off. If there’s too much oil, drain some of it because too much oil can be even more damaging than not adding enough.

And you’re done! Place your old engine oil in a sealable plastic or metal container and head to your local fluid recycling center to dispose of it. Engine oil is an environmental hazard, so you can’t just throw it away or dump it on the ground. If you’re not sure where to take your oil, visit

Earth 911

for a list of locations.

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