Maintenance

2022 Toyota Tundra 3.5L Twin-Turbo Oil Change — V35A-FTS, 0W-20, Step-by-Step DIY Guide

OwnerDrop Team··5 min read

2022 Toyota Tundra 3.5L Twin-Turbo Oil Change — V35A-FTS, 0W-20, Step-by-Step DIY Guide

When Toyota replaced the 5.7L V8 with the 3.5L twin-turbocharged V6 in the 2022 Tundra, a lot of truck owners had questions. One of the biggest: is the oil change more complicated? I've done it — and the answer is no, but there are a few details that matter. The V35A-FTS takes 0W-20 full synthetic, has a top-mounted cartridge filter that you access without going under the truck, and holds 6.6 quarts. Dealers charge $130–$180 for this service. You can do it yourself for about $50.

What makes this engine different from the old V8 is how much more it depends on clean oil. The V35A-FTS has twin turbos running at high boost, direct injection, port injection (D-4ST dual injection), and Toyota's Integrated Variable Valve Timing on six cams. Every one of these systems relies on oil cleanliness and correct viscosity. This is not the engine to skip oil changes on.

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Engine and Oil Specs

ItemSpec
Engine3.5L V35A-FTS twin-turbocharged V6 (D-4ST)
Oil viscosity0W-20 full synthetic (Toyota Genuine recommended)
Oil capacity6.6 quarts (6.3L) with filter
OEM oil filterToyota 04152-YZZA6
Drain plug size14mm
Drain plug torque27 lb-ft (37 Nm)
Drain plug washerToyota 90430-12031 — replace every change
Oil change interval10,000 miles / 12 months

The same Toyota 04152-YZZA6 cartridge filter used on the Camry 2.5L also fits the V35A-FTS. Buy a few — they're about $9 each. The drain plug washer is identical too: Toyota 90430-12031, an aluminum crush-type.

Tools and Parts List

  • Toyota 04152-YZZA6 oil filter cartridge
  • 6.6 quarts 0W-20 full synthetic
  • Toyota 90430-12031 drain plug washer (buy a 5-pack)
  • 14mm socket (drain plug)
  • 64mm 14-flute Toyota filter wrench
  • Torque wrench (20–40 lb-ft range)
  • Drain pan (7-quart minimum)
  • Ramps (stock Tundra is tall enough to work under easily)
  • Funnel and rags

Cost Comparison

ItemDIY CostShop Cost
0W-20 full synthetic (7 qt)$35–$45
Toyota OEM filter$9
Drain plug washer$1.50
Total parts~$46–$56
Labor$0$80–$120
Total~$46–$56$130–$180

You save $80–$130 every oil change. At Toyota's 10,000-mile interval, you're saving this amount once or twice per year.

Step-by-Step Oil Change

1. Warm the Engine (5–7 minutes)

Drive the Tundra for at least 5 minutes to bring the oil to operating temperature. Warm oil drains quickly and completely; cold oil from a V6 this size takes significantly longer to fully evacuate the pan.

The V35A-FTS twin turbos see high exhaust temperatures — let the truck idle for 60–90 seconds before shutting off if you've been driving hard. This is standard turbo courtesy: it lets the turbos cool with oil still circulating, preventing oil coking in the bearing housings.

2. Access the Drain Plug

The 2022 Tundra has a standard-height ride, and you can slide under it without ramps if needed. But ramps make the drain go faster — you get a steeper drain angle and better drain pan positioning.

The drain plug is on the passenger side of the oil pan, at the rear. 14mm socket.

3. Remove and Drain

Break the drain plug loose counterclockwise, then spin it off by hand. With 6.6 quarts to drain, budget 8–10 minutes for a complete drain. The plug will have an aluminum washer on it — remove and discard it.

4. Remove the Oil Filter (Top Mount)

The V35A-FTS has a top-mounted cartridge filter just like the 4-cylinder Toyota engines. It's located in the valley between the two cylinder banks — you can see it from above once you open the hood. Use the 64mm Toyota filter wrench to remove the housing cap.

Lift the cap out — the old filter element comes with it. There are two O-rings on the cap (one large outer, one smaller inner). Replace both O-rings from the new filter kit. Insert the new element, making sure it seats at the bottom of the housing.

Pro tip: Keep a rag under the filter housing when you pull the cap. Oil collects in the valley and will run into places you don't want it to go if you're not careful.

5. Reinstall the Drain Plug

Install a new Toyota 90430-12031 aluminum washer. Thread the drain plug in by hand, then torque to 27 lb-ft (37 Nm).

6. Reinstall the Filter Cap

Thread the filter cap in by hand, then torque to 18 lb-ft (25 Nm). The cap has a torque spec molded into it on some Tundra variants — follow the spec on the cap if present.

7. Add Oil

Pour in 6 quarts first through the filler cap (front of the engine, passenger side on the V35A-FTS). Start the engine, let it idle for 60 seconds, then shut off. Wait 5 minutes and check the dipstick. Add oil to reach the "F" mark — you'll typically add the remaining ~0.6 quarts in this final step.

8. Start, Verify, and Reset

Run the engine for 2 minutes. Check under the hood at the filter housing and underneath at the drain plug for any drips. The V35A-FTS oil pressure light extinguishes within 5 seconds of startup.

Reset the Maintenance Required light by holding the TRIP/RESET button on the instrument cluster while in the accessories position. The procedure is the same as previous Tundra generations.

Twin-Turbo Maintenance Considerations

The V35A-FTS has twin turbochargers with liquid cooling — they run cooler than traditional turbos, but they still need clean oil for bearing lubrication. The 10,000-mile interval is Toyota's maximum; if you tow regularly or do high-altitude work, consider 5,000–7,500 mile changes.

Towing with this engine also accelerates oil degradation — heat, load, and extended high-RPM operation break down oil faster than light-duty use. The OwnerDrop maintenance schedules guide has a towing/severe use schedule for the 2022 Tundra.

For a full comparison of what it costs to service a Tundra V6 vs. dealer pricing over five years, check our guide to saving money on car repairs.


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Written by OwnerDrop Team

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