LexBob123

I open the flap door, and can not twist the oil filler cap on my SWB 2014 LS. I dont want to use channel locks, afraid it might break. Has anyone had this problem and have a solution?

jud149

There are specific wrenches for this. See Auto Zone, etc. When reinstalling, use a torque wrench adjusted to the proper Lexus torque using the special wrench. Don't over tighten. That's apparently what has happened here.

LexBob123

Thanks for your response. Last oil change was at a Toyota dealer during the pandemic since they were much closer and offered to pick up car from my house. Sounds like they over tightened. Going to Lexus Tuesday. Wonder if Toyota will pay for repair if any is needed.

Benjam1n

You might try taking off the engine cover first to try to get a better angle or use two hands.

sdls

He’s talking about the filler cap

not the filter housing

jud149

The caps are extremely difficult to remove. A Lexus tech told me some time ago they never remove them as it's just an unnecessary step. No real reason to other than a little messy if you don't. I do my own oil changes on my '11 and never have over the many times I've changed the filter.

LexBob123

Thanks for responses. If you fo not remove oil filler cap, how do you put the oil into engine?

lwphat66

For some reason it appears he's still focused on filter rather than oil fill cap. This has happened to me before on my '07 LS460, and I just used my Robo Grips (similar to channel locks) by grasping the cap as close to its center as possible then using just a slight amount of force to loosen it. It can tighten over time due to heat, vacuum etc. I wasn't really concerned with the cap breaking, as it's fairly stout; however, obviously use as little force as possible, going slowly and regulating the leverage. Good luck!

jud149

Sorry, I thought we were talking about the filter cap. Now that I’m on the same page, try what Benjam1n suggested. Remove the engine cover which will provide more room to get a firm grip on the cap. There’s just a few clips that hold the cover in place.

LexBob123

Thanks for everyones responses. Yes, Im talking about the oil fill cap, under the hinged door on the engine cover. I will try your suggestions. Thanks everyone.

JLAWS

Pop the engine cover off. Try to see if you can spray some penetrating oil like wd40 with a straw preferably around the cap the wait. Then lightly tap with a rubber mallet or something plastic like the handle end of a screwdriver and then try to turn it. Once it is off then take a rag and spay some brake/parts cleaner into it and clean the treads the cap and where it screws in. It wouldn't hurt to buy a new cap. Oem ones appear to be short money online

LexBob123

Thanks for your help. I will try that. Thanks.

miket000

You may also want to put a glove on. Sometimes just a bit more grip will do the trick.

roshko

My cap is also always hard to get off. I put a vice grip on the right side of it then twist. Seems like its time for a new cap/seal

jud149

Good point. Mine has always been quite tight also and I just assumed they were all like that. Anyway, I've always managed to get mine off, even taking both hands at times. I'm not sure a new one would be any better, though, as Lexus probably doesn't want them coming off too easily for obvious reasons. Maybe go to Lexus and try some on new and used LS's before buying a new one.