5th & 6th Generation (2002-2006 & 2007-2011)Toyota Camry Discussion for years: 2002-2006 & 2007-2011
Topics of discussion range from fuel economy, safety, modifications, performance all involving America's favorite family car, the Toyota Camry.
My son has a (Camry) 2003 SE 4 cylinder and mine is a 2006 LE 4 cylinder, the best I can tell we have the same engine
Mine calls for 5W-20 and his calls for 5W-30.
Why the difference?
Did Toyota change it in the later years due to the engine sludge issues?
If so, should we be using 5W-20 in his or stick with the recommended 5W-30?
Engine sludge meant using synthetic oils and go no more than 5000 miles between oil changes.
0/5W-20 weight is for 2006+ EPA MPG purposes. If toyota certified their cars with that, then they are stuck with it. I don't remember if it was Toyota or Honda TSB that 5W-30 can be substituted when out of the 20 weights.
However, for warranty purposes you shouldn't be using 5W-30 unless you're past the warranty period and intends to keep the car longer. It's also easier to get 5W-30, although there are more and more 5W-20s around these days.
Quote:
Originally Posted by tonyreo
I searched a bit but didn't find my answer so...
My son has a (Camry) 2003 SE 4 cylinder and mine is a 2006 LE 4 cylinder, the best I can tell we have the same engine
Mine calls for 5W-20 and his calls for 5W-30.
Why the difference?
Did Toyota change it in the later years due to the engine sludge issues?
If so, should we be using 5W-20 in his or stick with the recommended 5W-30?
I believe that Toyota approved the use of 5W-20 and 0W-20 oils in all 2AZ engines, but I'm not certain of that. Why don't you give Toyota corporate customer service a call at 1-800-331-4331 and ask this question of customer service. They will even give you a reference number documenting your call and answer.
My son has a (Camry) 2003 SE 4 cylinder and mine is a 2006 LE 4 cylinder, the best I can tell we have the same engine
Mine calls for 5W-20 and his calls for 5W-30.
Why the difference?
Did Toyota change it in the later years due to the engine sludge issues?
If so, should we be using 5W-20 in his or stick with the recommended 5W-30?
My recommendation, call a few toyota dealers around your area and ask them. They must know, I hope. Not likely all the dealers will get it wrong.
TSB EG018-06 says 5W-20 (2006 and up only). However, owners said the watery-consistency oil makes the engines much more noisy and they would rather use 5W-30.
TSB EG018-06 says 5W-20 (2006 and up only). However, owners said the watery-consistency oil makes the engines much more noisy and they would rather use 5W-30.
If not for warranty receipts I'd go with 5W-30.
I actually have noticed my engine is a bit noisier lately.. I have been using 5w-20 for a while now. Maybe I will go back to 5w-30 next oil change since i just did mine the other day.. do you think it would make that much of a difference?
Mileage difference would not be measurable. But many said they experience noisier engines especially at higher speeds.
However, you need to think about warranty coverage and decide for yourself. Personally, I would go with 5W-30 after the warranty period. In fact, you can ask Mobil about this on their website, after searching FAQ for any latest answers.
See what Mobil-1 answered to one owner (of a T&C 3.8L):
Question: Using a 5W-30 Oil When Warranty Calls for 5W-20 I bought a new Chrysler Town & Country with a 3.8 engine. It calls for 5W-20 but I want to use Mobil 1 Extended Performance. The closest viscosity for Mobil 1 Extended Performance is 5W-30. Can I use the 5W-30 or will it harm the engine or void the warranty? -- Howell Hall, Atlanta, GAAnswer: Mobil 1 Extended Performance will not harm the engine, but in the unlikely event of a warranty issue, the automotive dealer might use the wrong oil viscosity as a reason to void your warranty. So during the warranty period, we recommend you use Mobil 1 5W-20.
Quote:
Originally Posted by MrSo0h0o
I actually have noticed my engine is a bit noisier lately.. I have been using 5w-20 for a while now. Maybe I will go back to 5w-30 next oil change since i just did mine the other day.. do you think it would make that much of a difference?
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Answer: Mobil 1 Extended Performance will not harm the engine, but in the unlikely event of a warranty issue, the automotive dealer might use the wrong oil viscosity as a reason to void your warranty. So during the warranty period, we recommend you use Mobil 1 5W-20. 
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