Hey all!

If there are any 1993-97 Corollas owners out there, I just bought a used 1997 Corolla CE 4A-FE (1.6L) 5-spd with 116,500+ on the odo. This is the first Toyota I've ever owned and I heard that Corollas can take a beating and still run forever.
Anyway, I just replaced the oil and oil filter and was wondering about something.
I've done my own oil changes on other cars and usually I fill the new filter with a little bit of oil before inserting it, but since the oil filter on this engine is inserted horizontally, there's no way for me to put a decent amount without it pouring out.
My question is, is it necessary to fill the new filter with a little oil or should I just insert it empty? Or, it does it really matter.

Also, when I turn on the headlights at night, only half of the dashboard lights up so I'm assuming one of the bulbs is busted and needs to be replaced. If any of you have opened up the dashboard, is it fairly easy to do?

Thanks in advance for your help.

 

I usually just run a dab of oil around the oring before I put it on. No need to fill it with oil. Bulbs are easy to replace. most dash pieces are just clipped in. There may be a couple bolts holding on the lower portions but everything should just pull off. Bulbs just come out with a quarter turn. Sometimes they aren't even burnt out they just come loose so try tightening them back in first.

 

If I remember correctly the only cars that need the oil filter partially filled with oil are Turbo/SC cars, I might be wrong though.

 

its good practice to do that but its really messy.
its just to prime the oil system. best thing to do is unplug the spark plug wire and crank the engine for about 10sec then start it up, this is to prime the engine and the filter.

 

Cool!
Thanks for the help and the tips!
I very much appreciate it.