Lexus RX350 Oil Filter Housing Question (with pic)

Joined
Jan 15, 2016
Messages
177
Location
Alabama
Hello, folks. I'm familiar with the Toyota & Lexus cartridge oil filter setup and how difficult they are to loosen, but our 2016 RX 350 has an additional element I haven't seen before. In the picture below, it's the metal tab or stop that you see at about the 11 o'clock position. What does that tab do? It looks like it would interfere with an oil change by keeping the cartridge canister from being removed all the way. This vehicle is new to us, so I'm approaching my first oil change on this one.

[Linked Image]
 
I believe this tab prevents the cartridge housing from loosening after tightening to proper specs. Gently pull tab away when loosening or tightening so you can rotate housing. When tightening housing back on, make sure the finger engage in the slot.
 
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