Assumption: This is the 3.6L Pentastar setup with a top-mounted cartridge oil filter housing.

🔧 Wrangler - Engine Oil & Oil Filter Replacement

You’ll drain the old engine oil, replace the oil filter element, then refill with fresh oil. This keeps the engine protected from wear and helps it run cooler and cleaner.

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 0.75-1.5 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Work on level ground and set the parking brake.
• ⚠️ Let the engine cool 10-20 minutes; oil can burn you.
• ⚠️ Support the Jeep with jack stands before going underneath.
• ⚠️ Keep oil off the exhaust and belts; wipe spills immediately.
• ⚠️ Battery disconnect is not required for this job.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Wheel chocks
• Safety glasses
• Nitrile gloves
• Drain pan (at least 8-quart capacity)
• Funnel
• Shop rags
• 3/8" drive ratchet
• 3/8" drive extension (6")
• 13mm socket
• 24mm socket
• Torque wrench (10-100 ft-lbs range)

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Engine oil (SAE 5W-20) - Qty: 6 quarts
• Engine oil filter cartridge - Qty: 1
• Oil filter housing O-ring - Qty: 1
• Oil drain plug washer - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground, set the parking brake, and chock the rear wheels.
• Warm the engine for 2-3 minutes, then shut it off. Warm oil drains faster.
• Open the hood and remove the oil fill cap to help the crankcase vent while draining.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Safely raise and support the front

• Use a floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum) to lift the front at the correct jacking point.
• Place jack stands (rated 3-ton minimum) under the frame and lower onto them.
• Keep wheel chocks behind the rear tires.

Step 2: Drain the old oil

• Slide the drain pan (at least 8-quart capacity) under the oil pan drain plug.
• Use a 13mm socket with a 3/8" drive ratchet to loosen and remove the drain plug.
• Let the oil drain until it becomes a slow drip (usually 5-10 minutes).
• Clean the drain plug and install a new oil drain plug washer if equipped.

Step 3: Reinstall and torque the drain plug

• Thread the drain plug in by hand first to avoid cross-threading (starting it crooked).
• Use a torque wrench (10-100 ft-lbs range) with a 13mm socket.
• Torque to 25 N·m (18 ft-lbs).

Step 4: Replace the oil filter (cartridge style)

• From the top of the engine bay, locate the oil filter housing cap (round cap on the filter canister).
• Use a 24mm socket with a 3/8" drive ratchet and 3/8" drive extension (6") to loosen the cap.
• Lift the cap straight up; the old filter element usually comes up attached to the cap.
• Pull the old filter element off the cap by hand.
• Remove the old O-ring from the cap using a shop rags grip (don’t scratch the plastic cap).
• Install the new oil filter housing O-ring (lightly coat it with fresh oil from the new bottle).
• Push the new engine oil filter cartridge onto the cap until fully seated.
• Reinstall the cap by hand until snug, then use the torque wrench with the 24mm socket.
• Torque to 25 N·m (18 ft-lbs).

Step 5: Refill with new oil

• Insert a funnel into the oil fill hole.
• Pour in engine oil (SAE 5W-20), starting with about 5.5 quarts.
• Reinstall the oil fill cap.
• Start the engine and let it idle for 30-45 seconds, then shut it off.
• Wait 2-3 minutes, then check the dipstick and top off to the full mark (typically ends up around 6 quarts total with filter).
• Use shop rags to wipe any spilled oil.

Step 6: Lower the Jeep and do a final leak check

• Use the floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum) to lift slightly, remove jack stands (rated 3-ton minimum), and lower to the ground.
• With the engine running, visually check for leaks at the drain plug and oil filter housing.

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✅ After Repair

• Recheck the dipstick after a short drive and top off if needed.
• Reset the oil life indicator: turn key to ON/RUN (engine off) > press accelerator pedal fully 3 times within 10 seconds > turn key to OFF.
• Dispose of used oil and the filter properly (most parts stores accept used oil).

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $120-$220 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $35-$75 (parts only)

You Save: $85-$145 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 0.7-1.2 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

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