🔧 Engine Oil & Oil Filter - Oil Change

Changing the oil and filter on your Grand Cherokee keeps the 3.6L engine protected and helps the oil-life monitor stay accurate. This job is straightforward if you have the right tools and a way to safely raise the front of the vehicle.

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 45-75 minutes

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Park on level ground, set the parking brake, and chock the rear wheels.
• Engine oil can be hot. Let the engine cool before draining.
• Use jack stands; never rely on a jack alone.
• Dispose of used oil and filter properly at a recycling center.
• No battery disconnect is required for this service.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 8mm socket
• 13mm socket
• 3/8-inch ratchet
• Torque wrench
• Oil filter socket
• Drain pan
• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands
• Wheel chocks
• Funnel
• Shop towels
• Gloves
• Safety glasses

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Engine oil (SAE 5W-20 synthetic) - Qty: 6 quarts
• Oil filter - Qty: 1
• Drain plug washer - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Warm the engine for 2-3 minutes if it has been sitting cold, then shut it off.
• Raise the front of the vehicle and support it securely on jack stands.
• Have the new filter, oil, and drain pan ready before you start draining.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Raise and secure the vehicle

• Use the floor jack to lift the front of the vehicle at the proper lift points.
• Place the vehicle on jack stands and make sure it is stable before crawling underneath.
• Use wheel chocks at the rear wheels.

Step 2: Remove the oil fill cap

• Open the hood and remove the oil fill cap from the engine cover.
• This helps the oil drain faster.

Step 3: Drain the engine oil

• Place the drain pan under the oil pan drain plug.
• Use the 13mm socket and ratchet to remove the drain plug.
• Let the oil drain completely.
• Install a new drain plug washer if equipped.
• Reinstall the drain plug and Torque to 39 Nm (29 ft-lbs).

Step 4: Remove the oil filter

• Move the drain pan under the filter area.
• Use the oil filter socket to loosen and remove the oil filter.
• Make sure the old filter gasket comes off with the filter and does not stick to the engine.

Step 5: Install the new oil filter

• Lightly coat the new filter gasket with clean engine oil.
• Spin the new oil filter on by hand until the gasket touches.
• Tighten the filter by hand until snug, then add a small extra turn. Do not over-tighten.

Step 6: Refill with engine oil

• Use a funnel and add about 5.5 quarts of 5W-20 synthetic oil first.
• Reinstall the oil fill cap.
• Start the engine and let it idle for 30 seconds.

Step 7: Check the oil level and leaks

• Shut the engine off and wait 5 minutes.
• Use the dipstick to check the level.
• Add oil slowly until the level is near the full mark. Total capacity is typically about 5.9 quarts with filter.
• Look underneath for any oil leaks at the drain plug and filter.

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✅ After Repair

• Reset the oil life monitor through the instrument cluster menu if needed.
• Recheck the oil level after a short drive.
• Confirm there are no warning lights and no leaks.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $95-$170 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $35-$70 (parts only)

You Save: $60-$100 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 0.7-1.0 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

HowToo makes it easy: same-day/2-day shipping on every part, plus all the tools and specialty tools you need! Check out the parts and tools sections below to add everything to your cart.