1500 Classic - Engine Oil & Filter Change 🛢️

Nice job taking this on yourself. I’ll walk you through it step by step, beginner-friendly.

Parts & Specs 📋

• 🧩 Engine oil type: 5W-20, full synthetic, meeting Chrysler MS-6395
• 🧩 Oil capacity (with filter): ~ 7 quarts (6.6 L)
• 🧩 Oil filter: Spin-on type (common OEM: Mopar MO-339 or equivalent)
• 🧩 Drain plug washer: Reuseable on this engine unless damaged, but replace if crushed or cracked

Tools You’ll Need 🧰

• 🔧 Socket set: Metric, including 13 mm socket for the drain plug
• 🔧 Ratchet wrench: For the socket (the common hand tool that turns sockets)
• 🔧 Torque wrench: To tighten to correct spec (click-type is easiest for beginners)
• 🔧 Oil filter wrench: Band, cap, or claw style to remove the old filter
• 🪜 Floor jack & jack stands: To safely lift and support the front of the truck (never rely on the jack alone)
• 🧺 Drain pan: At least 10-quart capacity to catch old oil
• 🧴 Funnel: To pour new oil without spilling
• 🧻 Rags / paper towels: For cleanup
• 🧼 Nitrile gloves: Optional, keeps your hands clean and protected

Key Torque Specs 🔩

• 📏 Oil drain plug: 25 ft-lb (34 N·m)
• 📏 Oil filter: Hand-tight only: spin on until gasket contacts, then an additional 3/4 turn (or follow filter box instructions)

Safety First ⚠️

• ⚠️ Work on a flat, solid surface. Put the transmission in PARK and set the parking brake.
• ⚠️ Use jack stands under the frame, not just the floor jack. Jack stands are solid supports that hold the vehicle safely.
• ⚠️ Let the engine cool if it’s very hot. Warm oil drains better, but you don’t want it scalding.
• ⚠️ Keep oil off the exhaust and belts. Wipe any spills immediately.

Step 1 – Prepare the Truck 🧱

• 🛠️ Start the engine and let it run for about 3–5 minutes to warm the oil slightly, then shut it off.
• 🛠️ Pop the hood and remove the oil filler cap on top of the engine. This helps the oil drain faster.
• 🛠️ If needed for access, raise the front of your 1500 with a floor jack under the front frame crossmember, then place jack stands under the frame rails on both sides.

Step 2 – Locate Drain Plug & Oil Filter 🔍

• 🛠️ Slide under the front of the truck with your drain pan.
• 🛠️ On the 5.7L HEMI, the oil pan is at the bottom of the engine; the drain plug is at the rear of the pan, facing back.
• 🛠️ The oil filter is mounted on the engine block, usually toward the front passenger side, pointing downward (you’ll see a cylindrical canister).

Step 3 – Drain the Old Oil 🛢️

• 🛠️ Position the drain pan under the drain plug, slightly toward the rear (oil will shoot out a bit at first).
• 🛠️ Use the 13 mm socket and ratchet to loosen the drain plug. Finish removing it by hand.
• 🛠️ Let the oil drain completely. This can take 5–10 minutes. Be patient; more old oil out means cleaner new oil.
• 🛠️ Inspect the drain plug threads and sealing surface. Replace the plug if threads are damaged.

Step 4 – Reinstall Drain Plug 🔧

• 🛠️ Once the oil is just dripping, clean the area with a rag.
• 🛠️ Thread the drain plug in by hand first to avoid cross-threading (it should spin in easily).
• 🛠️ Use your torque wrench with the 13 mm socket and tighten to 25 ft-lb (34 N·m).
• 🛠️ Wipe off any oil around the plug.

Step 5 – Remove the Old Oil Filter 🧽

• 🛠️ Move the drain pan under the oil filter; some oil will spill when you remove it.
• 🛠️ Try loosening the filter by hand first. If it’s tight, use the oil filter wrench to break it loose, then spin it off by hand.
• 🛠️ Let the oil drain from the filter mount for a minute.
• 🛠️ Check the filter mounting surface: make sure the old rubber gasket is not stuck to the engine. Only one gasket should be there. Double gaskets cause leaks.

Step 6 – Install the New Oil Filter 🆕

• 🛠️ Take the new filter out of the box.
• 🛠️ Put a little fresh oil on your finger and lightly coat the rubber gasket on the new filter. This helps it seal and makes removal easier next time.
• 🛠️ If the filter mounts vertically, you can pour a small amount of fresh oil into it to pre-fill (optional, but helps reduce dry start).
• 🛠️ Thread the new filter onto the engine by hand. When the gasket first contacts the mounting surface, turn it an additional 3/4 turn by hand. Do not use the wrench to tighten it unless the instructions say so.

Step 7 – Lower the Truck & Add New Oil ⬇️

• 🛠️ If the truck is on stands, carefully raise it slightly with the jack, remove the stands, and lower it to the ground.
• 🛠️ Place a funnel in the oil filler opening on top of the engine.
• 🛠️ Pour in about 6.5 quarts of 5W-20 oil to start.
• 🛠️ Reinstall the oil filler cap.

Step 8 – Start Engine & Check for Leaks 👀

• 🛠️ Start the engine and let it idle for about 30–60 seconds.
• 🛠️ Look under the truck at the drain plug and oil filter. Check for any drips or wet spots.
• 🛠️ If you see leaks, shut off the engine and gently snug the leaking part (drain plug to spec, filter a bit more by hand).
• 🛠️ Shut the engine off and wait about 5 minutes for the oil to settle.

Step 9 – Check Oil Level (Dipstick) 📏

• 🛠️ Pull out the engine oil dipstick, wipe it clean, reinsert fully, then pull it out again.
• 🛠️ The oil level should be between the MIN and MAX marks, ideally near the top mark.
• 🛠️ If it’s low, add oil in small amounts (about 0.25 quart at a time), recheck until it’s right.

Step 10 – Reset Oil Change Reminder (Uconnect) 📱

On your 2020 truck, use the steering wheel buttons and instrument cluster menus.

• 🛠️ Turn the ignition to RUN (engine can be off).
• 🛠️ Use the steering wheel controls to go to the Vehicle Info or Oil Life screen in the cluster.
• 🛠️ When on the Oil Life screen, press and hold the OK button until the oil life resets to 100%.
• 🛠️ Turn the ignition off.

Clean-Up & Disposal 🌍

• 🛠️ Pour the used oil from the drain pan into a sealed container (old oil jug works well).
• 🛠️ Put the old filter in a plastic bag to avoid leaks.
• 🛠️ Take used oil and filter to a local recycling center or parts store that accepts waste oil. Never dump oil on the ground or in drains.

Tips & Tricks 💡

• 💡 Lay cardboard under the truck to catch any small drips.
• 💡 Keep a record: date, mileage, oil brand, and filter used. Helps with maintenance tracking and resale value.

If you tell me what brand of oil and filter you’re planning to use, I can confirm if they meet the correct spec for your 1500.

HowToo makes it easy: below this answer you’ll see recommended oil, filters, drain plug tools, and funnels. You can add them to your cart right from the parts section, with fast shipping so you’re ready for your next service!