1500 Classic - Engine Oil & Filter Change 🛢️

Nice project to start with—this is a very doable DIY on your 3.6L V6 if you take it slow and stay organized.

Quick Questions ❓

Before we start, please confirm:

• ✅ Do you have basic tools (socket set, wrench, jack and stands or ramps)?
• ✅ Will you be working on a flat, solid surface (not dirt or slope)?

I’ll assume “yes” and continue with the full guide—adjust if needed.

What You Need 🧰

• 🧩 Parts
  • Engine oil: 3.6L Pentastar uses approx. 6.0 quarts (5.7 L) of oil.
  • Oil type: SAE 5W-20, meeting Chrysler MS-6395 spec (full synthetic recommended).
  • Oil filter: Cartridge type for 3.6L V6 (e.g. Mopar MO-349 or equivalent).
  • New drain plug washer if your plug uses a crush washer (many do).
• 🛠️ Tools
  • Floor jack and jack stands or ramps Jack stands hold the vehicle safely after lifting.
  • Wheel chocks Blocks behind wheels so the truck cannot roll.
  • Socket set:
    • 13 mm socket for oil drain plug (common size on this engine).
    • 24 mm socket for the plastic oil filter cap.
    • Ratchet and short extension.
  • Torque wrench Tool that tightens bolts to a specific force.
  • Oil drain pan (at least 8–10 L capacity).
  • Funnel for clean filling.
  • Shop towels / rags and some brake cleaner or similar to clean spills.
  • Gloves and safety glasses.
• 🧾 Key Torque Specs
  • Oil drain plug: ~20–25 ft-lb (27–34 N·m).
  • Oil filter cap: 18 ft-lb (25 N·m).

Safety First ⚠️

• 🛑 Always support the truck with jack stands under the frame, never rely only on the jack.
• 🛑 Work on a flat, solid surface; set the parking brake and chock the rear wheels.
• 🛑 Engine oil will be hot if the engine is warm—keep hands clear of the initial flow.

Step 1 – Prepare the Truck 🚙

• 🧰 Warm the engine slightly
  • Start the engine and let it idle for about 3–5 minutes, then shut it off.
  • Warm oil drains faster and carries more contaminants out.
• 🧰 Park and secure
  • Park on level ground, set the parking brake.
  • Place wheel chocks behind the rear wheels.
• 🧰 Lift the front (if needed)
  • Position the floor jack under the front crossmember and lift until you have room to work.
  • Place jack stands under the frame rails on both sides and gently lower the truck onto them.
  • Give the truck a small push to confirm it’s stable.

Step 2 – Drain the Engine Oil 🛢️

• 🧰 Locate the drain plug
  • The 3.6L V6 oil pan is at the bottom of the engine, roughly center/front of the truck.
  • The drain plug is a single bolt at the lowest point of the pan, facing rearward.
• 🧰 Position the drain pan
  • Place the drain pan under the plug, slightly toward the rear—oil will shoot out a bit at first.
• 🧰 Remove the drain plug
  • Use the 13 mm socket and ratchet to loosen the plug.
  • Finish unscrewing it by hand while pressing it inward until the last thread, then pull it away quickly.
  • Let the oil drain completely; this can take 5–10 minutes.
• 🧰 Inspect the drain plug
  • Check the threads and the sealing washer.
  • Replace the washer if it’s crushed, cracked, or deformed.
• 🧰 Reinstall the drain plug
  • Once the oil is just dripping slowly, clean the area with a rag.
  • Install the plug by hand first to avoid cross-threading.
  • Tighten with a torque wrench to 20–25 ft-lb.
  • Do not overtighten; the pan is soft metal and can strip.

Step 3 – Replace the Oil Filter 🧽

Your 3.6L uses a cartridge-style oil filter in a plastic housing on top of the engine.

• 🧰 Open the hood
  • Pull the hood release inside, then the safety latch at the front, and prop the hood.
• 🧰 Locate the oil filter housing
  • On the 3.6L, the filter housing is a black plastic cap near the front/top of the engine, usually slightly toward the passenger side, with a hex on top for a socket.
• 🧰 Remove the filter cap
  • Place some rags around the housing to catch drips.
  • Use the 24 mm socket and ratchet to loosen the cap.
  • Unscrew it fully by hand and pull it straight up; the old filter cartridge will come out attached to the cap.
• 🧰 Swap the filter and O-ring
  • Pull the old filter off the cap; it may need a firm tug.
  • Remove the old O-ring from the cap (a rubber ring near the threads). Use a small plastic pick or your fingernail—do not scratch the plastic.
  • Lightly coat the new O-ring with fresh engine oil and install it in the same groove.
  • Push the new filter cartridge onto the cap until it clicks or seats firmly.
• 🧰 Reinstall the filter cap
  • Carefully insert the new filter and cap back into the housing.
  • Thread the cap in by hand first to avoid cross-threading.
  • Tighten with a torque wrench to 18 ft-lb (25 N·m).
  • Do not overtighten; the cap is plastic and can crack.

Step 4 – Fill with New Oil 🧴

• 🧰 Remove the oil fill cap
  • On top of the engine, find the cap labeled SAE 5W-20 and twist it off.
• 🧰 Add new oil
  • Place a funnel in the opening.
  • Pour in about 5.5 quarts (5.2 L) first (slightly less than full capacity).
  • Reinstall the oil fill cap.
• 🧰 Start the engine
  • Start the engine and let it idle for about 30–60 seconds.
  • Check under the truck for leaks at the drain plug and around the oil filter housing.
  • Shut the engine off and wait about 5 minutes for the oil to settle.
• 🧰 Check the oil level
  • Pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean, reinsert fully, then pull it out again.
  • The oil should be between the MIN and MAX marks, ideally near the top mark.
  • If low, add oil in small amounts (about 0.25 quart at a time), rechecking until it’s correct.
  • Total should be around 6.0 quarts, but always trust the dipstick.

Step 5 – Lower the Truck & Final Checks ✅

• 🧰 Lower the truck
  • Remove tools and drain pan from under the truck.
  • Jack the truck slightly, remove jack stands, and lower it to the ground.
• 🧰 Final leak check
  • With the truck on the ground, start the engine again and let it idle.
  • Look underneath for any fresh oil around the drain plug and oil pan area.
  • Check around the oil filter housing on top for seepage.

Step 6 – Reset the Oil Change Reminder (Uconnect) 📱

Your 1500 Classic uses the EVIC / cluster menu to reset the oil life.

• 🧰 Using steering wheel buttons
  • Turn the ignition to RUN (engine can be on or off, but key in RUN position).
  • Use the up/down arrows on the left side of the steering wheel to scroll to “Vehicle Info”.
  • Scroll until you see “Oil Life”.
  • Press and hold the OK button until the oil life resets to 100%.

Step 7 – Clean Up & Dispose of Oil Properly 🌍

• 🧰 Transfer used oil
  • Pour the used oil from the drain pan into sealed containers (old oil bottles or jugs).
• 🧰 Disposal
  • Take used oil and the old filter to a local service station or recycling center that accepts waste oil.
  • Never dump oil on the ground or in drains.

Tips & Tricks 💡

• 🧰 Lay cardboard under the truck to catch drips and keep the area clean.
• 🧰 Pre-open all your oil bottles before you get messy with used oil.
• 🧰 Keep a dedicated “oil change” funnel and store it in a plastic bag to avoid dust.

If you tell me what tools you already have, I can simplify this into an even shorter checklist just for you.

HowToo makes it easy: below this answer you’ll see recommended oil, filters, drain plug washers, and tools that fit your truck. You can add them to your cart right from the parts section for fast shipping. 🚚