🔧 Wrangler - Engine Oil & Oil Filter Replacement

Changing the engine oil and oil filter keeps your engine lubricated and removes dirt that can cause wear. On your Wrangler, this is a straightforward job: drain the old oil, replace the spin-on oil filter, then refill and verify the level on the dipstick.

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 0.8-1.5 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• 🛑 Work on a level surface and set the parking brake.
• 🛑 Support the Wrangler with jack stands (never rely on a jack alone).
• 🛑 Let the engine cool 10-20 minutes; warm oil drains better but can burn you.
• 🛑 Wear safety glasses; oil can splash when the plug comes out.
• 🛑 No battery disconnect is required for this service.

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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, pair)
• Wheel chocks
• Drain pan (8-quart minimum)
• Funnel
• Shop towels
• Nitrile gloves
• Safety glasses
• 13mm socket
• 3/8" drive ratchet
• 3/8" drive torque wrench
• Oil filter wrench (band or strap type)

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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 - Qty: 1
• Oil drain plug washer (if equipped) - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• 🧰 Warm the engine for 2-3 minutes, then shut it off and wait 10-20 minutes.
• 🧰 Park on level ground, set the parking brake, and place wheel chocks behind the rear tires.
• 🧰 Raise the front with a floor jack and set it securely on jack stands.
• 🧰 Open the hood and remove the oil fill cap (this helps oil drain faster).

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Position the drain pan

• Place the drain pan (8-quart minimum) under the oil pan drain plug.
• Slide the pan back a bit—oil shoots outward.

Step 2: Remove the drain plug and drain the oil

• Use a 13mm socket with a 3/8" drive ratchet to loosen the drain plug.
• Finish unthreading by hand while pushing inward slightly, then pull it away quickly to avoid getting oil on your hand.
• Let the oil drain until it slows to an occasional drip (usually 5-10 minutes).

Step 3: Reinstall and torque the drain plug

• Wipe the drain plug and the oil pan sealing surface with shop towels.
• If your Wrangler uses a separate washer, install a new oil drain plug washer.
• Thread the plug in by hand first (prevents cross-threading), then tighten with a 13mm socket.
• Use a 3/8" drive torque wrench and Torque to 34 Nm (25 ft-lbs).

Step 4: Remove the oil filter

• Move the drain pan under the oil filter area (some oil will spill).
• Use an oil filter wrench (band or strap type) to break the filter loose.
• Spin the filter off by hand and keep it upright as you remove it.
• Make sure the old rubber gasket (O-ring) came off with the filter (if it stuck to the engine, peel it off).

Step 5: Install the new oil filter

• Lightly coat the new filter’s rubber gasket with fresh oil (dip a gloved finger into new oil).
• Thread the new filter on by hand until the gasket contacts the engine, then tighten an additional 3/4 turn by hand.
• Hand-tight is correct—don’t wrench-tighten.

Step 6: Refill with new oil

• Place a funnel in the oil fill opening.
• Pour in 5.5 quarts first (use the oil bottles as a measuring guide), then reinstall the oil fill cap.
• Start the engine and let it idle for 30-45 seconds, then shut it off.
• Wait 5 minutes, then check the dipstick and top off as needed to reach the safe/full range (typically ends up close to 6 quarts total with a filter change).

Step 7: Lower the Wrangler and recheck for leaks

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

Step 8: Reset the “Change Oil” indicator (if displayed)

• Turn the key to ON (do not start).
• Press the accelerator pedal to the floor 3 times within 10 seconds.
• Turn the key OFF, then start the engine and confirm the message is cleared.

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✅ After Repair

• 🔍 Recheck the dipstick after a short 5-10 minute drive and top off if needed.
• 🔍 Inspect again for any seepage around the filter and drain plug.
• ♻️ Pour the used oil into the empty oil bottles and take it (and the old filter) to an oil recycling drop-off.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $90-$170 (parts + labor)

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

You Save: $55-$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?

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