🔧 Wrangler - Engine Oil & Oil Filter Replacement

On your Wrangler, the oil drains from the oil pan underneath, and the oil filter is a cartridge-style filter on top of the engine. Replacing both keeps the engine properly lubricated and helps prevent premature wear.

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

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• 🛑 Work on level ground and set the parking brake.
• 🧯 Let the engine cool 15-30 minutes; hot oil can burn.
• 🧱 Support the Wrangler with jack stands; never rely on a floor jack alone.
• 🧤 Wear gloves and safety glasses; oil will splash when the plug comes out.
• 🔒 Keep rags handy and clean spills immediately to prevent slips.
• 🔋 Battery disconnect is not 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)
• Wheel chocks
• Safety glasses
• Nitrile gloves
• Drain pan (at least 8-quart capacity)
• 13mm socket
• 3/8" drive ratchet
• Torque wrench (10-50 ft-lbs range)
• 24mm socket
• Funnel
• Trim clip tool
• Flathead screwdriver
• Shop rags

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Engine oil (SAE 5W-20 full synthetic, MS-6395 spec) - Qty: 6 quarts
• Oil filter cartridge - Qty: 1
• Oil filter housing O-ring set - Qty: 1
• Oil drain plug gasket/washer - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground, turn the engine off, set the parking brake, and chock the rear wheels.
• Warm the engine for 2-3 minutes, then shut it off. Warm oil drains faster.
• If you need more room, 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 the oil drain smoothly).

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Remove the lower splash shield (if equipped)

• Slide under the front and locate the plastic shield under the engine area.
• Use a trim clip tool to pop out plastic push-pins (a push-pin is a plastic fastener that pulls out).
• Use a flathead screwdriver to help start stubborn clips if needed.
• Set the shield and clips aside where they won’t get lost.

Step 2: Drain the engine oil

• Place 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).
• Wipe the drain plug clean using shop rags.
• Install a new oil drain plug gasket/washer if your setup uses one.

Step 3: Reinstall and torque the drain plug

• Thread the drain plug in by hand first to avoid cross-threading (damaging the threads).
• Use a torque wrench (10-50 ft-lbs range) to tighten the drain plug: Torque to 27 Nm (20 ft-lbs).
• Wipe the area clean with shop rags so leaks are easy to spot later.

Step 4: Remove the oil filter cartridge (top of engine)

• From the top with the hood open, locate the oil filter housing cap on the engine (it has a large hex shape).
• Place shop rags around the housing to catch drips.
• Use a 24mm socket with a 3/8" drive ratchet to loosen the cap slowly.
• Lift the cap and filter element out together and let it drain into the housing for a moment.

Step 5: Replace the filter and O-rings

• Pull the old filter element off the cap (it snaps on).
• Remove the old O-rings from the cap using a flathead screwdriver carefully. Don’t scratch the plastic.
• Install the new O-rings from the oil filter housing O-ring set in the same grooves.
• Lightly coat the new O-rings with fresh oil (use a fingertip) so they don’t pinch.
• Snap the new oil filter cartridge onto the cap.

Step 6: Reinstall and torque the filter housing cap

• Thread the cap in by hand until it seats.
• Use a torque wrench (10-50 ft-lbs range) with a 24mm socket: Torque to 25 Nm (18 ft-lbs).
• Wipe any oil off the housing and nearby parts using shop rags.

Step 7: Refill the engine oil

• Insert a funnel into the oil fill opening.
• Pour in Engine oil (SAE 5W-20 full synthetic, MS-6395 spec), starting with about 5.5 quarts.
• Reinstall the oil fill cap snugly by hand.

Step 8: Start, check for leaks, and set the oil level

• Start the engine and let it idle for 30-60 seconds.
• Turn the engine off and wait 3-5 minutes for oil to drain back into the pan.
• Check under the Wrangler for leaks at the drain plug area.
• Pull the dipstick, wipe it with a shop rag, reinsert fully, then check level.
• Add oil in small amounts using the funnel until the level is at/near the full mark (typically about 6 quarts total with filter).

Step 9: Reinstall the splash shield

• Reposition the shield and reinstall fasteners using the trim clip tool (and flathead screwdriver if needed).
• Remove tools from under the vehicle, then lower it safely if it was on jack stands.

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✅ After Repair

• 🧪 Recheck the dipstick after a short 5-10 minute drive; top off if needed.
• 🔍 Look again for seepage around the drain plug and filter cap.
• 🗑️ Pour used oil into sealed containers and recycle it (most auto parts stores accept used oil).
• 🛠️ Reset the oil life monitor:
  • Turn the key to ON/RUN (do not start).
  • Press the accelerator pedal slowly 3 times within 10 seconds.
  • Turn the key to OFF, then start and confirm the reminder is reset.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

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

DIY Cost: $45-$90 (parts only)

You Save: $75-$130 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 0.8-1.2 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

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