🔧 Gladiator - Engine Oil & Oil Filter Replacement

This job drains the old engine oil and replaces the oil filter so your engine stays properly lubricated and protected. On your Gladiator’s 3.6L, the oil filter is a cartridge style located on top of the engine, so you’ll work both under the truck (drain plug) and in the engine bay (filter).

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 1.0-1.5 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Work on level ground and use jack stands if lifting; never rely on a jack alone.
• ⚠️ Engine oil can be hot—let the engine cool 15-30 minutes to avoid burns.
• ⚠️ Keep oil off belts and exhaust; wipe spills immediately.
• ⚠️ 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)
• Wheel chocks
• Safety glasses
• Nitrile gloves
• Oil drain pan (at least 8-quart)
• Funnel
• Shop towels
• Ratchet (3/8" drive)
• Extension (3/8" drive, 6")
• 13mm socket
• 24mm socket
• Torque wrench (3/8" drive, 10-100 ft-lbs range)
• Plastic trim tool

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Engine oil (0W-20 full synthetic) - Qty: 5 quarts
• Oil filter cartridge - Qty: 1
• Oil filter housing O-rings (included with many filters) - Qty: 1 set
• Oil drain plug gasket or replacement drain plug (if equipped) - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground, put the transmission in neutral, set the parking brake, and chock the rear wheels.
• Run the engine for 2-3 minutes, then shut it off. Warm oil drains faster.
• Open the hood and remove the oil fill cap to help the crankcase vent while draining.
• If you lift the front, raise it with a floor jack and support with jack stands under the frame.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Remove any lower access cover (if equipped)

• Slide the oil drain pan under the engine oil pan area.
• If a splash shield or small access panel blocks the drain plug, use a plastic trim tool to release the clips.
• Set the clips/panel aside so you don’t lose them.

Step 2: Drain the old engine oil

• Use a 13mm socket and ratchet to loosen the oil pan drain plug.
• Finish unthreading by hand while pushing the plug inward slightly, then pull it away quickly so oil drops into the oil drain pan.
• Let the oil drain for 10-15 minutes until it slows to an occasional drip.
• Inspect the drain plug sealing surface and replace the drain plug gasket if your plug uses one.

Step 3: Reinstall and torque the drain plug

• Thread the drain plug in by hand first to avoid cross-threading.
• Use a torque wrench with a 13mm socket and Torque to 34 Nm (25 ft-lbs).
• Wipe any oil off the oil pan with shop towels.

Step 4: Remove the oil filter cap and old filter (top of engine)

• Locate the oil filter housing on top of the engine (black cap with a hex).
• Use a 24mm socket, ratchet, and 6" extension to loosen the cap.
• Lift the cap straight up; the old cartridge filter usually comes up attached to the cap.
• Let it drip into the housing for a few seconds, then move it over the oil drain pan.
• Pull the old filter off the cap by hand.

Step 5: Replace the O-rings and install the new filter

• Remove the old O-ring(s) from the cap (use a plastic trim tool carefully so you don’t scratch the cap).
• Lightly coat the new O-ring(s) with fresh oil from your new bottle using a gloved finger. Helps prevent leaks.
• Install the new O-ring(s) in the same groove(s) as the old ones.
• Push the new oil filter cartridge onto the cap until fully seated.

Step 6: Reinstall and torque the oil filter cap

• Insert the cap and new filter straight down into the housing and start threading by hand.
• Use a torque wrench with a 24mm socket and Torque to 25 Nm (18 ft-lbs).
• Wipe any oil residue around the housing with shop towels.

Step 7: Refill with new oil

• Place a funnel in the oil fill hole.
• Pour in 5.0 quarts of 0W-20 full synthetic.
• Reinstall the oil fill cap snugly by hand.

Step 8: Start, check for leaks, and verify oil level

• Start the engine and let it idle for 30-60 seconds.
• Shut the engine off and look underneath for leaks at the drain plug.
• Open the hood and check around the oil filter cap for seepage.
• Wait 3-5 minutes, then check the dipstick and top off if needed using the funnel.

Step 9: Reset the oil life (instrument cluster)

• Turn the ignition to ON (engine can be off).
• Use the steering wheel controls to go to Vehicle Info > Oil Life.
• Press and hold OK to reset to 100%.

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✅ After Repair

• Recheck the dipstick after a short 5-10 minute drive and top off if needed.
• Confirm no drips under the truck the next morning (cold leak check).
• Dispose of used oil and the old filter at a recycling center or parts store that accepts waste oil.

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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 1.0-1.5 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.