🔧 Durango - Engine Oil & Oil Filter Change

This service drains the old engine oil and replaces the oil filter so your A4—sorry, your Durango—keeps proper lubrication and oil pressure. On your Durango, the oil filter is a cartridge style located at the top of the engine, while the drain plug is underneath.

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

Assumption: Specs below are for the 3.6L Pentastar used in your Durango.

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• 🔸 Work on level ground and set the parking brake.
• 🔸 Let the engine cool 15–30 minutes; oil can burn you.
• 🔸 If you lift the Durango, support it with jack stands before going under.
• 🔸 Wear safety glasses; oil can splash when the drain 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)
• Wheel chocks
• Safety glasses
• Nitrile gloves
• Drain pan (at least 8-quart capacity)
• Funnel
• Shop towels
• 3/8" drive ratchet
• Socket extension (3"-6")
• 13mm socket
• 24mm socket
• Torque wrench (10-100 Nm range)
• Plastic trim tool

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Engine oil (SAE 5W-20, API/SP, Chrysler MS-6395 compatible) - Qty: 6 quarts
• Oil filter cartridge kit (includes filter element + O-ring) - Qty: 1
• Oil drain plug sealing washer - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park the Durango on level ground, set the parking brake, and place wheel chocks behind the rear wheels.
• Run the engine for 2–3 minutes, then shut it off. This slightly warms the oil so it drains better.
• Open the hood and remove the plastic engine cover: use a plastic trim tool to gently pop it up (it’s held by rubber grommets).
• Remove the oil fill cap by hand. This helps the crankcase vent while draining.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Lift and secure the front (if needed)

• If you need more room, lift the front with a floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum) at the front jacking point.
• Set it down onto jack stands (rated 3-ton minimum) before going underneath.
• Never rely on the jack alone.

Step 2: Remove the old oil filter (cartridge on top of engine)

• Locate the oil filter housing cap on top of the engine.
• Place shop towels around the housing to catch drips.
• Use a 24mm socket, socket extension (3"-6"), and 3/8" drive ratchet to loosen the cap slowly.
• Pull the cap and attached filter element straight up.
• Remove the old filter element from the cap by hand (it snaps on/off).
• Replace the cap’s O-ring (included with the filter kit). Use a gloved finger with a tiny amount of fresh oil to lightly oil the new O-ring so it doesn’t pinch.

Step 3: Drain the old engine oil

• Slide the drain pan (at least 8-quart capacity) under the oil pan drain plug.
• Use a 13mm socket and 3/8" drive ratchet to remove the drain plug.
• Let the oil drain until it slows to an occasional drip (usually 5–10 minutes).
• Wipe the drain plug and the sealing surface with shop towels.
• Install a new oil drain plug sealing washer if equipped/required.

Step 4: Reinstall the drain plug

• Thread the drain plug in by hand first to avoid cross-threading.
• Use a torque wrench (10-100 Nm range) and 13mm socket to tighten the drain plug.
• Torque to 25 Nm (18 ft-lbs)

Step 5: Install the new filter and tighten the housing cap

• Snap the new filter element onto the cap (it should click/seat firmly).
• Insert the cap/filter assembly back into the housing by hand.
• Thread the cap in by hand until it seats.
• Use a torque wrench (10-100 Nm range) and 24mm socket to tighten the cap.
• Torque to 25 Nm (18 ft-lbs)

Step 6: Refill with new oil

• Insert a funnel into the oil fill opening.
• Pour in 5.5 quarts of SAE 5W-20 first (use the last ~0.5 quart to top off after checking level).
• Reinstall the oil fill cap by hand.

Step 7: Start, check for leaks, then set the final oil level

• Start the engine and let it idle for 30–60 seconds.
• Shut the engine off and wait 3–5 minutes for oil to drain back into the pan.
• Check underneath for leaks at the drain plug, and check the filter housing area up top.
• Check the dipstick, then add oil as needed with the funnel to reach the safe/normal range.

Step 8: Reset the oil life monitor

• Turn the ignition to ON/RUN (do not start).
• Fully press and release the accelerator pedal 3 times within 10 seconds.
• Turn the ignition OFF.
• Start the engine and confirm the oil change reminder is reset.

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✅ After Repair

• 🔸 Recheck the oil level after your first short drive (5–10 minutes) and top off if needed.
• 🔸 Look again for any seepage at the drain plug and filter cap.
• 🔸 Dispose of used oil and the old filter properly (most parts stores accept used oil).

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $90-$160 (parts + labor)

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

You Save: $55-$90 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 0.6-1.0 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.