🔧 Patriot - Engine Oil & Oil Filter Replacement

You’ll drain the old engine oil, replace the oil filter, then refill with fresh oil. This keeps your engine lubricated and helps prevent wear and sludge buildup.

Assumption: Typical fill for your Patriot 2.0L is 5W-20 and about 4.5 qt with filter; verify the exact spec/capacity on the oil fill cap or owner’s manual.

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 0.5-1.0 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• 🛑 Work on level ground and support the vehicle with jack stands, not just a jack.
• 🔥 Oil and exhaust parts can be hot—let the engine cool 10-20 minutes before draining.
• 🧤 Wear gloves and safety glasses; used oil can irritate skin.
• 🧯 Keep rags handy and clean spills immediately to prevent slipping.
• 🔋 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 2-ton minimum)
• Jack stands (rated 2-ton minimum)
• Wheel chocks
• Safety glasses
• Nitrile gloves
• Drain pan (at least 6-quart)
• 13mm socket
• 3/8" drive ratchet
• 3/8" drive extension (6")
• Oil filter wrench (cap or strap type)
• Torque wrench (10-100 ft-lbs range)
• Funnel
• Trim clip tool
• Shop rags

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Engine oil (5W-20) - Qty: 5 quarts
• Engine oil filter - Qty: 1
• Oil drain plug gasket/washer - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• 🅿️ Park on level ground, shift to 1st gear, and set the parking brake.
• 🧱 Place wheel chocks behind the rear wheels.
• 🌡️ Warm the engine for 2-3 minutes, then shut it off (warm oil drains faster).
• 🛠️ Gather oil, filter, and tools so you’re not searching mid-job.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Raise and safely support the front

• Use a floor jack (rated 2-ton minimum) to lift the front at the proper jacking point.
• Set the vehicle onto jack stands (rated 2-ton minimum).
• Give the vehicle a gentle push to confirm it’s stable before going underneath.

Step 2: Remove the lower splash shield (if equipped)

• Use a trim clip tool to remove any plastic push-pins.
• Use a 13mm socket with a 3/8" drive ratchet and 3/8" drive extension (6") to remove any small bolts.
• Set the shield and fasteners aside so you don’t lose them.

Step 3: Drain the old engine oil

• Place the drain pan (at least 6-quart) under the oil pan drain plug.
• Use a 13mm socket and 3/8" drive ratchet to loosen the drain plug, then finish removing it by hand.
• Let the oil drain until it slows to an occasional drip (usually 5-10 minutes).
• Tip: Keep your arm out of the initial oil stream.

Step 4: Reinstall the drain plug

• Wipe the drain plug and oil pan sealing surface with shop rags.
• Install a new oil drain plug gasket/washer if your plug uses one.
• Thread the drain plug in by hand first to avoid cross-threading.
• Use a torque wrench (10-100 ft-lbs range) (a wrench that measures tightening force) and 13mm socket: Torque to 27 Nm (20 ft-lbs).

Step 5: Remove the old oil filter

• Move the drain pan (at least 6-quart) under the oil filter area (the filter will spill oil when removed).
• Use an oil filter wrench (cap or strap type) to break the filter loose.
• Spin the filter off by hand and keep it upright as you remove it to reduce spilling.
• Make sure the old rubber gasket came off with the filter (don’t leave it stuck to the engine).

Step 6: Install the new oil filter

• Wipe the filter mounting surface with shop rags.
• Put a light film of fresh oil on the new filter’s rubber gasket (use a dab from the new oil bottle).
• Spin the new filter on by hand until the gasket touches, then tighten 3/4 turn by hand.
• Tip: Hand-tight is correct—don’t use the wrench to tighten.

Step 7: Reinstall the splash shield (if removed)

• Reposition the shield.
• Use the 13mm socket with 3/8" drive ratchet to reinstall bolts, and use the trim clip tool to reinstall push-pins.

Step 8: Refill with new oil

• Lower the vehicle from the jack stands (rated 2-ton minimum) using the floor jack (rated 2-ton minimum).
• Remove the oil fill cap on top of the engine.
• Place a funnel in the fill hole and pour in about 4.0 quarts of engine oil (5W-20).
• Reinstall the oil fill cap.

Step 9: Start, check for leaks, and set the oil level

• Start the engine and let it idle for 30-60 seconds.
• Look underneath for leaks at the drain plug and oil filter.
• Shut the engine off and wait 5 minutes for oil to settle.
• Check the dipstick and top off as needed to reach the safe/full range (usually totals around 4.5 quarts).
• Use a funnel to add oil in small amounts (about 1/4 quart at a time).

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✅ After Repair

• 🧪 Recheck for leaks after your first short drive.
• 🧻 Wipe any oil residue so future leaks are easy to spot.
• 🗑️ Pour used oil into a sealed container and take it (and the old filter) to a recycling center or auto parts store that accepts used oil.
• 🔁 Reset the oil change indicator (if equipped): Ignition ON (engine off) > press accelerator fully 3 times within 10 seconds > ignition OFF.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

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

DIY Cost: $30-$70 (parts only)

You Save: $60-$90 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 0.5-1.0 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.