Jeep Wrangler JK: How to Change Engine Oil
While changing your own oil is no more cost effective than taking it to the dealer or local quick lube, performing this maintenance task yourself can give you peace of mind that the job was done right. With a few basic tools and a half hour to spare, you can perform this basic maintenance task and take pride in doing your own work.
This article applies to the JK Jeep Wrangler (2007-Present).
Engine oils reduce engine wear by lubricating the friction surfaces of various internal engine components. Additionally, engine oils contain numerous detergents and dispersants to fight the formation of sludge and keep the engine clean. Unfortunately, engine oils break down with use and cannot adequately protect the engine forever, thus the need for a regular maintenance interval. While many manufacturers are using synthetic oils with extended drain intervals, enthusiasts and mechanics alike still feel that a traditional 3,000 to 5,000 mile drain interval is best, especially for vehicles operating in severe driving conditions. If you prefer to do your own work and know that the job is being done right, follow the steps provided below to change the engine oil in your 2007 to 2016 JK Jeep Wrangler.
Materials Needed
- 13mm and 24mm sockets
- Ratchet and extension
- Torque wrench
- Oil catch pans (2)
- Funnel
- Shop rags
- 6 quarts of oil
- Oil filter
- Oil filter wrench (optional)
- Floor jack and jack stands (optional)
Step 1 – Drain engine oil
Engine oil is best drained after the engine has been running and the oil is warm. This not only allows for the oil to drain faster, but will help any deposits to be caught and suspended in the oil that would otherwise remain in tight crevices if drained cold.
Note
While not required, some individuals prefer to lift their Jeep for better access to the underside of the vehicle. If you are in need of more elbow room, see How to Jack Up Your Jeep.
- With the vehicle sitting on a level surface, position your catch pan under the engine oil pan.
- Using a 13mm socket and ratchet, remove the oil pan drain plug and catch the draining oil in the catch pan.
- Let engine oil drain while replacing the oil filter.
Pro Tip
An additional amount of oil tends to drain through the pan drain hole when removing the oil filter, which would otherwise not occur if reinstalling the drain bolt before changing the filter.
Step 2 – Replace oil filter
3.6L Pentastar V6 Engine (2012+)
The oil filter for this engine is located on the topside of the engine under the engine cover.
- Remove the engine cover by lifting the front edge and pulling the entire cover forward. Set cover aside.
- Remove the oil filter cap using a 24mm socket, ratchet and extension.
- With a catch pan handy, lift the oil filter cap and filter element from the filter housing.
- Replace the O-ring on the oil filter cap as well as the filter element. The filter element simply pops into place on the cap. Apply a light coat of oil to the O-ring before re-installing.
- With the new filter in place, tighten the filter cap to approximately 18 ft/lbs.
3.8L EGH V6 Engine
The oil filter is located on the lower front side of the engine next to the crank pulley (passenger's side) and is best accessed from the topside of the engine bay.
- Position a catch pan below the oil filter.
- Using an oil filter wrench (optional), loosen and remove the filter. Spin-on filters can often be loosened by hand or with a large set of pliers if a filter wrench is unavailable.
- Apply a small amount of oil to the seal of the new oil filter and install.
- Hand-tighten the filter. Rule of thumb is to spin the filter on until it bottoms, then tighten it another 1/4 turn. This will prevent over-tightening and potential damage to the filter housing.
- With the new filter in place, any oil that spilled onto the front axle can be cleaned.
Step 3 – Fill engine with oil
With the oil drained and the new oil filter in place, you are ready to fill the engine with fresh oil.
- Re-install the oil pan drain plug and torque to 20 ft/lbs.
- Remove the oil filler cap and, using a funnel, fill with six quarts of your preferred engine oil.
- Replace the filler cap when done.
Step 4 – Start engine and inspect for leaks
With the engine full of oil, proceed with starting the engine.
- Start the engine. The oil light should go out within a few seconds as oil pressure builds.
- Inspect the oil pan drain bolt and oil filter/filter housing for leaks.
- Allow the engine to run for several minutes to circulate the oil.
- Shut the engine off and let sit at least five minutes before checking the engine oil level.
Step 5 – Reset oil service indicator
Now that the engine oil has been changed, proceed with resetting the engine oil service indicator.
- Turn the ignition switch to the ON position, but do not start the engine.
- With the ignition switch on, fully depress the accelerator pedal three times.
- Turn the ignition switch OFF.
Featured Video: Jeep JK Wrangler Oil Life Reset Tutorial
Pro Tip
If the oil service indicator is still present the next time the vehicle is started, it has not been properly reset and the above procedure should be repeated.
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