DIY Jeep Wrangler Oil Change 2012-2018
Article by Mark Trotta
First offered in Wrangler Jeeps in 2012, the 3.6L Pentastar V6 is one of the easiest motors for a DIY oil change. Once the parts and tools are in hand, it's about a 45 minute process.
Oil and filter change procedure is the same for all 2012 through 2018 JK Wranglers with the Pentastar 3.6L engine. Although 4th-Gen JL models have the same V6 engine, the oil change process is slightly different.
Warm The Engine
Oil flows best when hot. A short five-mile trip is all it takes to get to operating temperature.
Park on flat, level ground and set the parking brake.
The plastic cover on top of the engine pops right off with light hand pressure.
Tools Needed
All you need are common hand tools, but here comes the big speech...
In my many years of wrenching, I have been tasked with repairing/replacing stripped oil pans as well as repairing/replacing oil filter caps and assemblies. All of these were caused by well-meaning owners who thought they didn't need a torque wrench.
Left to right; 3/8" torque wrench, 15/16" (24mm) socket on 6" extension, 3/8" ratchet with 13mm socket, picker outer tool.
Supplies Needed
Drain Pan (to hold at least 6 quarts)
Shop Towels
Latex Work Gloves
Funnel
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An unintended advantage of owning a 4x4 Jeep is, you don't have to jack it up to change the oil.
Place a drip pan or cardboard under the oil pan and have some paper towels handy.
Drain Oil
A 13mm socket removes the oil pan bolt.
If you've done oil changes before, you know that as soon as that plug is removed, oil will flow out, so be sure to have the drain pan in position.
Let the oil completely drain. It may take 20 minutes. I often take this time to go in the house and have a snack.
Before reinstalling drain plug, wipe off threads and look for any signs of damage/over-tightening. Inspect the rubber washer to make sure it wasn't squashed flat.
Drain Plug Torque
Recommended drain plug torque is 20 Foot/Pounds, which is 240 Inch/Pounds.
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Remove Oil Filter
The oil filter cartridge housing is conveniently located on top of the motor, right behind the alternator.
To remove the oil filter housing cap, attach a 15/16" (24mm) socket to a ratchet with 6" extension.
After completely unthreading the cap, the oil filter will remain attached to it, and will have a bit of oil leaking off it when you remove it. Have a pan or towel ready.
Gently tug on the old filter and it will pop out of the cap.
Remove the large O-ring on the cap with a picker outer tool. After installing the new one (it comes with every filter), lubricate with a little engine oil. This will insure it comes easily next time.
Oil Filter Cap Torque
To prevent future problems, use the correct socket (24mm or 15/16") and do not over-tighten.
The oil filter cap torque on 3.6L Jeep engines is 18 foot/pounds or 216 Inch/Pounds.
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Best Oil and Filter
Recommended oil is full synthetic meeting Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep MS-6395 specs. There are many good brands available. Engine oil capacity is six quarts.
The factory recommends 5W-20 oil, however you can also use 0W-20 for colder climates or 5W-30 for warmer climates.
Castrol Edge Full Synthetic Oil meets MS-6395 requirements.
Early/Late Oil Filter
Jeep made a running change to the oil filter in 2014.
Wix 57526 fits 2012 and 2013 Wranglers.
Wix 10010 fits 2015 through 2025 Wranglers.
Add Fresh Oil
Position funnel into oil filler tube and refill.
Remove funnel and replace oil cap.
Start engine and let it run for at least 30 seconds.
Shut off engine, and then check dipstick.
Leave Engine Cover On or Off ?
The engine cover is for looks and noise suppression and does not effect vehicle performance in any way.
Whether or not to put back on is entirely up to you.
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Oil Change Intervals
JK Wranglers are equipped with an automatic Oil Change Indicator system, which triggers between 7,500 and 10,000 miles, and that's fine for normal conditions. For severe-duty driving (daily stop-and-go commuting, towing, long idling) reduce the interval to 3,000 to 5,000 miles.
Resetting the Change Oil Indicator
With the engine off, insert your key into the ignition and turn to the run position, but do not start the engine. Depress the gas pedal to the floor three times within a 10 second span and then turn the key to off. It's that simple.
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Conclusion
The 3.6L Pentastar V6 has proven to be a solid, reliable motor, and capable of high mileage with proper maintenance. And of course, that begins with proper oil changes.
Notes and Misc
Engine oil pan plugs can and do strip out.
By using a 3/8-drive torque wrench, you'll never need to worry about over-tightening and damaging the oil pan threads or plastic cartridge cap.
Pictured: 3/8" click-style torque wrench with range of 30-250 inch-pounds, it goes up to 20.8 foot-pounds.
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