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This guide shows how to change the oil in a 2018–2024 Jeep Wrangler (JL) equipped with the 3.6 L Pentastar V6.
Changing the oil in your Jeep’s 3.6L Pentastar keeps the engine protected and saves you the cost of dealership service. If your free Jeep Wave changes are used up or you simply enjoy maintaining your own vehicle, follow this guide to swap the filter, add five quarts of fresh 0W‑20, and reset the oil‑life monitor in your driveway.
Note: The Pentastar V6 uses a cartridge-style filter as opposed to the more common spin-on type. It's also mounted from above, which is also unusual.
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crwdns2931653:01crwdne2931653:0 Prepare workspace and spill containment
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Lay cardboard or other disposable material under the engine to catch stray oil.
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Place an oil drain basin nearby and keep absorbent cat litter ready for accidental spills.
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Set a roll of shop paper towels within arm’s reach for quick clean‑up.
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crwdns2931653:02crwdne2931653:0 Position drain basin and remove filler cap
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Slide the drain basin just rearward of the oil pan drain plug so the draining stream lands inside.
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Unscrew the oil filler cap on top of the engine to relieve vacuum and speed up the draining process.
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crwdns2931653:03crwdne2931653:0 Protect area around filter housing
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Wrap paper towels around the oil filter cap to catch drips during removal.
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crwdns2931653:04crwdne2931653:0 Drain engine oil
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Fit a half‑inch or 13 mm socket on the oil pan plug and turn counter‑clockwise to loosen.
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When the plug is finger‑loose, keep unscrewing it, keeping inward pressure, then, when it's almost out, pull it away quickly to avoid splashing.
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Allow the oil to drain completely into the basin. Make sure the vent hole is open if you're using a sealed type.
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crwdns2931653:05crwdne2931653:0 Remove oil filter cap assembly
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Use a 15⁄16‑inch socket with an extension to loosen the filter cap on top of the engine.
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Finish unthreading the cap by hand while holding a paper towel beneath it to catch drips.
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Lift the cap and filter straight out and set it on a protected surface.
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crwdns2931653:06crwdne2931653:0 Replace filter element and O‑ring
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Pull the old filter straight off the cap while holding the cap with a rag.
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Remove the old O‑ring from the cap groove with a pick or clean fingernail.
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Compare the new filter to the old to confirm identical size and design.
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Install the new O‑ring and coat it lightly with clean engine oil.
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Snap the new filter firmly onto the cap.
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crwdns2931653:07crwdne2931653:0 Reinstall filter assembly
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Guide the filter back into the housing, ensuring the threads engage smoothly.
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Tighten the cap with the 15⁄16‑inch socket just until snug.
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crwdns2931653:08crwdne2931653:0 Reinstall drain plug
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Back underneath the engine, confirm that oil has slowed to drips, then clean the pan sealing surface.
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Thread the drain plug in by hand until seated, then tighten an additional quarter‑turn with the socket.
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Wipe away any residual oil on the pan.
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crwdns2931653:09crwdne2931653:0 Fill engine with fresh oil
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Insert a funnel into the filler neck and pour in five quarts of 0W‑20 full‑synthetic oil.
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Wait 5 minutes for the oil to settle, then verify the dipstick reads within the safe range.
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Reinstall the filler cap.
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crwdns2931653:010crwdne2931653:0 Reset oil life monitor
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With your foot off the brake, press the start button twice to enter the run position.
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Navigate to the Oil Life screen on the dash display.
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Hold the OK button on the steering wheel until the oil life resets to 100%.
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crwdns2931653:011crwdne2931653:0 Circulate oil and perform final level check
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Press the brake and start the engine, letting it idle for several minutes so the pump fills the filter.
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Shut the engine off, wait another 5 minutes, and recheck the dipstick, topping up if necessary.
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Inspect around the drain plug and filter housing to confirm there are no leaks.
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Dispose of the used oil and filter at a recycling facility or local parts store, then record the mileage and date of your service so you know when the next change is due.
Most AutoZone stores accept used motor oil.
Oil change didn't go as planned? Ask our Jeep Wrangler JL Answers Community for help.
Dispose of the used oil and filter at a recycling facility or local parts store, then record the mileage and date of your service so you know when the next change is due.
Most AutoZone stores accept used motor oil.
Oil change didn't go as planned? Ask our Jeep Wrangler JL Answers Community for help.