How to change the oil in a Jeep Wrangler TJ

How to change the oil in a Jeep Wrangler TJ

Published by TerryMason
12-27-2007

How to change the oil in a Jeep Wrangler TJ

Below are the steps that I took to change the oil in my 2005 Jeep Wrangler. Changing the oil is a pretty straight forward process, and should be done every 3000 miles. I don't want to get into a debate about synthetic versus conventional oil, just to say that I personally like Mobil 1 oil and filters.

To change the oil, you'll need the following items

New oil
New filter
Oil change pan (or some other container to catch the oil)
An oil filter wrench
A socket or wrench to loosen the oil drain plug ( 5/8 inch if memory serves)

There are several other things that help, but aren't necessary

Rubber gloves (makes cleanup a breeze)
A metal tray / piece of cardboard, or some other large ground covering to catch any oil that spills
Ramp stands if (heaven forbid) your Jeep is too low for you to climb underneath
A funnel (to help pour the oil into your engine)

#1 (permalink)

By TerryMason on 12-27-2007, 03:25 PM

How to change the oil in a Jeep Wrangler TJ - Step 1

Here is some information from my owners manual about oil viscosity and amount.

I have a 4.0L Wrangler, so I purchased 6 quarts of 10W30 oil. The 2.4L engine needs only 5 quarts of 5W30 oil.

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Last edited by TerryMason; 02-06-2008 at 06:27 AM.

#2 (permalink)

By TerryMason on 12-27-2007, 03:28 PM

How to change the oil in a Jeep Wrangler TJ - Step 2

Next, you must arrange your pan. You can see from this photo, that I've got a large catch all metal pan under my oil drain pan. The plastic oil drain pan has a mesh on the top, that prevents things (like the oil drain plug) from falling in.

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#3 (permalink)

By TerryMason on 12-27-2007, 03:30 PM

How to change the oil in a Jeep Wrangler TJ - Step 3

Attempt to position the pan under where the oil will come out

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#4 (permalink)

By TerryMason on 12-27-2007, 03:32 PM

How to change the oil in a Jeep Wrangler TJ - Step 4

Now open the plug. You'll see that the oil comes out with a small amount of force, usually ending up somewhere other than your oil catch pan.

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#5 (permalink)

By TerryMason on 12-27-2007, 03:34 PM

How to change the oil in a Jeep Wrangler TJ - Step 5

Now, you'll want to remove the oil cap (this may increase the flow out the oil plug, which is why we waited until now). Also, remove the oil filter. Hopefully, you can just use your hand to remove it - if not, use your oil filter wrench.

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#6 (permalink)

By TerryMason on 12-27-2007, 03:39 PM

How to change the oil in a Jeep Wrangler TJ - Step 6

Now, you've gotten the old oil out of the system, and are ready to replace it with new.

take your new oil filter, open one of the new bottles of oil, and rub some oil onto the rubber gasket of the new oil filter. This will help the filter to seat properly.

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#7 (permalink)

By TerryMason on 12-27-2007, 03:40 PM

How to change the oil in a Jeep Wrangler TJ - Step 7

Replace the oil drain plug

#8 (permalink)

By TerryMason on 12-27-2007, 03:43 PM

How to change the oil in a Jeep Wrangler TJ - Step 8

Now, you are ready to pour the new oil into your Jeep.

Just use a funnel, and pour in your oil, leaving it about 0.3 quarts low. You'll want to replace the oil cap, start the Jeep, and let it idle for a minute or so. Turn it off, and check the oil level - it will probably be low. Pour some more oil in, and repeat. We are going for 5 quarts for the 2.5L, and 6 quarts for the 4.0L, but we don't want to overfill the crankcase either.

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