[usnret]

why don't they tell you how to do an oil change or even how to change the cabin air filter in the owners manual any more? if any one has done there own information in the subject would be much appreciated.

 

[onefunkar]

agreed. even my 637 page manual has nothing to say how. looks pretty straight forward. havnt been under my trailhawk yet but just hoping skid plates dont hide the oil pan..

 

[sfdxsm]

You don't need to climb underneath. You can use an oil extractor that pulls it from the top of the motor many have said. The filter is on top as well and is easily accessible from the top of the engine bay.

 

[AbkshelbyXJ]

For those that plan to change your own oil. Make sure you know that the 3.2 V6 Mopar oil filter is different for 2014 model year. You can't use a 3.6 V6 filter like I thought from 2011-2013. 2014's use Mopar part #68191349AA. I don't know what filter's the 2.4's use. And the owners manual does not tell you this part number.
And also the 2014 3.2 and 3.6 (on other model lines) use the same filter. For whatever reason Chrysler decided to make things confusing.

 

[cloose]

Find the drain plug and go to town

I haven't been underneath mine to inspect the oil pan, but if anything like any other vehicle with skid plates, even if there is access it usually is easier/cleaner to just take the skid plate off. An extra couple minutes should be all it entails.

 

[bruceg]

They don't tell you how because they want people to go pay the dealer for oil changes.

 

[usnret]

one problem with oil extractors is that you don't flush any of the sludge out of the oil pan. Where I'm at you need and really use 4 wheel drive. plus a lot of stuff out here you have to fix your self. the nest major city is at least a 1hr drive.

 

[ua_who]

For my Patriot, with the skid plates, there was a hole left open in the plate so you could access the oil filter and another for the drain plug.

The spot for the plug worked great (no messes). I would always make a mess at the filter though. I ended up putting 3-4 paper towels wadded up between the top of the skid plate and the bottom of the motor to catch the spills before they landed on top of the skid plate.