2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 3.6L Oil Change — Pentastar V6, 0W-20, Step-by-Step DIY

The Pentastar 3.6L V6 in the 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee is one of the most common engines in FCA's lineup — and one of the most straightforward oil changes you can do at home. It shares tooling and specs with the RAM 1500 and Durango, the oil filter is accessible from above, and the drain plug is a standard 15mm. If you can change oil on any other car, you can change it on the Grand Cherokee.

I've been doing this job myself since buying mine and it runs clean every time. Here's the complete procedure.

Engine and Oil Specs

Item	Spec
Engine	3.6L Pentastar V6 (ERB)
Oil viscosity	0W-20 full synthetic
Oil capacity (with filter)	6.0 quarts
OEM oil filter	Mopar 68191349AA
Aftermarket filters	WIX 57356, K&N HP-1010, FRAM Ultra XG4
Drain plug size	15mm hex
Drain plug torque	20 lb-ft (27 Nm)
Oil change interval	10,000 miles (OLM — Oil Life Monitor)
Oil spec	FCA MS-6395, API SP

0W-20 on the Pentastar: FCA updated the Pentastar spec to 0W-20 in the WL-body Grand Cherokee lineup. Earlier Pentastar vehicles (2011–2019 Grand Cherokee) used 5W-20. The 2023 requires 0W-20. The OLM will still alert you, but verify the spec on your oil filler cap — it's printed there.

FCA MS-6395: This is the FCA internal spec for Pentastar-approved oils. Most major brand full synthetic 0W-20 oils meet this spec — Pennzoil Platinum, Mobil 1, Castrol EDGE. Don't use conventional.

Tools and Parts List

• 7 quarts of 0W-20 full synthetic (buy 7 to have extra; takes exactly 6 with filter)
• Mopar 68191349AA filter (or equivalent)
• 15mm socket or box wrench
• Torque wrench (15–30 lb-ft range)
• 7–8 quart drain pan
• Funnel
• Rags or shop towels
• Drain plug crush washer: Mopar 6508578AA (replace periodically)
• Jack and stands or ramps — the Grand Cherokee has decent clearance on ramps

Step-by-Step Oil Change

1. Warm the Oil

Run the engine for 3–5 minutes, then shut off and wait 5 minutes. Warm oil flows freely and carries contaminants out with the drain. Don't change cold oil — it's thick and leaves residue in the pan.

2. Lift and Access

The 2023 Grand Cherokee sits on a unibody platform with the standard Pentastar orientation — drain plug is clearly accessible under the engine. Use ramps on a flat surface or a floor jack on the recommended jacking point on the front subframe. Place jack stands under the frame rails before getting underneath.

Remove the plastic engine undershield if present (varies by trim). It's secured with 10mm bolts — three or four depending on configuration.

3. Drain the Oil

Position your drain pan below the oil pan — the 15mm drain plug is at the rear of the pan, slightly toward the passenger side. Break it loose counterclockwise, then unthread by hand. Pull the plug away cleanly when almost out.

Drain fully — 8–10 minutes. Remove the oil filler cap on top of the engine (passenger side valve cover) to speed drainage by letting air in.

4. Remove the Oil Filter

The Mopar 68191349AA is a cartridge spin-on filter, accessible from above the engine on the passenger side. Reach in from the top — you may need to move an air intake tube slightly but no removal is required.

Unscrew counterclockwise by hand. Use a filter wrench only to break it loose if it's on very tight. Have a rag ready — it holds about ½ quart.

Wipe the filter seating surface clean. Verify the old rubber O-ring came off with the filter.

Apply a thin coat of fresh 0W-20 to the new filter's O-ring. Thread on hand-tight, then ¾ turn past hand-tight. Do not over-torque.

5. Reinstall the Drain Plug

Thread in by hand first. Replace the crush washer if you have one. Torque to 20 lb-ft (27 Nm).

Important: The 2023 Grand Cherokee uses an aluminum oil pan. Do not exceed 20 lb-ft. Gorilla-tight drain plugs on aluminum = stripped threads. Use a torque wrench.

6. Fill with 0W-20

Pour 5.5 quarts first through the filler cap on the valve cover. Replace the cap. Start the engine and let it idle for 60 seconds — the oil pressure gauge will climb from zero immediately (normal). Shut off, wait 2 minutes, check the dipstick.

The Pentastar takes exactly 6.0 quarts with a filter change. Add the remaining 0.5 quart and recheck. Don't overfill — the Pentastar's variable valve timing system is sensitive to oil pressure from an overfilled pan.

7. Check for Leaks

With engine at idle, visually check the drain plug area and filter. No drips. Shut off and do a final dipstick check on level ground.

8. Reinstall Undershield

Bolt the plastic splash shield back on. All bolts snug — not cranked.

9. Reset the Oil Life Monitor

On the 2023 Grand Cherokee:

1. Cycle ignition to ON (engine off) — press Start without foot on brake
2. Tap the left or right stalk button to navigate to Vehicle Info on the cluster
3. Arrow to Oil Life display
4. Hold the OK button on the stalk until oil life resets

Or through the Uconnect touchscreen: Vehicle > Oil Life > Reset.

Cost Comparison

	DIY	Jeep Dealer
0W-20 full synthetic (7 qt)	~$42–$55	—
Mopar 68191349AA filter	~$10–$14	—
Crush washer	~$2	—
Labor	$0	$65–$95
Total	~$54–$71	$130–$175

At the 10,000-mile OLM interval, that's roughly one change per year for most drivers — $75–$100 in savings. Stack that over five years and you've saved $375–$500 on oil changes alone.

Common Mistakes

1. Using 5W-20 from habit. The 2023 WL Grand Cherokee 3.6L uses 0W-20. Earlier generations used 5W-20. Confirm your spec on the oil cap — not by memory from a prior Jeep.

2. Over-torquing the drain plug. 20 lb-ft. The aluminum pan is the limiting factor. Use a torque wrench every time.

3. Buying 6 quarts and having none left over. Buy 7 quarts. You need 6 with a filter change, and having a quart on hand for checking level post-service is the right move.

4. Forgetting the top-side filter access. New Pentastar owners often go under looking for the filter. It's accessible from above on the 3.6L WL Grand Cherokee. Saves time and back pain.

5. Skipping the oil life reset. The OLM calculates service interval based on driving conditions. If you don't reset it, it'll give you inaccurate remaining oil life data on your next change.

Pentastar Maintenance Notes

The 3.6L Pentastar at higher mileage (80,000+) sometimes develops a slight ticking sound from the JTEC (valve train) area. This is common and usually indicates worn cam follower pivots or lifter guide deterioration — not catastrophic, but worth noting. Keeping the oil fresh and at the correct spec is the single best preventive measure.

Also at 100,000 miles: consider a timing chain service inspection if you're hearing any chain rattle on cold start. The Pentastar chain tensioners can weaken with oil quality neglect.

For more on Jeep V6 maintenance, see the 2018 Jeep Wrangler JK CV axle guide and the how much money can you save doing your own car maintenance breakdown.

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