Vehicle SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING

Tsuter

I can't see the filter at all from up top. Do you have to go underneath and remove the large plastic splash guard in its ENTIRETY to get to the filter or can you just drop a corner or reach around? I'm trying to decide if I will drain oil through the lower drain plug each and every time or sometimes suck it out through the dipstick tube. On some of my vehicles I can remove the filter from up top making the decision easy.

How much was the filter? The last time I had the oil changed on our T&C, they didn't stock it, said it was a "special filter". I had to go to Auto Shack and buy one for $18. Add the cost of the oil change to that (they gave me a $2.00 credit for the filter), I would have been better off taking it to a Chrysler dealer.

BrettP said:

I paid $11.12 plus tax for this filter and O-Ring at the dealer. He said it was the same filter as earlier Pentastar engines (since 2014). I haven't tried installing it though.

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Thanks, I could have gotten it a few dollars cheaper, but Auto Shack was the closest parts store. Regardless, it's still a bit pricey for an oil filter seeing as how it's the same one.

I just checked RockAuto and they sell 2017 Pacifca oil filters (including o-ring) for about 4 bucks each.

BrettP said:

I just checked RockAuto and they sell 2017 Pacifca oil filters (including o-ring) for about 4 bucks each.

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Makes sense. At that price, I can buy a couple and don't have to worry about not having one when I need it.

Thanks for the input....

The filter is up top on the left side of the engine cover. It's a black plastic housing with what looks like a black plastic bolt head molded into it. It's 24mm and has a torque spec listed on it on 25nm.

As for the filter, yeah, rock auto has them for 4-5 bucks that includes the o-ring. I got mine through Amazon for $8, a wix filter. Nothing special about it.

Tsuter said:

The filter is up top on the left side of the engine cover. It's a black plastic housing with what looks like a black plastic bolt head molded into it. It's 24mm and has a torque spec listed on it on 25nm.

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You made my day, Tsuter! I've never seen that type of oil filter cover. Too easy! Extracting oil from the top, I should be able to do an oil change in under 5 minutes I think. :grin2:

Brett

Yup, they make it convenient. I've never used the extractor method for an oil change, I've always preferred to pull the drain plug, but I have a friend that is a Mercedes tech that swears you get more oil out via the extractor down the dipstick tube.
I picked up an extractor pump to use on my daily driver, so I'll probably give it a shot in 5000 miles.

I have the Harbor Freight extractor that hooks to an air compressor. I like that it has an indicator that shows exactly how full the tank is. I actually have two: one for oil only and the other for other types of liquids (coolant, etc.). I originally bought the first one because oil extraction is the only way to change oil on a Yamaha Waverunner.

Mercedes tech, huh? Here is a YouTube video made by a Mercedes tech (your friend?) where he illustrates an extractor works better, at least on a Mercedes.

Awesome video, not my guy though. I see why the extractor is the better choice. Time to give mine a shot.

Thanks for the video.

Thanks ! I've never actually seen someone open up the filter to see what was in there. That's actually a real bang on idea, gotta give it a try.

Love the extractors though, makes life much easier and cleaner to do. They don't take long either

I did my first oil change today at 1500 miles. I used a Harbor Freight extractor running off my air compressor, replaced the topside oil filter and associated o-ring and put 5 quarts of 0W-20 Mobile 1 synthetic in. The oil level comes up exactly to the top marker hole on the dipstick. Total time 7.5 minutes. I think I can do it in 5 minutes next time. The oil extractor can hold four Pacifica oil changes before I have to empty it. Easiest and quickest oil change I have ever done. The Pentastar engine rocks!

Are you concerned about which oil Chrysler recommends?

"We recommend you use API Certified SAE 0W-20 Engine Oil, meeting the requirements of FCA Material Standard MS-6395 such as MOPAR, Pennzoil, and Shell Helix. Refer to your engine oil filler cap for correct SAE grade."

The last time I checked, Mobile 1 didn't meet the MS-6395 standard.

Thanks for pointing that out. I am definitely concerned if it is a warranty issue. I thought Mobile 1 was "the good stuff". I'll go read up on the 6395 standard and research this a bit.

I've been using Mobil 1 for years. I also thought it was the best oil on the market. I've done some research into the 6395 standard, and it appears like Mopar, Shell and Pennzoil are the only ones meeting that standard. I think I'll use the Pennzoil Ultra Plantinum.

Wow, thanks for this input. I don't change my own oil, I think, no, I know that if I got under the vehicle on my back, that I'd never be able to get back up on my own. Anyway, I usually don't pay attention to what brand of oil they use where I go. Although Pennzoil is a common choice around here, I'll be sure to check with the shop we normally use before having it changed.