Quick answer: Engine Oil & Filter Change on a 2015–2023 Dodge Challenger is rated Moderate and takes about 30-60 minutes. You'll need 5 tools for this job, and parts cost about $57. This guide walks you through the full job step by step, including the mistakes to avoid.
Oil spec
3.6L V6
Capacity 6.0 qt with filter Viscosity 5W-20 (alt: 0W-20) Spec MS-6395
| Part Name |
Part Number |
Price |
Buy |
| Engine Oil (5W-20) |
— |
$45.00 |
|
| Correct engine oil filter and drain-plug washer for 2015-2023 Dodge Challenger |
— |
$12.00 |
|
About prices: shown prices are typical retail averages and change frequently; cheaper alternatives may be available. Confirm the current price before buying.
💡 Pro tip: Order all parts at once to save on shipping
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps carefully
1
Confirm oil specification and make the vehicle safe
The 3.6L Pentastar in the 2015-2023 Challenger takes 6 quarts of 5W-20 meeting FCA MS-6395 (some later model years call for 0W-20 instead, so check the oil fill cap or owner's manual). Buy the correct cartridge filter: 2014-and-up Pentastars use a different element than 2012-2013 models (for example Mopar 68191349AB or FRAM CH11665), and the wrong one can cause oil-pressure problems. You will need a 24mm socket for the filter housing cap, a 13mm socket for the drain plug, a funnel, and a drain pan. Park on level ground, set the parking brake, and chock the rear wheels.
2
Warm briefly and protect the work area
Run the engine a few minutes so the oil flows freely, shut it off, and wait 5-10 minutes. Loosen the filler cap to help it drain. Remove the undertray fasteners (typically 10mm screws). If you need clearance, drive onto ramps or use rated jack stands — never a jack alone.
3
Drain the oil and open the filter housing
Remove the 13mm drain plug over the pan. The cartridge housing sits on top: wrap a rag around its base, loosen the cap with the 24mm socket, and lift it out.
4
Refit the drain plug and filter cap
Reinstall the drain plug with a good washer at about 27 Nm (20 ft-lb) — don't overtighten. Fit the new cartridge element into the housing before threading the cap on. Thread the plastic cap on by hand, snug to around 25 Nm (18 ft-lb); never force it or the housing cracks.
🔧 Mechanic's note — Tom Becker
I've seen more cracked Pentastar filter housings than I can count — 25 Nm is barely more than hand-tight. If you don't own a torque wrench, thread it on by hand and give it just a quarter-turn with the socket. That's it.
5
Pour in the new oil
Pour 6 quarts of 5W-20 through a funnel into the oil filler opening, then refit the filler cap. Check the cap or owner's manual first if your later model year calls for 0W-20 instead.
6
Check level, leaks, and reminder
Start the engine 30-60 seconds, shut it off, wait a couple of minutes, then dipstick-check on level ground and top up — don't overfill. Check for leaks at the plug and filter housing.
All Done!
Test your repair before closing everything up. If something doesn't work right, double-check your steps.
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- • Using the wrong viscosity, capacity, or filter
- • Working under a vehicle supported only by a jack
- • Reusing a crushed drain-plug washer or leaving the old filter gasket stuck
- • Over-tightening the filter or drain plug
- • Starting the engine without first verifying oil was added
