Quick answer: Engine Oil & Filter Change on a 2011–2023 Dodge Charger 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 Spec MS-6395
| Part Name |
Part Number |
Price |
Buy |
| Engine Oil (5W-20) |
— |
$45.00 |
|
| Correct engine oil filter and drain-plug washer for 2011-2023 Dodge Charger |
— |
$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 2011-2023 Charger's 3.6L Pentastar takes 6 US quarts of 5W-20 meeting Chrysler MS-6395. The filter is a CARTRIDGE under the engine cover on TOP of the engine — but there's a year split that matters: 2011-2013 uses one cartridge design, while 2014 and later uses Mopar 68191349AB after Chrysler switched to a variable-displacement oil pump. The wrong filter can cause oil-pressure problems, so buy strictly by your model year. Park level, brake set, wheels chocked. The Pentastar is one of the most common V6s ever built — parts are everywhere and cheap.
🔧 Mechanic's note — Ray Delgado
The Charger has a year split on the cartridge design — 2011-2013 versus 2014 and up — so I confirm the year before I open the box. Six quarts of MS-6395 5W-20; the wrong cartridge doesn't seat and announces it with a weep.
2
Warm briefly and protect the work area
Warm the engine 2-3 minutes. Remove the engine cover to expose the filter housing, and remove the skid plate (4x 10mm bolts) for access underneath. Gather a 24mm socket for the housing cap, 13mm socket for the drain plug, drain pan, funnel, gloves, and the correct-year cartridge with fresh O-ring. The engine cover pulls straight up off its grommets — don't pry it sideways.
3
Drain the used oil and replace the filter
Remove the 13mm drain plug (about 20 ft-lb on reinstall) and drain the sump. Up top, remove the 24mm housing cap and swap the cartridge element with a fresh O-ring. Reseat the cap evenly; don't overtighten the plastic.
🔧 Mechanic's note — Ray Delgado
I pull the 13mm plug while the Pentastar drains, then open the 24mm housing cap up top — the cartridge swap happens in parallel. Reseat the cap evenly and don't overtighten; the threads are the weak link here.
4
Install the correct oil quantity
Reinstall the drain plug by hand first, then tighten to about 20 ft-lb and wipe clean. Pour in 6 quarts of 5W-20 MS-6395 through a funnel, adding the last quart slowly. Replace the oil cap and refit the skid plate and engine cover.
🔧 Mechanic's note — Ray Delgado
I start the Charger's plug by hand, torque it to about 20 ft-lb, then pour the six quarts with the last one slow. Hand-starting the plug on the Pentastar's pan threads is the move that prevents a stripped-pan Sunday.
5
Check level, leaks, and service reminder
Start the engine, idle a minute, and check for leaks at the housing and plug. Shut off, wait a few minutes, and confirm the dipstick reads full. Confirm the gauge reads 100% afterward.
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
