Oil Filter Location! UGH!

[ChryslerVette]

I just completed my first Hemi LOF at 7500 miles (factory oil) , and was happy with the location of the drain plug. However, the filter location was directly above the electric steering assist motor and right hand tie rod with the huge crossmember in front! After struggling to fit a filter wrench on,.....It was nearly impossible to get a grip or even a quarter turn on the filter ! Finally , I realized that I had to attack it from the front of the crossmember. Once it was loose, and letting the filter drain a bit, I removed it by hand but made a mess by trying to take it out around the tie rod! UGH! Next time I'll remember to change it using a different technique.

 

[NorthStar]

Welcome to the club! A gallon baggie will become your friend when changing the oil filter. Do a search and you can learn about the process. And yes, getting to it from the front of the vehicle is far easier IMHO.

 

[SoCalBogey]

You would think they could design the filter location in a little better....

 

[Scram1500]

I just did mine hot without letting it cool off. Just when you think it really sucks, try doing it hot

 

[RSZ]

You need an Oil Udder.

oiludder.com

 

[SD Rebel]

It's easy, just use the two zip lock bag method, I literally didn't spill a drop, and I did it while it was hot.

With the front on ramps and lying on my back with my head facing towards the rear of the truck, I broke the oil filter seal with my strap wrench from the backside, then unscrew 1/2 turn, slip on first zip lock bag, continue to unscrew until it begins to leak. Wait about a minute for it to stop, then remove the first bag (place in pan). Then slip on the 2nd bag, finish unscrewing, wait about 10 seconds for additional oil to drop out of the mount, then put the 2nd bag in the pan and you are done.

Zero mess, no oil spilled. Just make sure to use the larger zip lock bags.

 

[Billy James]

You need an Oil Udder.

oiludder.com

I just looked at the Oil Udder web site; that looks like a winner to me. It's a little pricey; but a great idea.

 

[mtmgtz]

Surprised they haven't transitioned to a canister style filter on top like most modern engines. Even the 3.6 in our 2017 Chrylser Pacifica had a canister filter on top. My 2019 Colorado that I just traded on a Ram had a canister filter up top as well. Sooo much easier. I remember it being a pain in the *** on my 2013 Ram. Doesn't sound like anything has changed.

 

[iLikeTurtles]

Or purchase an oil change plan from mopar.

$185 for four oil changes. Just did this last week.

 

[RSZ]

Surprised they haven't transitioned to a canister style filter on top like most modern engines. Even the 3.6 in our 2017 Chrylser Pacifica had a canister filter on top. My 2019 Colorado that I just traded on a Ram had a canister filter up top as well. Sooo much easier. I remember it being a pain in the *** on my 2013 Ram. Doesn't sound like anything has changed.

Don't think I've ever seen a V8 with a canister style filter. I think the Hemi would need a redesign to go to that style.

On my 2012 Town & Country I could do an oil changes completely from under the hood. Oil filter up top and oil extractor down the dipstick tube.

 

[DennisY]

Or purchase an oil change plan from mopar.

$185 for four oil changes. Just did this last week.

I have something like 10 free ones due me at the dealer, but the wait is hours. No thanks.

 

[User_3336]

You need an Oil Udder.

oiludder.com

$30? UMMM, NO!

 

[mtmgtz]

Don't think I've ever seen a V8 with a canister style filter. I think the Hemi would need a redesign to go to that style.

On my 2012 Town & Country I could do an oil changes completely from under the hood. Oil filter up top and oil extractor down the dipstick tube.

I did the same on our Pacifica. Oil extractor worked good on it. I couldn't get the extractor tube down my dipstick tube on my Colorado though. Didn't want to force it and get it stuck either.

Newer Tundras have canister filters but it's on the bottom and the lid is on the bottom as well so it's messy as hell also.

 

[iLikeTurtles]

I have something like 10 free ones due me at the dealer, but the wait is hours. No thanks.

If I waited an hour for an oil change I would be complaining...
Sounds like you are going to the wrong place or not making your expectations clear for when you set up an appointment.

 

[mtmgtz]

$30? UMMM, NO!

It is pretty pricey for a piece of plastic. I might try to model/print one with my 3d printer. I'll post the model if I do it.

 

[User_3336]

Or purchase an oil change plan from mopar.

$185 for four oil changes. Just did this last week

Local dealer had 3 FULL SYNTHETIC oil changes for $100 good for 2 years. Much better deal.
This was MOPAR sponsored promo.

 

[User_3336]

If I waited an hour for an oil change I would be complaining...
Sounds like you are going to the wrong place or not making your expectations clear for when you set up an appointment.

If you come in with coupons or an oil change package, the dealer makes you wait longer. Its a fact. Its a 2 hour wait for an oil change here (with the package)

 

[NorthStar]

Crazy question but don’t you all have complimentary Ram Care that came with your 5th Gen which gives you two free oil changes per year for two years at the dealer?

It is a free program on all of the new Rams sold here in Texas that FCA has been doing since 2017 or 2018.

 

[User_3336]

Crazy question but don’t you all have complimentary Ram Care that came with your 5th Gen which gives you two free oil changes per year for two years at the dealer?

That is REGIONAL, it doesn't apply to all dealers in all states.

This hasn't happened for over 2 years in TN.

However, MOPAR/FCA has different sponsored coupons at every dealership. Here, you could get 4 oil changes for $100, hence there is no RAM CARES package any longer.

 

[iLikeTurtles]

That is REGIONAL, it doesn't apply to all dealers in all states.

This hasn't happened for over 2 years in TN.

However, MOPAR/FCA has different sponsored coupons at every dealership. Here, you could get 4 oil changes for $100, hence there is no RAM CARES package any longer.

Mopar promo also regional. Best deal in central NY was 4 oil changes for the $185. Or maybe they ended it. Was best deal i could find.