Hi
How to change oil filter on 2012 dodge caravan and
Mopar #.

Also how do you tell transmission is full.

Thanks

 

The Mopar part number for the oil filter for the 3.6 engine is 68079744AB. The removal and installation will follow. The transmission fluid is checked with a special tool and depends on trans fluid temperature. basically if you have no leak, assume it is full. Or get your oil changed at the dealer (at least we check it)



REMOVAL





All engines are equipped with a high quality full-flow, disposable type oil filter. Chrysler Corporation recommends a MoparŽ or equivalent oil filter be used.
CAUTION:When performing an engine oil change, the oil filter cap must be removed. Removing the oil filter cap releases oil held within the oil filter cavity and allows it to drain into the sump. Failure to remove the cap prior to reinstallation of the drain plug will not allow complete draining of the used engine oil.
1.Place an oil absorbant cloth around the oil filter housing at the base of the oil filter cap.

NOTE:The oil filter (3) is attached to the oil filter cap (2).2.Rotate the oil filter cap (1) counterclockwise and remove the cap (1) and filter (3) from the oil filter housing.


3.Remove the oil filter (3) from the oil filter cap (2).4.Remove and discard the O-ring seal (1).





INSTALLATION





NOTE:It is not necessary to pre-oil the oil filter or fill the oil filter housing.1.Lightly lubricate the new O-ring seal (1) with clean engine oil.2.Install the O-ring seal (1) on the filter cap (2).3.Install the new oil filter (3) into the oil filter cap (2).


4.Thread the oil filter cap (1) into the oil filter housing and tighten to 25 Nˇm (18 ft. lbs.).5.Add oil, verify crankcase oil level and start engine. Inspect for oil leaks (Refer to 09 - Engine/Lubrication/OIL - Standard Procedure) .

 

The Nut on top is a 24mm nut. You'll have to pull the air filter box up to replace it.
loosen the Oil filter before you drain the oil, and remove filter After you done draining the oil. or else oil will be dripping all over when you pull the filter out.
As for now, please stick with a Mopar filter. If you go aftermarket, make sure the aftermarket filter is the same size as the OEM one.

 

I just purchased a Wix Filter yesterday, will do the oil change today
http://www.wixfilters.com/Lookup/Par...spx?Part=57526
Here is a photo of the box/filter

 

oh, another item - manual says oil is API certified 5W-30, 5.6L or 6 quarts, to make sure you have enough if you are doing it yourself

 

I used a 13mm to break loose the nut on the oil pan, then went up and let air into the system as described above by steak59 - thank you for the early advice, easy reading knowledge, lets all share! Love it!

So here is a few additional photos, the airbox removed, with either a flat head, or a 5/16" hex, I loosened only the intake side, removed the small 3/4" or so diameter hose from the airbox end just above the air filter, unclamped the cover and removed the entire assembly to get EASY access to the filter, not to mention not to knock anything into the oil filter assembly once it's removed.

After removing that assembly, I gently loosened the oil filter top, with a 24mm socket (thanks for the above size advice, typical socket sets do not included this size - go buy one if you do not have one and plan to do your own oil changes - use the right tool not an adjustable wrench)

here is a shot without my hand pointing to the oil filter cartridge case

 

I always waste a little fresh oil and run it through (about a cup/250ml) just to give it a little rinse, hence why I had the filler cap off, and a rag to check the dip stick sitting on the air filter, and a funnel in the oil tube. I take my time, have a beer letting it drip as much used oil out as possible. I also usually run it for a minute or 2 prior to draining, getting it a bit warm for easy flow, and to mix it all up. Any thoughts on this? I had a mechanic once tell me it was a good idea, but also another that says it doesn't matter.

 

To re-tighten the oil filter assembly it states 25Nm on the top (24mm assembly) - about 220 in. lbs. (correct me if my conversion is wrong), I always do the oil pan by feel (13mm plug), but if someone knows the correct torque spec. please share it.

 

I like to use a large pair of locking pliers to hold the oil container so I do not have to, just to get it all out. I also keep my containers, and filters to safely dispose of them at our local dump (special drop off area not the landfill), no point in polluting mother earth any more than needed.

 

To Reset the Change Oil Message - from the manual, but put here for easier reference

1. Turn the ignition switch to the ON/RUN position (do
not start the engine).

2. Fully depress the accelerator pedal, slowly, three times
within 10 seconds.

3. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF/LOCK position.

NOTE: If the indicator message illuminates when you
start the engine, the oil change indicator system did not
reset. If necessary, repeat these steps.