Change the DIY on a 2006-2010 Dodge Charger

Works For:
2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 Dodge Charger Models

Source: eHow

The Dodge Charger is a classic American car. Dodge has produced several variations of the Charger over the years, with the present-day Charger introduced in 2006 as a sports sedan. Advances in technology have made it difficult for average people to do repairs on their own, but changing the oil is something that almost anyone can do. Routine oil changes help protect your engine from deposit build-up, which can cause the engine to seize. You can change the oil in about an hour, for as little as $15 (as of September 2010).

1) Park the Charger on a flat surface. Let the engine run for a few minutes if it is cold, or give it time to cool down if the car has been running for a period of time. You want the oil to be warm enough that it will flow easily out of the engine, but not so hot that you’ll get burned.

2) Locate the oil pan and drain plug underneath the engine block.

3) Place a drain pan underneath the oil pan, and loosen the drain plug with a wrench.

4) Continue to loosen the drain plug by hand, but press against the oil pan so that the oil won’t come gushing out at you when the plug becomes detached.

5) Position the drain pan underneath the oil pan and remove the drain plug so that the oil flows into the drain pan.

6) Remove the plug on top of the engine block that says “Engine Oil Only.” This equalizes pressure inside the engine block and helps the old oil flow out of the engine.

7) Allow the oil to keep flowing into the drain pan until the flow slows to a steady drip. Screw the drain plug back into the oil pan by hand, then tighten it with a wrench. Don’t overtighten it, however–you don’t want to strip the bolt.

8) Pour the old oil in the drain pan into an old container (like an antifreeze container). Do not dump the oil down the drain or in a sewer.

9) Place the drain pan underneath the oil filter.

10) Remove the oil filter by unscrewing it with your hand. If the filter is too tight, use a filter wrench. Keep the end of the filter that was attached to the engine facing up because there will be oil in the filter. Turn the filter over in the drain pan so that the oil can flow out.

11) Dip your finger into the container of new oil and run it over the gasket of the new oil filter. This will help the new filter go on more easily.

12) Screw the new oil filter into place on the engine block, but don’t overtighten it.

13) Pour the new oil into the engine. If your Charger has a 2.7 liter or 5.7 liter engine, use 5W-20 grade oil. For a 3.5 liter engine, use 10W-30. It should take about 5 quarts.

14) Put the oil cap back on and start the engine. Let it run for a few minutes, then turn it off and check the oil level on the dipstick. If the oil level is below the “Low” or “Add” mark, add more.