Oil Change

[2k7blacknitro]

Originally Posted by gauntletnfo

You can access the oil filter easily from underneath next to the front, driver-side wheel at the front of the engine. There is clear access to the filter there. Same location as the 4.7L engine on the Dodge Dakota.

Clear access? Man my nitro must be different. I am a mechanically inclined person, there is a spot to stick my arm in....but its hardly clear access..I have to contort my arm in ways its not supposed to in order to go through there. I used to love chaning oil....not on this vehicle I dread any day I have to change oil on this thing. Takes forever....busts my nuckles and scrapes my arm all up. I am dissappointed in dodge with this vehicle....thats alot coming from me because if its not a dodge i wont buy it.

[bhamptn]

any new updates on a good way to change oil in a 3.7?
my needs changing and dont want to go pay 40 bucks at the dealer

thanks

[jhnhopkins]

When the shop changes mine, they have to roll the vehicle in neutral so that the "U" joint is in the correct position to get at the filter. Hope this helps you guys.

[tartantyger]

You could try the K&N HP-2009 oil filter - there's a stud on the end for a socket wrench, not much help installing but a lot of help removing. I have a J.C. Whitney remote oil filter mounting kit (unfortunately no longer listed, but Trans-Dapt still offers single and dual filter models) which permitted me to install a truly monstrous auxiliary oil cooler and mount the filter to the firewall.

[deck99]

Well I changed mine tonight....just got out of the shower...had to wash the OIL off of me!

Getting it off was pretty easy this time but getting the filter out of the engine compartment was a bear.

I put a floor jack under the front end and raise it up about 6-8 inches....tires still on the ground. Then I crawl under the drivers front on my back and I can use my right arm to screw the filter right off....It's not really easy but not bad. Next step is to figure out the exit strategy without spilling so much oil. Both times I have changed the oil I dropped the filter.

deck00

[shogunsan]

Can anyone help me? The Nitro 2.8 year 2007. The oil filter is o the top but where is the sump plug? I know it must be on the bottom, but has anyone got a diagram of where it is and have any panels to be taken off???

[RicLee]

I'm hoping this post that I put up yesterday may help: Suggestion - Oil Filter Change

Originally Posted by 2k7blacknitro

Anyone figure out the secret to changing the oil filter on the 3.7? Took me 40 minutes to get the damn thing off.....very bad place to put the filter. Anyways, is there some easy way to get it done? I don't wanna have to pay someone to change my damn oil its ridiculous. Any help is appreciated.

[sblasz]

I have the 3.7 and it is a pain in the ass, the one time i tried to do it i couldnt because my forearms are to big and get caught while I am trying to reach up in there. When I finally got the filter off, i noticed it was a short one and that was the first problem. There are 2 filters that are made for the 09, a long and a short. Using the long filter has been the best so far, I have a friend who can get their arm up in there to twist it off by hand. They find it best to lay with their feet towards the back of the truck (basically laying all the way under the truck) than they reach up in and crank it off slowly than put the new one back on. No easy way to do it on the 3.7, hope this helps.

[jonthebrute]

Man, this is the first time I've ever not been able to get to an oil filter. I have the 2007 Dodge Nitro 3.7 L and I've never in my life seen such a horrible design for an engine compartment. I mean really, the only thing you replace in your vehicle more than oil is gas... if you couldn't find a better place to put the oil filter at least could you leave room to get to it. I'm 39 years old and for the first time since I've been 14 I'll have to take this to a "professional" to get the oil changed. THANKS A LOT DODGE!!!!....NOT

Don't get me wrong, I love my Nitro, but not being able to do the easiest and most common service to my own car sucks!

[dhh3]

One of the benefits my dealer offers is the first oil change is free! Also, my salesman gave me the Platinum Service Rewards Card, which includes 2 free oil changes. Since I change my oil every 5K, I am set for about a 1.5 years until I have to worry about this.