Owning a Jeep is a wonderful experience (ignoring the gas mileage). One of the best reasons is that regular maintenance rarely involves the use of a jack. In fact, it is so easy to do a Jeep Liberty oil change, I never take it in to the dealership. Here is how I change the oil in my 2007 Jeep Liberty.
Tools Needed for Jeep Liberty Oil Change:
Ratchet with a 13mm Attachment
5 Quarts of Preferred Jeep Liberty Oil (I recommend 5w30)
Preferred Jeep Liberty Oil Filter (The model number varies by brand)
Jeep Liberty Oil Change Step 1: Remove the Oil Canister Bolt
With the 13mm ratchet, lay on your back and scoot underneath, just behind the front wheels of the car. In the center of that area, there should be a metal tank with a bolt towards the bottom of it. This is what will drain the oil. Place the oil pan a few inches further behind this bolt, as the oil has a tendency to spurt out somewhat diagonally when the bolt is first removed. The goal of this step is to get all of the oil into the oil pan cleanly.
Take the ratchet and loosen the bolt very slowly. If you go to fast, oil will spill everywhere. Remember, the oil will probably be pretty hot, but not dangerously so. Therefore, once the bolt becomes loose enough to undo with your fingers, then you should do so. However, only loosen enough so the oil releases at a comfortable pace. This may mean keeping your fingers up there to get oily. Make sure all of the oil is released before moving to the next step.
Jeep Liberty Oil Change Step 2: Install New Oil Filter
Once the oil is empty, re-tighten the bolt and pop open the hood. You will now need to locate the Jeep oil filter. On most Jeeps, the oil filter will be located on the front lower portion of the engine facing downward. Using a paper towel or cloth, reach down into the engine compartment and unscrew the filter. Remember, the Jeep Liberty oil filter will have oil in it as well, so carefully lift it up and out of the engine compartment.
To prep the new Jeep oil filter, dip your finger in your new oil and rub it along the interior edges of the filter. This will coat them and make it easier for the oil to flow through once the engine is started. To do this on your own, first find the location where the Jeep oil filter screws on. I find its often better to approach this from below the car. Try to snake your and into the proper position, and screw on the new filter. Having a friend help makes this part much easier; they can locate the position while you move it into place. Once the Jeep oil filter is firmly attached and the oil canister bolt is securely fastened, we can begin the final step of this Jeep Liberty oil change.
Jeep Liberty Oil Change Step 3: Pour in New Oil
The type of oil to use for a Jeep Liberty oil change is up to the driver. It can be standard oil or synthetic. It can be high mileage or the cheapest available. Regardless of these options, make sure the oil is of the 5w30 category. This is the type of oil that the engine needs. If you accidentally get 10w30 to use for the Jeep Liberty, its not the end of the world. You can use it for the summer, but it is generally considered too thick for the winter.
Locate the Jeep Liberty oil valve on the top of the engine. It should have a large oil symbol on it. Open that cap and fill all five quarts of oil into the engine. Make sure that you do not use any more than five quarts, as this can do damage to the engine. When the oil is all poured into the engine, take a quick peak below to check for any obvious leaking. If nothing leaks, start the engine. If the engine starts properly, you have performed a successful Jeep Liberty oil change.
Now, clean up your mess. Try to pour the old oil back into the new oil container, and recycle it at your local Autozone (or anywhere else that will take old oil).
