Changing Oil Pan In 2009 Dodge Charger: Step-By-Step Guide

Changing the oil pan on a 2009 Dodge Charger is a complex task that requires a range of tools and mechanical knowledge. The oil pan is located at the bottom of the engine and holds the motor oil, which lubricates the engine. While the oil pan is typically durable, it can be damaged by impacts with hard surfaces, resulting in leaks. To replace the oil pan, the vehicle must be raised and supported on jack stands, and the oil drained. The oil pan is then removed and replaced with a new one, after which new oil and a filter are installed. This process can be challenging, as other components may need to be removed to access the oil pan, and it is important to ensure that the correct type and amount of oil are used.

Remove skid plate and drain old oil

To remove the skid plate and drain the old oil from your 2009 Dodge Charger, follow these steps:

First, park your car on a flat, level surface and apply the parking brake. This ensures the car doesn't move during the process. Then, locate the skid plate, a plastic shield that covers the oil filter and plug, underneath your car. The skid plate is held in place by four bolts. Remove these bolts to take off the skid plate.

Once the skid plate is removed, locate the oil drain plug underneath the protective panel. Place a catch pan or drain pan underneath the drain plug to catch the old oil. Using the proper socket wrench or box-end wrench, loosen and remove the drain plug, allowing the oil to drain into the pan. Leave the oil to drain for at least 15 minutes.

After the oil has finished draining, inspect the drain plug for any stripping of the threads or the bolt itself. If it looks okay, replace the drain plug and tighten it with the wrench. Now, you can dispose of the old oil appropriately. Do not dump it on the ground or put it in the garbage. Take it to a local service centre or auto shop, such as Jiffy Lube, which will safely dispose of it.

The skid plate on your Dodge Charger helps to keep road dirt away from the engine and improves aerodynamics. While it is not absolutely necessary to have one, it is recommended to replace it if possible.

Remove and replace oil filter

To remove and replace the oil filter on a 2009 Dodge Charger, follow these steps:

First, prep the new oil filter. Slowly fill the filter through the centre hole to prevent a dry start. Fill it until it appears full, then wait for the oil to seep into the filter. Top it off again, wait, and repeat. Do not fill it to 100% capacity, but close to the top is sufficient.

Next, you will need to lubricate the rubber seal on the filter with a light coating of oil. This will prevent the seal from sticking upon removal.

Now, you can move on to removing the old oil filter. Place a drain pan under the filter to catch any oil that may spill. Once the old filter is removed, install the new, prepped oil filter.

Finally, clean up any mess with a suitable cleaner and towels.

It is important to note that the oil filter on a 3.6L engine is located on top. It is a cartridge-type filter, and you will need a socket to remove the cap. The new filter clips onto the inside of the cap, and you should also replace the cap O-ring.

Add new oil and check for leaks

Once you have drained the old oil, installed a new washer in the drain plug, and replaced the oil filter, you can add new oil to your 2009 Dodge Charger.

Remove the oil filler cap and pour in the amount of oil required by your engine type. Replace the cap, screw it in tightly, and start the engine. Check for leaks from the drain plug and oil filter while you run the engine for a few minutes.

After running the engine for a few minutes, stop and wait for 3 minutes. Use the dipstick to check the oil level and add more if necessary.

Check oil level with dipstick

To check the oil level with the dipstick, follow these steps:

Firstly, ensure your vehicle is parked on level ground. This is important for getting an accurate reading. Engage the parking brake and turn off the engine. If you have a manual transmission, put it in a lower gear.

Now, locate the dipstick. This will usually have a small coloured handle, often yellow or orange, and will be marked with an oil-can symbol. Pull the dipstick out of its tube. Wipe any oil off the end of the dipstick with a rag or paper towel.

At the tip of the dipstick, you will see two lines. The lower one indicates that the oil level is one quart low, and the upper line denotes that the crankcase is full. Some dipsticks are also marked with the words "full" and "add".

Insert the dipstick back into the tube slowly and push it all the way down. Now, withdraw it and observe the tip, which should have oil on it. If the level of the oil is between the two lines, your vehicle has sufficient oil. If it's at or below the lower line, you need to add more oil.

It is recommended to check your oil level once a week for a month to get an understanding of how quickly your oil gets depleted. Once you know this, you can reduce the frequency of checks to once a month.

Additionally, it is important to change your oil regularly to maintain your vehicle's performance and prevent engine damage. The frequency of oil changes depends on the type of oil used and can range from every 3,000 miles for conventional oil to every 7,500 to 15,000 miles for synthetic oil.

Replace skid plate

To replace the skid plate of a 2009 Dodge Charger, follow these steps:

First, park your car on a flat, level surface and engage the parking brake. If needed, you can use jack stands to raise the front end of the vehicle. Put on safety gear, such as gloves and protective eyewear. Locate the skid plate protecting the oil pan underneath the car and remove the bolts holding it in place. The number of bolts varies depending on the model and year of your Dodge Charger. For example, the 2015-2019 model years require removing four bolts. Place the bolts somewhere safe so they don't get lost.

Next, carefully lower the skid plate away from the vehicle. Take note of how the skid plate is positioned to ensure proper installation during reassembly. Clean the area if necessary to remove any dirt or debris before installing the new skid plate.

Now, take the new skid plate and line it up with the mounting points on the vehicle. Secure the skid plate in place by tightening the bolts you removed earlier. Ensure the bolts are tightened securely, but be careful not to over-tighten them.

Finally, check that the new skid plate is securely installed and that there are no loose bolts or other issues. Once you're satisfied, you can lower the vehicle if it was raised, and your new skid plate installation is complete.

Skid plates are available from various manufacturers and can be purchased online or from auto parts stores. Ensure you get the correct skid plate for your vehicle's make, model, and year.

Frequently asked questions