Removing Oil Pan From Dodge Charger: Step-By-Step Guide

Removing the oil pan from a Dodge Charger requires several steps and can be a complex process. The procedure may vary depending on the year and model of the Dodge Charger. It is recommended to refer to a service manual or a repair guide specific to the vehicle's make and model. The basic steps typically involve draining the engine oil, removing components such as the exhaust pipe, oil level sensor, and transmission cooler lines, jacking up the engine, and then removing the oil pan bolts and gasket. It is important to note that this task may require specialized tools and mechanical expertise, and it is advised to exercise caution when working on a vehicle to avoid damage or injury.

Disconnect the negative battery cable

Disconnecting the negative battery cable is a crucial first step when removing the oil pan of a Dodge Charger. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to safely and effectively disconnect the negative battery cable:

Turn Off the Ignition: Before beginning any work on your Dodge Charger, make sure the ignition is turned off. It is important to never attempt to disconnect the battery while the car is powered on.

Locate the Car Battery: Open the hood of your Charger and locate the car battery. It is a large, block-like component with two thick cables attached near the engine bay's surface. The battery may also be located in the trunk, so refer to your owner's manual if you have difficulty finding it.

Identify the Negative Terminal: The negative terminal is marked with a "-" symbol and is typically black, often with a black plastic cap. It is usually located on top of the battery and has an attached cable.

Loosen the Nut on the Negative Terminal: Using a wrench that fits the nut, loosen it by turning it counterclockwise. You may need to try different socket wrench sizes to find the correct fit. If your battery has a plastic cap, remove it before loosening the nut.

Remove the Negative Connector: Once the nut is loosened, carefully remove the negative connector cable from the battery. Ensure that the cable is pushed aside and does not come into contact with the battery until you are ready to reconnect it.

Optional: Remove the Positive Connector: For added safety, you may also want to remove the positive connector. First, identify the positive terminal, marked with a "+" symbol and typically red with a red plastic cap. Loosen the nut with a wrench and remove the positive connector, ensuring it is kept away from the battery.

By following these steps, you will have successfully disconnected the negative battery cable, which is an important preliminary step when removing the oil pan of a Dodge Charger. Remember to wear appropriate safety gear, such as gloves and safety goggles, during the process.

Drain the engine oil

To drain the engine oil of a Dodge Charger, first warm up the engine for a few minutes. This will help to suspend any contaminants inside the motor within the old oil and allow it to drain out more quickly. Then, turn off the engine.

Next, you'll need to raise the vehicle with blocks, a lift, or jack stands. The oil pan and oil filter are located behind the engine block towards the centre of the vehicle. Once you've located the oil pan, use a 13mm socket with a ratcheting wrench to carefully loosen the oil drain bolt located at the rear edge of the oil pan by turning it counter-clockwise until it can be removed.

Now, let the old oil drain out of the engine for at least a few minutes before replacing the oil drain bolt. The service manual states that the oil drain bolt should be tightened with a torque wrench to about 20ft lbs. If you don't have a torque wrench, tighten the bolt a quarter to a third of a turn past hand-tight. Be careful not to over-tighten the bolt, as this may damage the threads or the oil pan and cause an oil leak.

With the oil drained, you can now move on to removing the oil filter.

Remove the oil filter

To remove the oil filter from a Dodge Charger, first locate the filter. If you have a hard-shell canister-style filter, it will be under your vehicle. If you have a soft cartridge-style filter, it will be in the engine bay of your vehicle.

For a canister-style filter, you will need to raise your car, set a drain pan under the oil pan, and remove the drain bolt to let the old motor oil drain out. Replace the bolt and use a filter wrench to unscrew the old filter. You can then hand-tighten the replacement filter in its place.

For a cartridge-style filter, locate the filter access cap in front of your engine. Unscrew the cap, pull out the old filter, and install the new one before closing the cap.

It is recommended to wear safety glasses when working under your car, as you never know what could be dripping down from the engine.

Jack up the engine

Jacking up the engine of a Dodge Charger is a crucial step in accessing the underside of the vehicle for maintenance or repairs, such as removing the oil pan. Here is a detailed guide on how to safely jack up the engine:

Preparation:

Before beginning, ensure you have a suitable floor jack and jack stands. It is also recommended to chock the front tires and use a magnetic flashlight to enhance safety during the process. Additionally, placing a piece of wood between the jack and the vehicle can provide added stability.

Jacking Points:

Identifying the correct jacking points on your Dodge Charger is essential for a safe lift. Refer to the vehicle's manual or consult a trusted mechanic if you are unsure about the specific jacking points for your model year. The jacking points are typically located on the subframe or cross-member, and there may be multiple points both in the front and rear of the vehicle.

For example, for a 2012 Dodge Charger, the recommended jacking points are located in the middle of the plastic belly pan, just behind the front tires, and in the rear, there are jacking points on the subframe.

Jacking up the Engine:

Once you have identified the jacking points, follow these steps:

• Position the floor jack securely on a level surface, ensuring it is placed on a sturdy part of the frame or subframe.
• Slowly raise the jack until it makes contact with the vehicle's jacking point. Ensure the jack is positioned correctly and securely before proceeding.
• Continue raising the jack until the vehicle is lifted to the desired height. It is important to go slowly and carefully to avoid any sudden loss of hydraulic pressure, which could be dangerous.
• Once the vehicle is lifted, securely place jack stands in the appropriate locations to support the weight. Do not rely solely on the floor jack to support the vehicle.
• Ensure the vehicle is stable and securely lifted before proceeding with any maintenance or repairs.

By following these steps, you can safely jack up the engine of your Dodge Charger, providing the necessary clearance to access the oil pan and other components for service. Remember to always use caution when working on your vehicle and refer to the manufacturer's guidelines for specific instructions related to your model.

Clean the gasket mating surfaces

To clean the gasket mating surfaces of your Dodge Charger, you'll need to remove the oil pan and gasket from the engine. This may require raising the vehicle or removing the front subframe.

Before you start, it's important to protect your eyes and ears when using any type of power equipment. It's also recommended to wear gloves to protect your hands.

There are a variety of tools you can use to clean the gasket mating surfaces. Metal and plastic scrapers can help remove old gasket material, carbon, and dirt from the surfaces. Flat-blade paint removal-type scrapers and carbide scrapers are the most popular choices. A razor blade (metal or plastic) mounted in a holder can also be useful for removing MLS coating from sealing surfaces. When using a scraper or razor blade, maintain a flat, low angle to the surface to avoid creating gouges, and avoid using the corners of the blade. For aluminium surfaces, be sure to use a plastic scraper or plastic razor blade.

Wire wheels and wire brushes can also be used for heavy cleaning, such as removing carbon, dirt, RTV, paper, and old gasket material. A coarse wire wheel (0.014" wire) is suitable for cast iron sealing surfaces but should not be used on aluminium or plastic surfaces. A fine wire wheel (0.006" wire) can be used on both cast iron and aluminium surfaces. Exercise caution when using a wire wheel to preserve the surface finish of the sealing surface, ensuring a proper seal for the replacement gasket.

Additionally, a brass hand wire brush or nylon/brass rifle-type or round brushes are effective for cleaning RTV from aluminium and plastic valve covers and intake manifolds. These brushes are also useful for cleaning out bolt holes.

When selecting a cleaner or degreaser, ensure it doesn't leave any residue or oily finish. Rinse off engine parts with water and blow them dry if possible. Use a clean rag that leaves little to no lint behind to wipe down the sealing surfaces.

Small pocket screwdrivers and dental-type picks with straight and curved tips are handy for removing O-rings, RTV from crevices, and dirt/crud caught in small areas.

After cleaning, it's a good practice to run a vacuum cleaner over the engine parts to ensure no dirt or old gasket material remains. You can also use a pencil-style magnet to grab any small metal particles.

Frequently asked questions