Where is the oil filter in a Dodge Charger?

The oil filter on most Dodge Chargers sits on the underside of the engine toward the front of the vehicle and is accessible from beneath after removing the lower splash shield.

Exact location and filter type vary by year and engine. Most newer Chargers use a cartridge-style filter housed in a small canister mounted to the engine near the oil pan, which you replace as a cartridge. Some older configurations used a traditional spin‑on filter mounted directly to the engine block. Always check the owner's manual or a repair guide for your specific year and engine to confirm the location and replacement procedure.

How to locate the filter on your model

Use these steps to identify the exact location for your Charger’s oil filter. Note that access often requires removing undercarriage panels or splash shields.

1. Park on a level surface and let the engine cool to avoid burns.


2. Raise the front of the car and secure it with jack stands if you need more clearance.


3. Look under the engine near the oil pan and front subframe for the filter housing or spin-on canister. If you see a black housing with a removable cap, you’re likely dealing with a cartridge-style filter; if you see a threaded metal canister, it’s a spin-on filter.


4. Consult the manual for your specific engine (3.6L Pentastar, 5.7L Hemi, etc.) to confirm the exact mounting point and service procedure.

With the correct model information in hand, you’ll know whether you’re removing a canister or a cartridge and where the access point is located on your Charger.

Filter types and engine variations

Different engines in the Charger lineup use different oil filter configurations. Here’s a quick guide by typical engine family, noting that exact locations can still vary by year and trim:

• 3.6L Pentastar V6 (common in later Chargers): often cartridge-style, mounted near the front underside of the engine; access from beneath after shield removal.


• 5.7L Hemi V8: commonly uses a cartridge filter in a housing or, on some early versions, a spin-on filter mounted to the engine block; accessible from the bottom side of the engine.


• 6.4L Hemi (in higher‑performance models): generally cartridge in a housing near the oil pan, with bottom-side access.


• Other variants (e.g., older 2.7L or 3.5L in older Chargers): location can differ; always verify with the manual or a repair guide.

Knowing your exact engine helps determine whether you’ll be dealing with a cartridge housing or a spin-on filter, and how to access it safely.

Practical tips for changing the filter

Before you start, gathering the right parts and tools will save time. Here are general steps that apply to most Charger engines, though follow your manual for year-specific instructions.

1. Gather the right filter type (cartridge or spin-on), replacement O-ring, oil, and a drain pan. Have a filter wrench or appropriate tool if needed for the housing or cap.


2. Drain the old oil if you’re performing a full oil change, and remove the splash shield as needed.


3. For cartridge filters: remove the housing cap, extract the old cartridge, clean the housing, install a new cartridge and O‑ring, then reinstall the cap securely.


4. For spin-on filters: unscrew the old filter by hand or with a filter wrench, lubricate the new filter’s gasket with a touch of oil, install by hand until snug, then give it a final 3/4 turn as recommended by the manufacturer.


5. Replace the oil, check for leaks after starting the engine, and recheck the level after a short run and a cool-down period.

Always dispose of used oil and filters at an authorized recycling center, and consult the manual for torque specs and service intervals.

Safety and disposal considerations

Working under a vehicle carries risk. Use proper jack stands, wear eye protection, and ensure the vehicle is stable before crawling underneath. Dispose of used oil and filters responsibly per local regulations.

Summary

The Dodge Charger’s oil filter is generally located on the underside of the engine toward the front, but the exact site and filter type (cartridge vs. spin-on) depend on the year and engine. Always verify with the owner’s manual or a reliable repair guide for your specific model, and follow manufacturer guidance during maintenance to ensure a proper, leak-free fit.