I just did my first oil change today. It was rather simple once I figured out exactly what size tools I needed. First step I researched oil. 5W-40, full synthetic for the turbo is a must! Do not go with the 5-40 diesel, there is a difference. I had a guy try to sell me some. I heard that Mopar, Mobil one, or Castrol oils were the best. I went Castrol for cost. When price shopping, I noticed a lot of shops couldn't get the correct oil filter in. The best price I found was $8 for the filter, and about $27 for the 5 quarts of oil (on sale). There is controversy on how much oil. Apparently the manual said 6 at one point, then was changed to 4. I found that 4 was okay, I put in the 5th quart so the dip stick said 'full'.
Tools needed:
7mm socket
13 mm wrench
1 1/16th socket with extension
4 or 5 quarts oil
oil filter, o-ring
--First thing I did was jacked my car up and placed a stand under it. I'm small so I only did one side. There are nice covers underneath labeling the oil filter and oil pan. the 7mm socket will unscrew the screw holding it up. There are tabs on one side of each, however I did find after a bit of work, they came right off.
--Next I used the 13mm wrench to unscrew the oil pan drain plug.
--Once drained. (More oil came out after taking off filter) From the top part of the car, under the hood. I found the oil filter. If you look at the engine block, go towards the front of the car, then left (to passenger side), down a little bit you will find a black dome object, with a 5 sided polygon on top. This is the location of the oil filter. I used a 1 and 1/16th socket with the extended handle to loosen it up. It doesn't take much. There is an arrow on the filter telling you which way to turn to loosen it. The filter simply sits in there, flat side into the dome, "castle" side into the metal part attached to the car. The o-ring took me a minute to find! It is actually located on the part that you just took off, above the threads. Grease the new one and replace the old one. Place new filter in, lightly tighten.
--I then replaced the bolt on the oil pan, replaced the covers underneath.
--I put in 4 quarts oil, checked the dip stick. Ran the car, checked dip stick, added part of the 5th quart... repeat until happy with the oil level. Clean, DONE!
If a 100 lb cheerleader can do it by herself, you can do it!!
This guy has awesome pictures....
http://www.dodge-dart.org/forum/dodge-dart-maintenance/7573-guide-change-1-4l-engine-oil-photos.html