If you use the dealer make sure they put the filter on tight. There were several posts where the filter was loose and it took out the motor.

Pete

 

It will cost you at least $40 to do it yourself, more if you don't have a wrench or drain pan. The factory in Saltillo apparantly has a gorilla for a mascot and they use him to put on the oil filters, so you may need a wrench like the Craftsman 028 20523 to get the original filter off. You can get a drain pan that seals up and carry the used oil back to the auto parts store and dump it there. If you do it yourself at least you know it is done right, filter prefilled, no threads stripped, etc. The oil filter is a little difficult, you have to hold it at just the right angle to get it started.

 

Saltillo doesnt put the filters on...Cummins does in Columbus, Indiana.

 

Oil change is a breeze - except the first one. I wrenched, pushed, pulled and tugged on that factory filter every which way possible. I fianally got POd enuff and ended up sitting up inside between the passenger front tire and the engine (Im 6'1" 235 lbs - don't ask how) and huffed and puffed and got it broke loose (along with all 4 knuckles on my right hand). But don't let me discourage you it really isn't hard at all. I would recommend a cap style wrench though with a 3/8 ratchet and extension because all I had to work with was a band-style wrench and they don't leave much room for one of those. $55 ain't bad though especially for the first gorilla tightened filter change. I run Rotella T 15W40 and It runs about 30 bucks for 3 gals. Add in almost 10 for the filter and 55 sounds pretty good.

 

Ask your dealer about the Dodge “Diesel Essentials Maintenance Program”.

I got 28 service coupons (good for 5 years). The service includes oil change, (Mobil Delvac), Lube, Mopar/Fleetguard oil filter and a car wash. The cost was $485, which works out to $17.32 a pop.

I can’t do it myself for that price, and they also enter the service into the DC computer so there will be no issues about required warranty service.

 

Had the dealer do it today. He charged me $50. If that is the price everytime I will always take it to them. Really nice service I guess I should check the oil level huh? Just to make sure they did it right. Packard8 I will try to remember to ask them next time. Thanks for the heads up. I kinda felt bad about not doing it myself because I take pride in doing a lot of work myself but after reading these posts tonight I think it was the right call.