This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the engine oil cooler assembly on the 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine, including coolant system drainage and refill.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Engine oil cooler assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Oil cooler O-rings or gasket kit × 1 — Usually included with cooler
• Engine oil filter × 1 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• Mopar OAT Coolant (Purple) — 13 qt
• Mopar 5W-20 Synthetic Blend — 6.5 qt

Preparation

1. Ensure engine is completely cold to the touch
2. Disconnect negative battery cable and secure away from terminal
3. Raise vehicle on level ground using jack stands rated for vehicle weight, or use vehicle lift
4. Remove engine belly pan or skid plate if equipped
5. Place large drain pan under radiator drain petcock location
6. Have all replacement parts, fluids, and tools readily accessible

Procedure

1. 1

   Drain engine coolant
   Open the radiator drain petcock located at the bottom driver side of the radiator. Allow coolant to drain completely into collection pan. Once drained, close petcock hand-tight. If oil is visible in coolant, internal oil cooler failure is confirmed.
   Torque spec

   Drain Petcock8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Drain engine oil
   Remove engine oil drain plug and allow oil to drain completely into appropriate drain pan. Inspect drained oil for coolant contamination (milky appearance or coolant odor). Remove oil filter and allow to drain. Do not reinstall drain plug yet.
   ℹ️If oil shows coolant contamination, plan for additional oil changes after repair to flush remaining contaminated oil from system.
3. 3

   Access oil cooler assembly
   From beneath the vehicle, locate the oil cooler assembly mounted on the upper engine block below the intake manifold. The cooler is cylindrical with coolant hoses and the oil filter adapter attached. Remove the oil filter adapter/housing if it obstructs access to cooler mounting bolts.
4. 4

   Disconnect coolant hoses
   Using hose clamp pliers, reposition the hose clamps on both coolant inlet and outlet hoses connected to the oil cooler. Twist hoses gently to break seal, then pull off cooler nipples. Residual coolant will drain—keep drain pan positioned underneath. Inspect hoses for cracks or deterioration.
5. 5

   Remove oil cooler mounting bolts
   Locate the oil cooler mounting bolts securing the cooler to the engine block. There are typically 2-3 bolts depending on model year configuration. Remove bolts and retain for inspection. Note bolt locations and orientations for reinstallation.
6. 6

   Remove oil cooler assembly
   Carefully pull oil cooler assembly away from engine block. Oil and coolant residue will drain from passages. Remove and discard all O-rings and sealing gaskets from both the cooler and engine block mounting surfaces. Clean mounting surfaces thoroughly with shop rags, ensuring no debris or old gasket material remains.
   ⚠Do not scratch or gouge sealing surfaces on engine block. Damage will cause leaks.
7. 7

   Prepare new oil cooler
   Inspect new oil cooler and verify all O-rings and gaskets are included and properly positioned. Lightly coat new O-rings with clean engine oil to aid installation and prevent tearing. Verify coolant passages are clean and free of debris.
8. 8

   Install new oil cooler
   Align new oil cooler assembly to engine block mounting location, ensuring O-rings remain properly seated. Start all mounting bolts by hand to ensure proper thread engagement. Tighten mounting bolts evenly to specified torque in a cross-pattern.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts31 Nm (23 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Reconnect coolant hoses
   Slide coolant hoses fully onto oil cooler inlet and outlet nipples until hoses bottom out. Position hose clamps over hose ends and tighten to specification. Ensure clamps are positioned past the bead on the nipple to prevent hose from sliding off under pressure.
   ⚠Do not overtighten hose clamps as this can cut into hoses and cause leaks.
   Torque spec

   Hose Clamps4 Nm (3 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Reinstall oil filter adapter and drain plug
    If oil filter housing was removed, reinstall with new gasket or O-ring as applicable. Install new oil filter onto adapter. Reinstall engine oil drain plug with new crush washer if applicable, tightening to manufacturer specification (typically 30 Nm, though not listed in provided specs—consult service manual).
11. 11

    Refill engine oil
    Using a funnel, add 6.5 quarts of Mopar 5W-20 Synthetic Blend engine oil through the oil filler cap. Install oil filler cap securely.
12. 12

    Refill cooling system
    Fill cooling system through radiator cap or coolant reservoir with 13 quarts of Mopar OAT Purple coolant (50/50 premix or properly mixed concentrate). Use vacuum fill tool if available to eliminate air pockets. If filling conventionally, fill slowly and allow air to escape. Run engine to operating temperature with heater on high to purge air, then top off coolant level.
    ⚠The 3.6L V6 cooling system is prone to air pockets. Proper bleeding is critical to prevent overheating.
13. 13

    Reinstall underbody panels
    Reinstall engine belly pan or skid plate if equipped. Lower vehicle from jack stands or lift. Reconnect negative battery cable.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all coolant hose clamps are positioned correctly and tightened to specification
2. Verify oil filter is tight and oil drain plug is secure
3. Double-check all mounting bolts are torqued properly
4. Confirm no tools or rags were left in engine compartment

Verification

• Start engine and allow to idle. Immediately check for oil or coolant leaks around oil cooler assembly
• Monitor engine temperature gauge to ensure it reaches normal operating temperature without overheating
• Check coolant level after engine reaches operating temperature and top off as needed
• Allow engine to cool, then recheck oil and coolant levels the following day
• Inspect underneath vehicle for any signs of oil or coolant leakage after first drive
• Monitor oil and coolant for cross-contamination over the next several days—check for milky oil or oily coolant

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