How to Change the Oil in a 2000 Dodge Intrepid

You should change the engine oil in your 2000 Dodge Intrepid every three months or 3,000 miles. Regular oil changes keep your engine properly lubricated and prevent the build-up of debris in the filter. Dodge recommends SAE 5W-30 oil in the 3.3-liter engine and SAE 10W-30 oil in the 3.5-liter engine. Selecting the proper oil for your engine will ensure that the components of your engine are protected.

Things You'll Need

• Jack
• Jack stands
• Oil drain pan
• Wrench set
• Oil filter
• 5 quarts 5W-30 or 10W-30 oil

Instructions

1. Raise your 2000 Dodge Intrepid using a jack. Secure the car on a set of jack stands.

2. Position an oil drain pan beneath the oil pan at the base of the engine compartment. Use a wrench to remove the oil drain plug from the oil pan and allow the oil to drain into the drain pan until the oil pan has drained completely.

3. Replace the oil drain plug and tighten it with a wrench. Do not over-tighten the drain plug or you could crush the gasket and cause the oil pan to leak.

4. Remove the oil filter with an oil filter wrench. The oil filter is at the base of the engine compartment, about halfway between the front of the engine compartment and the firewall. Turn the filter counterclockwise with the oil filter wrench to remove it.

5. Place the oil filter upside-down in the drain pan and allow it to drain completely. Coat the gasket on top of the new oil filter with a thin layer of new, clean oil, then install the new filter, screwing it in just until it is hand-tight. Do not over-tighten the filter.

6. Raise the car with the jack and remove the jack stands. Return your Intrepid to the ground and raise the hood. Locate the oil fill cap stamped with the image of an oil can. Remove the oil fill cap and insert a funnel if needed.

7. Add five quarts of oil to the Intrepid’s engine by pouring it into the oil fill area. Allow the oil to settle for five minutes, then check the oil level on the dipstick. Add more oil if the oil level is below the “MIN” or “ADD” marks.

8. Replace the oil fill cap. Start the engine and allow it to run, monitoring the oil pressure gauge. If the gauge is low or not reading, turn the engine off right away and check the oil level. Allow the engine to reach operating temperature, shut the engine off and wait five to 10 minutes. Check the oil level on the dipstick and add more oil if the reading is below the “MIN” or “ADD” marks.

9. Close the hood once you verify that the oil is at the “FULL” level.

References

• "2000 Dodge Intrepid Owner's Manual"; Chrysler Group, LLC; 2000