The 2014 Grand Cherokee uses a cartridge-style filter mounted on top of the engine

The 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee does not have a traditional spin-on oil filter. Instead, it uses a cartridge filter — a cylindrical element that sits inside a plastic housing on the driver's side of the engine, near the top. The housing is white or translucent plastic, roughly the size of a soda can, and you remove the entire top cap to access the filter element inside.

This design is different from older Jeep models and from many other vehicles on the road. If you are used to spin-on filters that thread onto the engine block, the cartridge system will look unfamiliar at first. The filter element itself is a pleated paper cylinder, and the whole assembly — element, housing, and cap — costs less to replace than a traditional spin-on setup, but the steps are slightly different.

Key Takeaways

  • The 2014 Grand Cherokee filter is a cartridge type housed in a white plastic cap on top of the engine, not a threaded spin-on filter underneath.
  • You will need an oil filter wrench or socket to remove the plastic cap; a 74 mm or 86 mm socket works depending on engine size, or a band wrench if you do not have the exact size.
  • The filter element, rubber gasket, and plastic cap all come out together; replace the gasket and element, then reinstall the cap hand-tight plus one-quarter turn.
  • Jeep recommends Mopar filter part number 68157646AA for most 2014 Grand Cherokee models, though aftermarket filters from Fram, Motorcraft, and others fit the same housing.
  • The entire job takes 10 to 15 minutes once you have the right wrench and know where the housing sits on your specific engine.

Locating the filter housing on your engine

Open your hood and look toward the driver's side of the engine, roughly in the middle height between the top and the block. You will see a white or off-white plastic cap with a hex nut on top. That cap is the filter housing. On the 3.6-liter V6 engine (the most common in 2014 Grand Cherokees), the housing sits near the intake manifold. On the 5.7-liter V8, it is positioned slightly higher and more toward the rear of the engine bay.

If you cannot spot it when ready, trace the oil filler cap (the large cap you remove to pour in fresh oil) and look downward and slightly forward. The filter housing will be within a foot of that location. The plastic cap has a hex-shaped top, which is where you will grip it with a wrench.

Tools and filter parts you will need

You need an oil filter wrench to remove the plastic cap. The most common sizes for the 2014 Grand Cherokee are 74 mm and 86 mm. A 74 mm socket or wrench fits the 3.6-liter engine; an 86 mm fits the 5.7-liter. If you do not have the exact size, a band-style oil filter wrench (the kind with a rubber strap) will grip the cap and turn it, though it is less precise.

You will also need a new filter element, a new rubber gasket (usually included with the filter), a drain pan to catch old oil, and fresh oil to top up after the change. Jeep part number 68157646AA is the OEM filter for most 2014 models. Aftermarket equivalents include Fram PH8A, Motorcraft FL-400S, and Bosch 3323. Any of these will fit the same housing.

Step-by-step removal and replacement

First, warm the engine by running it for a minute or two, then turn it off and wait five minutes. Warm oil drains faster and more completely. Place your drain pan under the filter housing — there will be some oil in the cap and housing that will spill when you open it.

Using your 74 mm or 86 mm wrench, grip the hex nut on top of the plastic cap and turn it counterclockwise. The cap will unscrew from the housing. As it comes free, the old filter element and rubber gasket will come out with it. Pour any oil from inside the cap into your drain pan. Wipe the inside of the plastic housing with a clean rag to remove any debris or old gasket material.

Take your new filter element and new gasket. The gasket is a rubber ring, usually pre-installed on the new filter or packaged separately. If it is separate, slide it onto the threaded post inside the plastic cap. Then insert the new filter element into the cap, making sure it seats fully. The element should not rattle or move when you hold the cap upside down.

Screw the cap back onto the housing by hand until the gasket contacts the housing surface. Then use your wrench to tighten it one-quarter turn more — no more than that. Over-tightening can crack the plastic housing or damage the gasket. Hand-tight plus one-quarter turn is the correct torque for this assembly.

Oil level check and disposal of old filter parts

Start the engine and let it run for 30 seconds. The oil pressure light should come on briefly, then go out as oil circulates through the new filter. If the light stays on for more than a few seconds, turn off the engine and check that the cap is tight. Once the light goes out, turn off the engine and wait two minutes for oil to settle.

Check the oil level using the dipstick or electronic gauge (depending on your model year). Add oil as needed to bring it to the full mark. Most 2014 Grand Cherokees hold between 5.5 and 6 quarts total, depending on engine size. The filter change itself does not remove much oil, so you may only need to add a quart or less.

Dispose of the old filter element and gasket at a recycling center or auto parts store. Many stores that sell filters will take old ones for free. Do not throw them in the trash. Old oil should also be recycled; most auto parts stores and service stations accept it.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

The most frequent error is over-tightening the plastic cap. The housing is not metal; it is engineered plastic. Cranking the cap down hard can strip the threads or crack the housing, leading to an oil leak. Remember: hand-tight, then one-quarter turn with the wrench. If you feel strong resistance before that, stop.

Another mistake is forgetting to replace the rubber gasket. The gasket is what seals the cap to the housing. If you reuse the old gasket, it will harden and shrink over time, and your new filter will leak. Always replace it. Most new filters come with a gasket included, but check the box before you start.

A third issue is installing the filter element upside down or not seating it fully in the cap. The element should slide straight down into the cap and rest against the bottom. If it is crooked or loose, it will not filter properly and may rattle during engine operation. Push it in firmly and verify it does not move when you hold the cap upright.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a spin-on filter instead of the cartridge filter?

No. The 2014 Grand Cherokee is designed for a cartridge filter only. The housing and cap are not threaded for a spin-on filter. Attempting to force a spin-on filter onto the engine will not work and may damage the housing.

How often should I change the filter?

Jeep recommends changing the oil and filter every 10,000 miles under normal driving, or every 8,000 miles if you tow or drive in severe conditions. Check your owner's manual for the exact interval for your driving habits.

What if the plastic cap is stuck and won't turn?

explore penetrating oil (like WD-40) around the base of the cap and let it soak for 15 minutes. Then try again with your wrench. If it is still stuck, wrap a rag around the cap for better grip and explore steady, even pressure. Do not jerk or force it, as the plastic can crack.

Is there a drain plug I need to open first?

Yes. The 2014 Grand Cherokee has a separate oil drain plug on the bottom of the oil pan. You should drain the old oil from there before or after changing the filter. The filter change alone will not drain all the old oil from the engine.

Can I reuse the plastic cap if the filter element is damaged?

Yes, the plastic cap and housing are reusable. Only the filter element and gasket need to be replaced each time. If the cap cracks or the threads strip, you will need to replace the entire housing assembly, which is more expensive.