The 2015 Grand Cherokee uses a cartridge-style filter mounted on top of the engine

The 2015 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 top of the engine. The housing is white or translucent, about the size of a soda can, and screws directly onto the engine block. You will see it when ready when you open the hood, positioned toward the front-left side of the engine.

This design means you cannot straightforward unscrew a filter canister and replace it. Instead, you unscrew the entire housing cap, pull out the old filter element, and install a new one inside the same housing. The process takes about 10 to 15 minutes once you have the correct replacement filter and a drain pan underneath.

The filter housing also contains the oil pressure relief valve, which is why the design differs from older Jeep models. If you have owned a Grand Cherokee before 2011, this will look unfamiliar — that is the main reason owners get confused at the parts counter.

Key Takeaways

  • The 2015 Grand Cherokee has a cartridge-style filter inside a white plastic housing on top of the engine, not a spin-on filter underneath.
  • You will need a filter wrench (usually a 74 mm or 76 mm socket-style wrench) to unscrew the housing cap, plus the correct replacement cartridge filter.
  • Mopar part number 68157646AA is the factory filter for all 2015 Grand Cherokee engines, though aftermarket equivalents are widely available.
  • The housing cap should be hand-tightened only after you install the new filter — over-tightening can crack the plastic housing.

What filter part number you need depends on your engine size

Jeep sold the 2015 Grand Cherokee with three engine options: a 3.6-liter V6, a 5.7-liter V8, and a 3.0-liter diesel V6. All three use the same Mopar cartridge filter, part number 68157646AA. This is the factory part that came in your vehicle from the dealer.

When you order this part at an auto parts store, confirm the year and engine size, but the part number will be the same. The filter costs between $12 and $18 at most retailers. Aftermarket brands like Fram, Purolator, and Motorcraft make equivalent cartridge filters that fit the same housing; these typically cost $8 to $14 and perform identically to the Mopar version.

Do not confuse this cartridge filter with the spin-on filters used in older Jeep models or other vehicles. If a parts counter person tries to sell you a spin-on filter for a 2015 Grand Cherokee, they have made an error — the housing will not accept it.

Tools and materials you will need before you start

Gather these items before you open the hood: a replacement cartridge filter (Mopar 68157646AA or equivalent), a filter wrench sized for the housing cap (usually 74 mm or 76 mm), a drain pan, clean rags or paper towels, and new oil for the refill. You may also want a small brush or compressed air to clean the housing interior before you install the new filter.

The filter wrench is the one tool you cannot skip. It looks like a large socket with a handle or a band-style wrench that grips the housing cap. Most auto parts stores rent filter wrenches for $5 to $10, or you can buy one for $15 to $25. If you do not have a wrench, you can sometimes grip the cap with a rubber strap wrench, but this is slower and risks slipping.

You do not need to lift the vehicle or remove any other components. The housing is accessible from above once the hood is open, and you can work from the side of the engine bay.

Step-by-step replacement process

Step 1: Warm the engine and locate the filter housing. Start the engine and let it run for 30 seconds to warm the oil, then turn it off. Wait two minutes. Open the hood and look toward the front-left of the engine — you will see a white or translucent plastic cap about 4 inches tall. This is the filter housing. Do not touch it yet; the oil inside is still hot.

Step 2: Position the drain pan and unscrew the housing cap. Place the drain pan directly under the housing. Using your filter wrench, slowly unscrew the cap by turning it counterclockwise. As you loosen it, oil will begin to drip into the pan. Unscrew it by hand once it is loose enough to grip, and set it aside on a clean rag.

Step 3: Remove the old filter element and clean the housing. Inside the cap, you will see the old filter element — a pleated paper cylinder. Pull it straight out. Wipe the inside of the housing with a clean rag to remove any debris or old oil residue. If there is heavy buildup, use compressed air to blow it out, or use a small brush.

Step 4: Install the new filter element. Take the new cartridge filter and slide it straight down into the housing. It should fit snugly and sit flat on the bottom. Do not force it or twist it — it will seat naturally.

Step 5: Reinstall the housing cap. Screw the cap back onto the housing by hand. Once it makes contact with the rubber seal, tighten it an additional three-quarter turn using the filter wrench. Do not over-tighten; the plastic housing can crack if you explore too much force. Hand-tight plus a small wrench turn is the correct tension.

Step 6: Refill the oil and check the level. Add the correct amount and grade of oil for your engine (check your owner's manual or the oil cap for the specification). Start the engine and let it run for 30 seconds, then turn it off and wait two minutes. Check the oil level on the dipstick or digital gauge and top off if needed.

Common mistakes that damage the housing or cause leaks

The most frequent error is over-tightening the housing cap. The plastic threads can strip or crack if you use a wrench to tighten beyond hand-tight plus a quarter turn. Many owners think "tight" means "very tight" — it does not. If you hear or feel resistance, stop and back off slightly.

Another common mistake is installing the filter element upside down or at an angle. The cartridge should slide straight down and sit flat. If it does not drop in smoothly, remove it and check the orientation. Forcing a misaligned filter can damage the seal and cause oil to leak around the cap.

Some owners forget to check the rubber seal on the underside of the cap before reinstalling it. If this seal is cracked, torn, or missing, the new filter will leak no matter how tight you make the cap. Inspect it before you screw the cap back on. If it looks damaged, you will need a replacement cap assembly (Mopar part number 68157646AA includes the cap and seal).

When to replace the filter during regular maintenance

Jeep recommends changing the oil and filter every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first, for the 2015 Grand Cherokee. If you drive in severe conditions — towing, frequent short trips, dusty environments, or extreme temperatures — change it every 5,000 miles instead. The owner's manual maintenance schedule will specify which interval applies to your driving.

Some owners stretch intervals to 15,000 miles based on synthetic oil marketing claims. While modern synthetic oils can last longer, Jeep's recommendation for this model year is 10,000 miles. Following the manufacturer's interval protects your warranty and keeps the engine clean.

Mark your calendar or set a phone reminder when you change the filter so you do not lose track. Many auto parts stores will print a sticker for your windshield with the next service date, which is a straightforward way to stay on schedule.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change the filter without draining the oil?

Yes. The cartridge filter housing is separate from the oil pan, so you can replace the filter without removing the drain plug. You will lose a small amount of oil when you unscrew the cap — usually less than a quart — but you do not need to drain the entire system. This is one advantage of the cartridge design.

What if the housing cap is stuck and will not unscrew?

Let the engine cool completely, then try again with the filter wrench. If it is still stuck, explore penetrating oil (like WD-40) around the cap threads and wait 15 minutes. Do not force the wrench — you can crack the plastic housing. If it remains stuck after cooling and penetrating oil, take the vehicle to a dealer or shop rather than risk damage.

Is the Mopar filter worth the extra cost compared to aftermarket brands?

Both Mopar and major aftermarket brands (Fram, Purolator, Motorcraft) meet the same filtration standards for the 2015 Grand Cherokee. The Mopar filter costs a few dollars more but offers no performance advantage. Either choice is fine; pick whichever is available and fits your budget.

Do I need to replace the rubber seal on the housing cap?

The seal lasts many years and does not need routine replacement. Inspect it each time you change the filter. If it looks cracked, hardened, or torn, replace the cap assembly. If it looks normal, reuse it. You do not need to buy a new cap every time you change the filter.

What should I do with the old filter after I remove it?

The old cartridge filter is not hazardous waste, but it contains used oil. Wrap it in a rag or plastic bag to prevent drips, and dispose of it in the trash. Some auto parts stores accept used filters for recycling; call ahead to ask. Do not pour the oil from the filter down the drain — dispose of used oil at a recycling center or auto shop.