Where the oil filter sits and what you'll need
On a 2019 Dodge Durango V6, the oil filter is mounted vertically on the driver's side of the engine, below the intake manifold and above the subframe. You'll see it from underneath the vehicle more easily than from the top. The filter is a spin-on type, meaning it screws onto a threaded port rather than sliding into a canister.
To remove it, you need an oil filter wrench (a socket-style wrench works best for this engine), a drain pan to catch residual oil, and a rag or shop towel. The filter wrench grips the cylindrical body of the filter so you can turn it counterclockwise without your hand slipping. A socket wrench sized to fit the filter's diameter — typically 74mm or 3 inches — is easier to control than a band-style wrench in this location.
You do not need to lift the vehicle to reach this filter, though some people find it easier to work from underneath. If you do lift it, use jack stands rated for your vehicle's weight and never rely on a jack alone.
Key Takeaways
- The 2019 Durango V6 oil filter is located on the driver's side of the engine, below the intake manifold, and is accessed most easily from underneath the vehicle.
- A socket-style oil filter wrench (74mm or 3-inch) gives you better leverage and control than a band wrench in this tight space.
- The filter spins off counterclockwise by hand once you've broken the seal with the wrench; you do not need to turn it the entire way with the tool.
- Before installing a new filter, coat the rubber gasket with a thin layer of fresh oil so the seal forms properly and the filter does not stick to the engine next time.
Step-by-step removal process
Start with the engine cold or warm but not hot — warm is actually better because the oil flows more easily, but you want to avoid burns. Position your drain pan underneath the filter location. If you are working from above, place the pan on the subframe or ground below; if you are underneath, position it directly under the filter.
Fit the socket wrench onto the filter and turn it counterclockwise about three-quarters of a turn. You will feel resistance as the rubber gasket breaks its seal against the engine port. Once the gasket releases, you can usually unscrew the filter by hand. Turn it slowly — there is still oil inside, and it will drip as you remove it. Tilt the filter as it comes free so the opening faces downward into the drain pan.
Let the old filter drain into the pan for a minute or two. Some oil will remain in the filter itself; you can dispose of it in a used oil container or let it drip into the pan before throwing the filter in the recycling bin. Wipe the threaded port on the engine with a clean rag to remove any debris or old gasket material.
Installing the new filter correctly
Before you screw on the new filter, dip your finger in fresh oil from your new oil container and coat the rubber gasket around the top of the filter. This thin layer ensures the gasket seats evenly against the engine port and prevents the filter from seizing next time you need to remove it.
Thread the new filter onto the port by hand. Turn it clockwise until the gasket makes contact with the engine — you will feel a slight resistance. From that point, turn the filter an additional three-quarters of a turn. Do not use the wrench to tighten it; hand-tight is correct. Over-tightening crushes the gasket and makes removal difficult.
Start the engine and let it run for 30 seconds to a minute. Check underneath for leaks around the filter base. If you see oil dripping, turn off the engine, wait a minute, and tighten the filter another quarter turn by hand. Recheck after another short run. Once the engine is off and cool, check your oil level with the dipstick and top it off if needed.
Common mistakes that cause leaks or stuck filters
The most frequent error is over-tightening the new filter. The gasket is designed to seal at hand-tight plus three-quarters of a turn; beyond that, you are crushing the rubber and creating a poor seal. A leaking filter almost always means it was turned too tight, not too loose.
The second mistake is forgetting to oil the gasket before installation. A dry gasket can stick to the engine port, making the next removal extremely difficult and sometimes requiring the filter to be cut off. A light coat of fresh oil takes 10 seconds and prevents this problem entirely.
A third issue is leaving debris on the threaded port. If you do not wipe the old gasket material away, the new filter will not seat evenly, and oil can seep past the gasket. Always clean the port with a rag before installing the new filter.
Tools and supplies checklist
| Item | Why you need it | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Socket-style oil filter wrench (74mm or 3-inch) | Breaks the seal and turns the filter without slipping | Band wrenches work but are harder to control in this location |
| Drain pan | Catches old oil as the filter drains | A 5-quart pan is sufficient; position it directly under the filter |
| Clean rags or shop towels | Wipes the threaded port and catches drips | Have several on hand; oil-soaked rags are hard to reuse |
| New oil filter (OEM or equivalent) | Replaces the old filter | Mopar 68157291AA is the OEM part for 2019 Durango V6 |
| Fresh engine oil | Tops off the oil level after the filter change | Use the grade specified in your owner's manual (usually 5W-30) |
Why the 2019 Durango V6 filter location matters
The filter's position below the intake manifold is typical for this engine generation, but it creates a tight working space. You cannot easily access it from the side or top without removing other components. This is why most owners either work from underneath or lift the vehicle on jack stands.
The trade-off is that this location keeps the filter away from engine heat and vibration, which extends filter life. It also means the filter is less likely to be struck by road debris. Understanding where it sits helps you plan your work and choose the right tools before you start.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to lift the truck to change the oil filter?
No. You can reach the filter from underneath without lifting, though you will be lying on your back or crawling under the vehicle. Many owners find it easier to lift the Durango on jack stands to get a more comfortable working position, but it is not required.
What size wrench do I need for the 2019 Durango V6 filter?
A 74mm or 3-inch socket-style filter wrench fits this filter. Some people use a 75mm wrench, which also works. Avoid band-style wrenches if possible — they slip more easily in the tight space below the intake manifold.
Can I reuse the old oil filter?
No. Oil filters are designed for single use. Once removed, the internal bypass valve and filter media cannot be reliably cleaned or restored. Always install a new filter with every oil change.
What happens if I over-tighten the new filter?
Over-tightening crushes the rubber gasket, which can cause oil to leak around the base of the filter. It also makes the filter extremely difficult to remove next time — sometimes so difficult that it must be cut off. Hand-tight plus three-quarters of a turn is the correct torque.
How often should I change the oil filter on a 2019 Durango V6?
Dodge recommends changing the oil filter every time you change the engine oil. For a 2019 Durango V6 with standard oil, that is typically every 6,000 miles or six months, whichever comes first. Synthetic oil extends the interval to 10,000 miles or one year. Check your owner's manual for the exact interval for your vehicle.