How to Change Oil on Your 5.7 HEMI Engine

Getting Started with Your Oil Change

Changing your own oil is one of the most straightforward maintenance tasks you can do on your 5.7 HEMI engine. This guide walks you through the process step by step so you understand what's involved and what to expect. Regular oil changes keep your engine running smoothly and help extend its life. By doing this work yourself, you save money and learn more about how your vehicle operates.

Before you begin, gather all your supplies. Having everything ready means you won't need to stop halfway through and search for something. Here's what you'll need:

• New oil (check your owner's manual for the correct type and amount—typically 5.7 HEMI engines use 6 quarts)
• New oil filter
• Oil drain pan
• Wrench set or socket set
• Oil filter wrench
• Jack and jack stands (if you need extra room to work underneath)
• Rags or paper towels
• Safety glasses
• Work gloves

Set up your workspace in a well-ventilated area. Make sure you have good lighting so you can see what you're doing. If you're working in a garage, open the door or windows. Lay down cardboard or a mat to protect your floor from any spills.

Warming Up Your Engine

Start your engine and let it run for a few minutes. Warm oil flows better than cold oil and drains more completely from the engine. This step takes about 5 to 10 minutes. You'll notice the engine reaching normal operating temperature. Then turn off the engine and wait a couple of minutes before you start draining—the oil will still be warm but safe enough to handle without burning yourself.

Never work on a hot engine immediately after it shuts off. Give it time to cool slightly so the oil isn't scalding. This waiting period is important for your safety. While you wait, double-check that you have all your tools and supplies within arm's reach. This prevents you from leaving your workspace while the engine is exposed.

Locating and Preparing the Drain Area

Locate the oil drain plug underneath your engine. On a 5.7 HEMI, this is typically on the bottom of the oil pan. If you're having trouble finding it, consult your owner's manual or look at online resources specific to your model year. Position your drain pan directly below the drain plug before you start loosening anything. This catches the old oil and prevents it from spilling on your driveway or garage floor.

If your vehicle sits low to the ground, you may need to use a jack and jack stands to lift it safely. Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack—always use jack stands as a safety backup. Make sure the vehicle is parked on level ground and the parking brake is engaged before you lift it.

Draining the Old Oil

Using your wrench, turn the drain plug counterclockwise to loosen it. Once it's loose enough to grip, you can unscrew it by hand. Be careful—the oil may still be warm, even after waiting. Let all the old oil drain into the pan. This can take several minutes, sometimes up to 10 or 15 minutes depending on how warm the oil is. Don't rush this step; you want as much old oil out as possible.

While you wait for the oil to drain, you can move on to removing the old oil filter. Keep an eye on the drain pan to make sure it's catching everything. If oil starts to slow down to just a few drips, you're close to finished. Once the flow stops almost completely, you're ready to move forward with the next steps.

Replacing the Oil Filter

Find your oil filter. It's a cylindrical component on the side of the engine. On a 5.7 HEMI, the location is typically easy to access. Use your oil filter wrench to turn it counterclockwise until it comes free. Have your drain pan ready—there will be some oil inside the filter that will spill out when you remove it. Expect a small amount of oil to drip as you unscrew the old filter.

Before installing the new filter, wipe the filter mounting surface clean with a rag. Remove any dirt, debris, or old oil residue from the surface where the new filter will sit. Take the new filter and apply a thin layer of new oil around the rubber gasket on top. This helps create a good seal and makes it easier to remove the filter next time. Screw the new filter on by hand until the gasket touches the mounting surface, then turn it an additional three-quarter turn. Don't use the filter wrench to tighten it—hand-tight is correct. Over-tightening can damage the filter and make it hard to remove later.

Reinstalling the Drain Plug

Once the oil has finished draining, wipe the drain plug clean with a rag. Look at the plug to see if it has a rubber or metal washer. If the washer looks damaged or flattened, replace it with a new one. Reinstall the drain plug by screwing it in by hand first. This prevents you from cross-threading it. Once it's hand-tight, use your wrench to tighten it snugly. Don't over-tighten—you're not trying to crush it. A snug fit is all you need to prevent leaks.

Check underneath the engine one more time to make sure the drain plug is secure and not leaking. If you see any drips, tighten it a bit more. Make sure your drain pan is still positioned underneath to catch any remaining drips while you work on the next steps.

Adding New Oil

Open your engine's oil filler cap on top of the engine. It usually has an oil can symbol on it. Set the cap aside in a clean spot where you won't lose it. Pour in the amount of new oil recommended in your owner's manual. For most 5.7 HEMI engines, this is around 6 quarts, but always check your specific manual. Start with slightly less than the full amount to avoid overfilling.

Wait a minute or two after adding oil to let it settle in the pan and flow down into the engine. Then check your oil level using your dipstick or electronic oil level indicator, depending on what your vehicle has. If you're using a dipstick, pull it out, wipe it clean, reinsert it fully, then pull it out again to read the level. Add more oil if needed until you reach the proper level. Don't overfill—too much oil can cause problems with your engine's performance.

Starting Your Engine and Checking for Leaks

Replace the oil filler cap and make sure it's secure. Start your engine and let it run for about one minute. Watch your dashboard to see if any warning lights appear. The oil pressure light should come on briefly when you start the engine, then turn off once the new oil circulates. If the light stays on, turn off the engine and check your oil level.

While the engine is running, check underneath for any leaks around the drain plug and filter. Look carefully at both areas. If you see oil dripping, turn off the engine and tighten the drain plug or filter a bit more. Let the engine cool for a few minutes, then check underneath again to make sure the leak has stopped.

Final Checks and Oil Disposal

Turn off the engine and wait a few minutes for the oil to settle. Check the oil level one more time to make sure it's at the correct mark. This is your final verification that everything is done correctly. If the level is low, add a bit more oil and recheck. If it's too high, you may need to drain a small amount.

Now you need to dispose of your old oil properly. Never pour old oil down the drain or into the ground—it's harmful to the environment and illegal in most places. Many auto parts stores will take used oil for free, even if you didn't buy oil from them. Some recycling centers also accept used oil. Call ahead to confirm they accept it and ask about their hours. Put your old oil in a clean container with a tight lid for transport.

Key Takeaways

• Gather all supplies before starting to avoid interruptions during the process
• Warm your engine for a few minutes so oil drains completely
• Always use jack stands if you lift your vehicle—never work under a car supported only by a jack
• Let old oil drain fully, which can take 10 to 15 minutes
• Apply a thin layer of new oil to the filter gasket before installing the new filter
• Hand-tighten the drain plug and filter—don't use tools to over-tighten
• Check your oil level after adding new oil and let it settle for a minute or two
• Run the engine briefly and check for leaks before considering the job complete
• Dispose of old oil at an auto parts store or recycling center, never down a drain

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I change the oil in my 5.7 HEMI engine?

Most modern 5.7 HEMI engines should have their oil changed every 10,000 miles or according to your vehicle's maintenance schedule. Some newer models may go longer between changes. Always check your owner's manual for the specific interval recommended for your model year. Factors like driving conditions and whether you use synthetic or conventional oil can affect how often you need to change it.

What type of oil should I use in my 5.7 HEMI?

Your owner's manual will specify the correct oil type and viscosity for your engine. Most 5.7 HEMI engines use either 5W-30 or 10W-30 oil, but this varies by year and model. Using the wrong oil can affect engine performance and longevity. Synthetic oil lasts longer than conventional oil but costs more. Many owners choose synthetic for the extended intervals between changes. When in doubt, follow what your manual recommends.

Can I change my oil if my 5.7 HEMI is parked on a slope?

It's best to park on level ground before changing your oil. A slope can affect the accuracy of your oil level reading and makes it harder to position your drain pan correctly. If you must work on a slope, be extra careful when checking your oil level and make sure your drain pan is positioned to catch all the old oil. Level ground gives you the most accurate results and is safer to work on.

What should I do if I spill oil while changing it?

Clean up the spill immediately with rags or paper towels. For larger spills, you can use cat litter or an absorbent material designed for oil spills to soak it up. Once absorbed, dispose of the material according to local regulations. Never leave oil spilled on your driveway or garage floor—it can stain permanently and is harmful to the environment. If oil gets on your skin, wash it off with soap and water.

How do I know if my oil filter is installed correctly?

After hand-tightening the filter and turning it three-quarter turn more, start your engine and check for leaks around the filter. The filter should not drip. If it does leak, turn off the engine, let it cool, and tighten the filter a bit more. Make sure the rubber gasket on the new filter was properly oiled before installation—this is the most common cause of filter leaks. If leaking continues, the filter may not be seated correctly and you may need to remove and reinstall it.