How to Change the Oil Pan on a Jeep Cherokee

The Jeep Cherokee holds oil cycling through the engine in the oil pan. When the oil pan has a leak, the engine can't hold oil. Generally, pans sustain damage while the car is traveling over rough terrain and sharp objects strike it. If the oil pan is cracked or leaking, you should replace it. Failing to do this can result in major engine damage, because the gears aren't lubricated and begin to grind together. Changing the oil pan only takes about 30 minutes and saves a lot of money on repairs.

• 1

  Raise the front of the car up on a pair of jack stands. Slide under the vehicle and locate the oil pan. This is a large, black, metal pan surrounded by six bolts. Place a collection pan beneath it to gather the fluid as it falls.

• 2

  Remove all but one bolt from around the transmission drain pan with the 1/2-inch socket wrench. Wait 10 to 15 minutes while the fluid falls into the collection pan. Remove the final bolt and pour out the remaining fluid.

• 3

  Attach the new drain pan to the engine by lining up the holes on the pan with the bolt holes. Replace the bolts. Lower the car from the front jack stands.

• 4

  Pop the hood and locate the transmission dipstick above the drain pan. Remove the dipstick and put a funnel into the tube. Pour in 3 qts. of transmission fluid. Replace the dipstick and close the hood.