2014 Chrysler Town & Country Oil: Specifications, Capacity, and Maintenance Guide

The 2014 Chrysler Town & Country requires 6.0 US quarts (5.7 liters) of SAE 5W-20 engine oil meeting Chrysler Material Standard MS-6395. The standard 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine uses a top-mounted cartridge-style filter (Mopar part MO-349 / 68191349AC). Oil changes should occur according to the vehicle's indicator light, not exceeding 10,000 miles or one year.

Essential Oil Specifications for the 2014 Chrysler Town & Country

Maintaining proper lubrication in the 2014 Chrysler Town & Country is vital for ensuring long-term reliability and protecting engine components. The 2014 model year is equipped exclusively with the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine, a double-overhead-camshaft (DOHC) design featuring variable valve timing (VVT). Proper engine performance depends on using oil that meets precise viscosity, volume, and chemical specification requirements.

Engine Oil Viscosity and Chrysler Standard MS-6395

Chrysler specifies SAE 5W-20 engine oil for the 2014 Town & Country under normal operating temperatures. This low-viscosity formula ensures fast oil flow to critical valve gear during cold starts while maintaining an adequate protective film at high operating temperatures.

Engine oils used in this vehicle must explicitely state that they comply with Chrysler Material Standard MS-6395. This standard requires rigorous testing beyond basic API (American Petroleum Institute) certifications, focusing on deposit control, wear prevention, oxidation stability, and resistance to sludge formation.

When selecting an engine oil, check the bottle label for the API Certification Starburst symbol as well as explicit approval for MS-6395. Suitable engine oil types include:

• Full Synthetic Oil: Offers superior performance in extreme high and low temperatures, resists thermal breakdown, and provides maximum engine wear protection.
• Synthetic Blend Oil: Combines standard mineral oil with synthetic basestocks to balance cost and wear performance.
• Conventional Motor Oil: Acceptable if it explicitly satisfies MS-6395, though full synthetic is widely recommended by mechanics due to the thermal demands of the Pentastar engine.

In severe sub-zero operating environments where ambient temperatures consistently remain below -20°F (-29°C), SAE 0W-20 oil meeting MS-6395 may be utilized to improve initial cold-cranking performance and immediate lubrication flow upon startup.

Oil Capacity and Filter Requirements

The total oil capacity for a standard oil and filter change on the 2014 Chrysler Town & Country is 6.0 US quarts (5.7 liters). It is critical to note that pouring in 6 quarts without checking the dipstick can lead to minor variance depending on how completely the oil was drained and the vehicle's tilt angle.

Unlike traditional engines that use spin-on metal canister filters, the 3.6L Pentastar V6 utilizes an environmentally friendly top-mounted drop-in cartridge oil filter. The filter housing sits on the top driver side of the engine, making it accessible from the engine bay without crawling under the vehicle.

It is critical to use the proper filter part number for the 2014 model year. Chrysler redesigned the oil filter housing and filter stem for the 2014 model year Pentastar engines. Using a filter designed for 2011–2013 Pentastar engines will lead to improper sealing, severe low oil pressure issues, and potential engine destruction.

Quick Reference Oil Specification Summary

The following table summarizes the essential engineering specs and fluid capacities required when performing routine maintenance on the 2014 Chrysler Town & Country:

Step-by-Step Guide to Changing the Oil

Performing an oil change on a 2014 Chrysler Town & Country is straightforward due to the top-side placement of the oil filter, but attention to detail regarding torque specifications and seal replacement is vital.

Required Tools and Equipment

Before beginning, collect the necessary tools and supplies:

• Engine Oil: 6.0 quarts of SAE 5W-20 meeting Chrysler MS-6395.
• Oil Filter Cartridge: Mopar MO-349 (or direct equivalent, such as Wix 10010 or Fram CH11665) including the target rubber O-ring.
• Socket Wrench & Extensions: 1/2-inch or 3/8-inch drive ratchet.
• Oil Filter Cap Socket: 24mm socket (6-point preferred to avoid stripping the plastic cap).
• Drain Plug Wrench: 13mm socket or box-end wrench.
• Torque Wrench: Capable of reading 18 to 20 ft-lbs (or inch-pound equivalent).
• Accessories: Oil drain pan (minimum 7-quart capacity), funnel, clean rags, gloves, and safety glasses.

Step 1: Vehicle Preparation and Draining

1. Warm Up Engine: Run the engine for 3 to 5 minutes to allow oil to reach operating temperature. Warm oil drains more rapidly and carries suspended contaminants out of the crankcase more effectively.
2. Park Safely: Park the vehicle on a level surface, engage the parking brake, and shut off the ignition.
3. Elevate Front End: Place wheel chocks behind the rear tires. Safely lift the front of the vehicle using a hydraulic jack and secure it firmly on jack stands. Never work underneath a vehicle supported solely by a jack.
4. Remove Drain Plug: Place your drain pan beneath the oil pan drain plug, located near the rear driver side of the engine oil pan. Using a 13mm socket, carefully loosen and remove the drain plug.
5. Drain Fluid: Allow the used oil to stream into the catch pan for approximately 10 to 15 minutes until it tapers to a slow drip. Inspect the drain plug threads and original washer for damage; clean thoroughly.
6. Reinstall Drain Plug: Thread the drain plug back into the pan by hand to prevent cross-threading. Tighten with a torque wrench to 20 ft-lbs (27 N·m).

Step 2: Replacing the Cartridge Oil Filter

1. Locate Housing Cap: Open the hood and locate the black plastic oil filter housing cap situated on the top front-left side of the engine intake manifold area.
2. Remove Cap Assembly: Place a rag around the base of the housing to catch minor drips. Attach a 24mm socket to your extension and turn the plastic cap counterclockwise. Unscrew the cap and slowly lift it straight up; the old cartridge filter will come out attached to the cap center stem.
3. Replace Filter Cartridge: Firmly pull the old filter element straight off the plastic cap stem. Snap the new cartridge filter (MO-349) onto the plastic stem cap until it clicks securely into position.
4. Replace O-Ring: Using a small pick tool or flathead screwdriver, remove the old rubber O-ring from the outer groove near the base of the plastic cap threads. Lightly coat the new rubber O-ring (supplied with your new filter) with fresh motor oil and seat it cleanly into the upper groove on the cap.
5. Reinstall Housing Cap: Carefully lower the cap and filter assembly vertically back into the engine oil housing base. Thread the cap by hand clockwise to ensure clean thread engagement.
6. Torque Cap Correctly: Tighten the cap using a 24mm socket and torque wrench set to exactly 18 ft-lbs (25 N·m / 220 in-lbs).

CAUTION: The plastic housing cap and the engine-mounted oil cooler housing beneath it are easily cracked by excessive torque. Never overtighten or use an impact tool on this assembly.

Top-Mounted Oil Filter Assembly:

• 24mm Nut Cap
  • O-Ring (Always replace & lubricate)
  • Cartridge Filter Element (MO-349) (Snap onto center cap stem)
  • Center Bypass Pin (2014+ Design)

Step 3: Refilling, Checking, and Resetting the Monitor

1. Fill Fresh Oil: Remove the oil filler cap located on the passenger-side valve cover. Insert a clean funnel and pour in 5.5 to 6.0 quarts of SAE 5W-20 engine oil meeting MS-6395. Reinstall the fill cap.
2. Run and Inspect: Start the engine and let it idle for 1 to 2 minutes. Watch for any illuminated low-oil pressure warnings on the dash cluster. Look underneath the vehicle for leaks at the oil pan plug and inspect around the top filter cap.
3. Verify Level: Shut off the engine, set the vehicle back onto level ground, and wait 5 minutes for the oil to drain back into the pan. Pull the dipstick, wipe it clean with a rag, reinsert it fully, and pull it out to read the level. The oil level should fall within the cross-hatched area between the MIN and MAX indicator marks. Top off slightly if necessary.
4. Reset the Oil Life System:
   • Turn the ignition switch to the ON/RUN position (do not start the engine).
   • Slowly depress the accelerator pedal fully to the floor and release it three times within a 10-second window.
   • Turn the ignition switch back to the OFF position.
   • Start the engine to confirm that the "Oil Change Required" message has cleared from the instrument cluster display.

Recommended Oil Change Intervals and Monitoring

Maintaining an appropriate service schedule protects internal components like the variable valve timing actuators, camshaft lobes, and timing chains from premature wear caused by oil degradation.

The Duty-Cycle Oil Change Indicator System

The 2014 Chrysler Town & Country features an automatic, duty-cycle-based Oil Change Indicator System. This computer-driven algorithm continually monitors engine operational metrics to calculate lubricant degradation. Factors influencing the indicator include:

• Ambient operating temperatures
• Engine idling time and city stop-and-go driving
• Engine loads, towing habits, and high-RPM operation
• Trip lengths and cold-engine operating periods

When the system determines that maintenance is due, an "Oil Change Required" chime and text alert will display on the Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC).

Recommended Intervals

• Normal Duty-Cycle: Under standard driving conditions, the oil change message will typically illuminate between 7,500 and 10,000 miles (12,000 to 16,000 km).
• Severe Duty Service: Vehicles frequently subjected to short trips under 5 miles, excessive idle time, extreme dust, cold climates, or heavy trailer towing may trigger the notification closer to 3,500 to 5,000 miles.
• Absolute Maximum Limits: Regardless of whether the indicator light has activated, Chrysler guidelines state that engine oil must never exceed:
  • 10,000 miles (16,000 km) of operation
  • 12 months of calendar time
  • 350 engine hours of operation

Regularly checking the dipstick manually at least once a month or before long trips is recommended. The 3.6L Pentastar engine can consume small quantities of oil naturally, and running the crankcase low damages variable timing solenoids.

Common 3.6L Pentastar Oil System Issues and Troubleshooting

The 3.6L Pentastar engine found in the 2014 Town & Country is generally durable, but its oil management system exhibits a few known failure modes that owners and mechanics should monitor carefully.

Common 3.6L Pentastar Oil System Issues:

1. Cracked Oil Filter Housing / Cooler
   • Oil/coolant leaks in engine "V", drips on transmission
2. Fault Code P06DD / Low Oil Pressure
   • Dual-stage oil pump switching failure, faulty sensor
3. Incorrect Oil Filter Generation Installed
   • 2011-2013 MO-744 filter used instead of MO-349

1. Cracked Plastic Oil Filter Housing / Oil Cooler Assembly

The most prevalent issue affecting the 2014 Pentastar engine is leakage from the combined oil filter housing and liquid-to-liquid oil cooler assembly.

• The Cause: Located deep inside the "V" of the engine block beneath the intake manifold, the original factory housing is constructed from heat-molded plastic. Over years of thermal cycling, combined with overtightening of the top filter cap or drain plug, the plastic housing develops hairline cracks or degrades its bottom silicone seal rings.
• Symptoms:
  • Pooling motor oil or engine coolant in the valley of the engine block beneath the intake manifold.
  • Oil dripping down the back of the engine and collecting on the transmission bell housing.
  • Smell of burning oil as fluid drips onto exhaust components.
  • Low engine oil levels without obvious exterior valve-cover leaks.
• The Fix: Replacement requires removing the upper and lower intake manifolds. While direct OEM plastic replacement units are available, many vehicle owners and technicians prefer upgraded aluminum aftermarket housing units. Aluminum housings eliminate future plastic cracking issues while maintaining full compatibility with the factory cap and MO-349 filter.

2. Low Oil Pressure Diagnostics and Code P06DD

The 3.6L Pentastar engine uses a variable-displacement, dual-stage oil pump managed by the Engine Control Module (ECM). The system switches between low-pressure mode (approx. 29 psi) and high-pressure mode (approx. 50+ psi above 3,500 RPM).

• Trouble Code P06DD: Indicates "Engine Oil Pressure Control Circuit Stuck Off."
• Trouble Code P0520: Indicates "Engine Oil Pressure Sensor Circuit Malfunction."
• Primary Causes:
  1. Incorrect Oil Viscosity or Non-Compliant Oil: Using heavy oils (e.g., 10W-30 or 10W-40) or low-quality oil that breaks down rapidly disrupts pressure calculations.
  2. Incorrect or Distorted Oil Filter: Using an incorrect filter brand, an unseated filter cartridge, or an old 2011–2013 filter style prevents the bypass valve from sealing properly.
  3. Failing Pressure Sensor: The oil pressure sensor located on the rear of the oil filter housing frequently fails electrically, sending false readings to the computer.
  4. Oil Pump Solenoid Failure: The dual-stage solenoid on the pump can fail or become clogged with debris.

When diagnosing P06DD, always confirm that you have an OEM-spec MO-349 filter installed and fresh 5W-20 MS-6395 oil before replacing the oil pump or pressure sensor.

3. Using the Wrong Oil Filter Generation (2011–2013 vs. 2014+)

A common mistake made at quick-lube shops is installing the incorrect oil filter element. Chrysler updated the Pentastar engine's filter stem design precisely in the 2014 model year:

• 2011–2013 Models: Use Mopar filter MO-744 (part # 68079744AD). This filter features a flat bottom with a bypass valve built into the housing cap stem.
• 2014–Present Models: Use Mopar filter MO-349 (part # 68191349AC). This filter features a center nib/pin extending from the bottom designed to press into an updated lower housing valve.

Installing a 2011–2013 filter inside a 2014 housing cap will prevent proper oil flow, trigger low-oil-pressure warnings, cause internal bypass leaks, and rapidly damage valve-train components due to oil starvation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I use 5W-30 motor oil instead of 5W-20 in my 2014 Chrysler Town & Country?

Using 5W-30 oil occasionally in a pinch will not instantly destroy the engine, but it is not recommended for ongoing use. The Pentastar engine's variable valve timing (VVT) system and dual-stage oil pump rely on the precise hydraulic viscosity of 5W-20 oil. Thicker oil can cause sluggish VVT actuator responses, minor decreases in fuel economy, and potential low-oil-pressure fault codes (such as P06DD).

How much oil does a 2014 Chrysler Town & Country take?

With a standard filter change, the 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine takes exactly 6.0 US quarts (5.7 liters) of SAE 5W-20 oil. Always check the dipstick after filling and idling the engine to ensure the level rests comfortably within the safe operating range.

Why is my oil filter cap leaking after an oil change?

Leaks around the top plastic filter cap are almost always caused by an improperly seated cap O-ring or an overtightened housing cap. Ensure the new rubber O-ring is installed in the correct groove (not pushed flush against the cap top lip), lubricated with clean oil, and torqued to no more than 18 ft-lbs (25 N·m).

Can I use conventional oil in my 2014 Town & Country?

Yes, provided the conventional oil explicitly satisfies Chrysler Material Standard MS-6395 and API standards. However, synthetic blend or full synthetic oils are highly recommended due to the elevated thermal conditions of modern V6 engines and to support extended service intervals up to 10,000 miles.

Why is there oil leaking from the back of the engine down onto the transmission?

This is a classic sign of a cracked plastic oil filter housing / oil cooler adapter assembly located beneath the intake manifold. When this unit cracks or its base seals degrade, oil pools in the engine valley and runs down the rear of the block over the transmission housing.

Practical Recommendations

To maximize engine longevity and prevent costly repairs on your 2014 Chrysler Town & Country:

1. Stick to Specifications: Always purchase SAE 5W-20 motor oil that clearly displays compliance with Chrysler MS-6395.
2. Verify Filter Part Numbers: Double-check that you purchase the correct Mopar MO-349 (or 2014+ specific equivalent) filter element. Verify that the center pin stem is present on the filter base.
3. Torque with Care: Never use an impact gun or heavy hand pressure on the plastic oil filter housing cap. Always use a torque wrench set precisely to 18 ft-lbs (25 N·m) to prevent cracking the housing.
4. Inspect for Housing Leaks: Periodically shine a flashlight between the intake manifold runners into the engine "V" to check for pooled oil or engine coolant. If leaking, replace the housing promptly—preferably with an upgraded aluminum unit—to prevent oil loss and engine overheating.