The oil filter of a Jeep Cherokee or any vehicle should be changed each time the oil is changed, according to the manufacturer's recommendation. The process may be easier if the car is safely raised on jacks. The oil should be drained and the oil filter and its gasket removed with an oil filter wrench. The old filter screws off and the new one screws on. Replace the oil plug and fill the vehicle with oil.
Run the Jeep Cherokee's engine and let it cool until the engine is warm, not hot. Make sure the vehicle is in park and the parking brake is on. If there is not enough clearance to get under the SUV, raise the front using a jack, and place jack stands under either side. Block the rear tires to be safe.
Before going underneath the Jeep, open the oil cap on top of the engine, which will allow the oil to drain faster.
Put an empty container under the oil pan and plug, located at the bottom of the engine. Using the plug wrench, carefully unscrew the oil plug. The oil may initially spurt out of the pan. Let it drain into the container, which should hold at least five quarts.
While the oil drains, locate the old oil filter, which is also under the engine. It is near the front, close to the steering gears. It looks like a fat soda can and is often white.
Use the oil filter wrench---generally equipped with a band that can be placed around the oil filter and tightened---to unscrew the filter counter-clockwise. Locating the band as closely as possible to the top of the filter will make the job easier if it is tight.
When the filter is off, check to make sure the old gasket is also removed. Place the new filter with its gasket in place and screw in clockwise. Do not screw in too tightly. Check the filter manufacturer's instructions.
Replace the oil pan plug, and again do not screw in too tightly. Fill the vehicle with oil according to the manufacturer's specification, and check underneath for leaks. Dispose of the oil and filter according to environmental regulations.
