What kind of oil does a 3.7 L v6 take?
The exact oil you need depends on which 3.7 L V6 you have and what year it was built. In most cases, owners find 5W-30 or 5W-20 to be appropriate, but the specification can vary by engine family and model year. Always verify with your vehicle’s manual or the under-hood label.
Know which 3.7 L V6 you’re dealing with
Several automakers used a 3.7-liter V6 in different generations, and each family has its own oil requirements. Below are the main 3.7 L V6 families and their typical oil guidance. This is a general guide; always confirm for your exact vehicle.
- Chrysler/Jeep 3.7 L PowerTech V6 — Used in models like the early- to mid-2000s Grand Cherokee, Liberty, and Durango. Typical recommendation: SAE 5W-30 engine oil (conventional or synthetic-blend acceptable). Many service intervals target standard drain periods, but synthetic can be preferred in extreme climates. Oil capacity is typically around 5.5–6 quarts with filter.
- Nissan/Infiniti 3.7 L VQ37VHR — Found in various Nissan/Infiniti applications (e.g., certain Z, G, FX models). Typical recommendation: SAE 5W-30 synthetic oil. Capacity is generally about 5.5 quarts with filter. Synthetic oil is commonly favored for longevity and cold-start performance.
- Ford 3.7 L Ti-VCT Cyclone — Used in a range of late-2010s Ford models. Typical recommendation: SAE 5W-20 is common, with 5W-30 listed for some climates or model-year variations. Capacity usually around 5.5–6 quarts with filter. Always check the specific Ford engine spec for your year and model.
The bottom line is that there isn’t a single universal specification for all 3.7 L V6 engines. The exact viscosity and specification depend on the engine family and year, so the owner’s manual or the under-hood oil cap should be your primary source.
How to confirm the right oil for your specific vehicle
To ensure you’re using the correct oil for your 3.7 L V6, follow these steps before you buy or drain and fill:
- Check the owner’s manual or the manufacturer’s official service information for the exact viscosity (e.g., 5W-30, 5W-20) and any specification notes (API SN/ILSAC GF-5, Dexos, etc.).
- Look at the engine oil filler cap; many caps print the recommended viscosity (for example, “SAE 5W-30”).
- Inspect the under-hood label or a vehicle-specific service sticker, which often lists the recommended oil type and capacity.
- If you’re unsure, contact the dealership with your VIN to confirm the precise specification for your exact year/model.
- As a fallback in ambiguous cases, start with a high-quality 5W-30 synthetic-blend or full synthetic oil and monitor engine performance and oil consumption, then adjust if needed per manual guidance.
Using the wrong oil viscosity can affect start-up protection, fuel economy, and engine wear, so precise confirmation matters for your 3.7 L V6.
Brand-specific notes
For Chrysler/Jeep 3.7 L PowerTech, 5W-30 is frequently used, with synthetic options favored for longer drains or cold climates. For Nissan/Infiniti 3.7 L VQ37, 5W-30 is standard in many applications, again with synthetic options common in modern maintenance. Ford’s 3.7 L Ti-VCT Cyclone variants typically list 5W-20 as the baseline, though certain climates or model years may call for 5W-30; always verify for your specific year and model.
Summary
The 3.7 L V6 isn’t a single engine with one oil specification. Depending on the exact engine family and year, you’ll most commonly see 5W-30 or 5W-20. Always check the owner’s manual, the under-hood label, or your dealer to confirm the correct viscosity and specifications for your specific vehicle. When in doubt, use a high-quality synthetic or synthetic-blend oil that matches the specified grade and API/ILSAC requirements.
Bottom line: confirm the precise oil requirement for your exact 3.7 L V6 to ensure proper protection and longevity of your engine.
