2015 Ram 1500 Fluid Types & Specifications

Quick Reference: 2015 Ram 1500 Fluid Specs

Fluid	Type/Spec	Capacity
Engine Oil (3.6L V6)	SAE 5W-20, API SN, Chrysler MS-6395	6 quarts (5.7 L)
Engine Oil (5.7L V8 HEMI)	SAE 5W-20, API SN, Chrysler MS-6395	7 quarts (6.6 L)
Engine Oil (3.0L V6 EcoDiesel)	SAE 5W-30, API CJ-4, Chrysler MS-11106	10.5 quarts (9.9 L)
Engine Coolant	Mopar OAT (Purple), Chrysler MS-12106	9.8 - 14.8 quarts (9.3 - 14 L)
Transmission Fluid (8-Speed)	Mopar ZF 8&9 Speed ATF, Chrysler MS-90030	9.0 quarts (8.5 L) - service fill
Transmission Fluid (6-Speed)	Mopar ATF+4, Chrysler MS-9602	5.5 - 6.6 quarts (5.2 - 6.2 L) - service fill
Transfer Case (4WD)	Mopar ATF+4, Chrysler MS-9602	~1.5 quarts (1.4 L)
Front Differential (4WD)	SAE 75W-85 Synthetic Gear Lubricant	~1.2 quarts (1.1 L)
Rear Differential	SAE 75W-140 Synthetic Gear Lubricant	2.3 - 2.5 quarts (2.2 - 2.4 L)
Limited Slip Additive	Mopar Limited Slip Additive	4 oz (118 ml) if required
Brake Fluid	DOT 3 / Mopar DOT 3 Brake Fluid	As needed
Power Steering Fluid	Mopar Electric Power Steering Fluid	As needed
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF)	API Certified (ISO 22241)	8 gallons (30.3 L)
Windshield Washer Fluid	Mopar All Weather Washer Fluid	~1 gallon (3.8 L)

---

Engine Oil

The engine is the heart of your Ram 1500, and using the correct oil is non-negotiable for longevity and performance. The specific oil required depends on which engine your truck is equipped with.

• 3.6L Pentastar V6: This engine requires SAE 5W-20 viscosity grade oil. It must meet or exceed Chrysler MS-6395 and be API Certified with at least an SN service rating. Capacity is 6 quarts with a filter change.
• 5.7L HEMI V8: The legendary HEMI also specifies SAE 5W-20 oil that meets the Chrysler MS-6395 standard and API SN rating. The MDS (Multi-Displacement System) is sensitive to oil viscosity and quality, making the correct spec critical. Capacity is 7 quarts with a filter change.
• 3.0L V6 EcoDiesel: Diesel engines have unique needs. This engine demands a robust SAE 5W-30 synthetic oil specifically formulated for modern diesels. It must meet Chrysler MS-11106 and carry an API CJ-4 certification. Capacity is a substantial 10.5 quarts with a filter.

Common Pitfall: Never use a heavier weight oil like 5W-30 in the 3.6L or 5.7L gasoline engines, as it can interfere with the operation of variable valve timing (VVT) and the HEMI's MDS, potentially leading to fault codes and long-term wear.

Engine Coolant

For the 2015 model year, Ram trucks were factory-filled with a specific OAT (Organic Acid Technology) coolant.

• Specification: Use a Mopar-branded coolant meeting Chrysler MS-12106. This is often referred to as "Mopar 10-year/150,000-mile OAT coolant" and is typically purple in color.
• Interval: The initial service interval is 10 years or 150,000 miles, whichever comes first.

Common Pitfall: Do NOT mix this OAT coolant with other types, especially the older orange/red HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology, MS-9769) coolant used in earlier model years. Mixing coolant chemistries can cause it to gel, leading to clogged heater cores, radiators, and catastrophic engine overheating. If you are unsure what is in the system, a complete flush and fill is the only safe option.

Transmission Fluid

Two different automatic transmissions were available in 2015, and they use completely different, non-interchangeable fluids.

• 8-Speed Automatic (845RE / 8HP70): This advanced transmission requires a specific low-viscosity fluid, Mopar ZF 8&9 Speed ATF, which meets the Chrysler MS-90030 specification. This is a synthetic "fill for life" fluid under normal driving conditions, but many technicians recommend a fluid and filter change between 60,000 and 100,000 miles.
• 6-Speed Automatic (65RFE): This transmission uses the ubiquitous Mopar ATF+4, specification MS-9602.

Common Pitfall: Using ATF+4 in the 8-speed transmission will destroy it. Conversely, using the ZF fluid in the 6-speed will cause poor shifting and damage. There are no "universal" fluids that are appropriate for these transmissions. Always verify which transmission you have before purchasing fluid.

Drivetrain Fluids (4WD)

Transfer Case

For 4WD models, the transfer case ensures power gets to the front wheels. It requires Mopar ATF+4 (MS-9602), the same fluid used in the 6-speed transmission. The capacity is approximately 1.5 quarts.

Front & Rear Differentials

• Front Differential (4WD Models): The front axle requires SAE 75W-85 Synthetic Gear Lubricant.
• Rear Differential: The rear axle calls for a heavy-duty SAE 75W-140 Synthetic Gear Lubricant. If your truck is equipped with a limited-slip differential (LSD), you must also add 4 ounces of Mopar Limited Slip Additive. Many high-quality aftermarket 75W-140 gear oils already contain the necessary friction modifier, but be sure to check the bottle. Failure to add this modifier to an LSD will result in binding and chattering during turns.

Brake Fluid

Your Ram 1500's hydraulic brake system uses DOT 3 brake fluid. The Mopar-branded fluid meets this specification. While DOT 4 fluid is compatible and has a higher boiling point, it is not required. Never use DOT 5 (silicone-based) fluid, as it is incompatible with the system's seals. Brake fluid should be flushed every 2-3 years, as it is hygroscopic (absorbs moisture), which can lead to corrosion and reduced braking performance.

Power Steering Fluid

The 2015 Ram 1500 is equipped with Electric Power Steering (EPS) on most models, which does not use traditional hydraulic power steering fluid. However, some configurations may have an electro-hydraulic system. If your vehicle has a power steering reservoir, it requires a specific Mopar Electric Power Steering Fluid. Do not use standard power steering fluid or ATF in this system.

Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) - EcoDiesel Models

If you have the 3.0L EcoDiesel, your truck is equipped with a Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system that requires Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF).

• Specification: The fluid must be ISO 22241 compliant and API Certified. Any brand carrying these certifications is acceptable.
• Handling: DEF is a solution of urea and deionized water. It can freeze and is sensitive to contamination. Always use a dedicated, clean funnel when filling the 8-gallon tank.

Windshield Washer Fluid

There is no complex specification here. Use any quality, commercial windshield washer solvent. In colder climates, choose a fluid with an appropriate freezing point to prevent system damage.

---

Disclaimer: Capacities are approximate. Always verify fluid levels using the appropriate dipstick or fill plug. Specifications are based on factory data for the 2015 model year and can change. Always consult your owner's manual or OEM service information for the most accurate data for your specific vehicle.

Find a trusted shop on Repairius.