2016 Ram 1500: Complete Fluid Specifications and Capacities

2016 Ram 1500 Fluids: A Complete Guide

Properly servicing your 2016 Ram 1500 means using the exact fluids and lubricants engineered for its systems. Using a "universal" fluid or the wrong specification can lead to premature wear, reduced performance, and costly repairs. As an ASE-certified master technician, this guide provides a comprehensive list of the factory-specified fluids, their corresponding Chrysler (Mopar) spec numbers, and approximate capacities to keep your truck running reliably for years to come.

Quick Reference: 2016 Ram 1500 Fluid Specs

Fluid	Type/Specification	Typical Capacity
Engine Oil (3.6L V6 / 5.7L V8)	SAE 5W-20 Synthetic Blend (Chrysler MS-6395)	6.0 qt (3.6L) / 7.0 qt (5.7L)
Engine Oil (3.0L EcoDiesel)	SAE 5W-30 Full Synthetic (Chrysler MS-11106, API CJ-4)	10.5 qt
Engine Coolant	Mopar OAT (Purple, 10yr/150k mi, MS-12106)	14.0 - 15.7 qt
Transmission Fluid (8-Speed)	Mopar ZF 8&9 Speed ATF (Lifeguard 8)	9.0 qt (service refill)
Transmission Fluid (6-Speed)	Mopar ATF+4 (MS-9602)	5.5 - 6.6 qt (service refill)
Transfer Case Fluid (4WD)	Mopar ATF+4 (MS-9602)	~1.5 qt
Front Differential Fluid (4WD)	SAE 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Lubricant	~1.2 qt
Rear Differential Fluid	SAE 75W-140 Synthetic Gear Lubricant	2.3 - 2.5 qt
Limited-Slip Additive (Rear)	Mopar Friction Modifier (MS-10111)	4 oz (if equipped)
Brake Fluid	DOT 3 / DOT 4 (MS-4574)	As needed (~1.0 qt flush)
Power Steering Fluid	Mopar Electric Power Steering Fluid (MS-11655)	As needed
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF)	API Certified DEF (ISO 22241)	8.0 gal
Windshield Washer Fluid	Good Quality Washer Solvent	~1.0 gal

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Engine Oil

The correct engine oil is the single most important fluid for your Ram's longevity. The specified oil contains additives designed for your specific engine to reduce friction, prevent sludge, and ensure proper timing component operation.

• 3.6L Pentastar V6 & 5.7L HEMI V8: These engines require SAE 5W-20 motor oil that meets Chrysler’s MS-6395 specification. A high-quality synthetic blend or full synthetic oil is recommended.
  • Capacity (with filter): 6.0 quarts for the 3.6L V6 and 7.0 quarts for the 5.7L V8.
• 3.0L EcoDiesel V6: This engine has very specific needs. Use a SAE 5W-30 full synthetic diesel oil that meets Chrysler’s MS-11106 specification and is rated API CJ-4. Using the wrong oil can damage the sensitive emissions system.
  • Capacity (with filter): 10.5 quarts.

Note: Always follow the oil life monitoring system for change intervals, but never exceed one year or 10,000 miles, whichever comes first.

Engine Coolant (Antifreeze)

For 2016, Ram specifies a Mopar OAT (Organic Additive Technology) coolant that meets the MS-12106 specification. This is a 10-year, 150,000-mile formula, typically identified by its purple color.

• Crucial Pitfall: Do NOT mix this purple OAT coolant with the older orange or pink HOAT (Hybrid OAT) coolant or any other universal green/yellow coolant. Mixing chemistries can cause the coolant to gel, leading to blockages, overheating, and damage to the radiator and water pump. If you are unsure what is in the system, a complete flush and fill is the only safe option.
• Capacity: The total system capacity is around 14-16 quarts; a 50/50 mix of coolant and distilled water is required.

Automatic Transmission Fluid

This is a critical area where mistakes are common and costly.

• 8-Speed Automatic (845RE / 8HP70): These advanced transmissions, common on most 2016 models, DO NOT use ATF+4. They require a specific fluid: Mopar ZF 8&9 Speed ATF, which is also known as Lifeguard 8. Using anything else can cause severe shifting problems and internal damage.
• 6-Speed Automatic (65RFE): Some 5.7L models may have the 6-speed transmission, which uses Mopar ATF+4 meeting Chrysler spec MS-9602.

Note: While some manufacturers call these "lifetime" fluids, it is best practice to perform a fluid and filter change every 60,000-80,000 miles to ensure maximum transmission life.

Driveline Fluids (4WD Models)

• Transfer Case: 4WD models require Mopar ATF+4 (MS-9602) for the transfer case. The capacity is approximately 1.5 quarts.
• Front Differential: The front axle requires SAE 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Lubricant.
• Rear Differential: The rear axle requires a heavy-duty SAE 75W-140 Synthetic Gear Lubricant. If your truck is equipped with the anti-spin (Limited-Slip) differential, you must also add 4 ounces of Mopar Limited-Slip Additive (Friction Modifier) meeting spec MS-10111. Failure to add this will cause chattering and binding from the clutches during turns.

Brake and Steering Fluids

• Brake Fluid: The hydraulic brake system uses DOT 3 brake fluid meeting MS-4574. A high-quality DOT 4 fluid is an acceptable upgrade, as it has a higher boiling point, but never use DOT 5 (silicone-based). Brake fluid is hygroscopic (absorbs water), so it should be flushed every 2-3 years.
• Power Steering Fluid: The 2016 Ram 1500 uses an electro-hydraulic power steering system that requires a special fluid. Use only Mopar Electric Power Steering Fluid meeting MS-11655. Do not substitute with conventional power steering fluid or ATF.

Other Fluids

• Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) (EcoDiesel): If you have the 3.0L EcoDiesel, you must keep the 8-gallon DEF tank filled with API-certified DEF meeting ISO 22241. Running the tank dry will cause the truck to enter a speed-limited "limp mode."
• Windshield Washer Fluid: Use any quality washer solvent. In colder climates, ensure you are using a fluid rated for freezing temperatures.

Using the right fluid is the cheapest insurance you can buy for your vehicle. Always double-check your owner's manual or consult a professional if you are unsure.

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