2023 Ram 1500 Fluid Type Specs

Quick Reference

Fluid	Type/Spec	Capacity
Engine Oil	5.7L HEMI V8: SAE 5W-20, API SP, ILSAC GF-6A, Mopar MS-6395	7.0 quarts (6.6L)
	3.6L Pentastar V6: SAE 0W-20, API SP, ILSAC GF-6A, Mopar MS-6395	6.0 quarts (5.7L)
	3.0L EcoDiesel V6: SAE 5W-40, API CK-4, Mopar MS-12991	10.5 quarts (9.9L)
Engine Coolant	Mopar 10-Year/150,000-Mile OAT, MS-90032	14.1 quarts (13.3L) - 5.7L HEMI, 13.3 quarts (12.6L) - 3.6L Pentastar
Transmission Fluid	Mopar ZF 8&9 Speed ATF, Mopar 8HP75	~9.0 quarts (8.5L) - Service Refill
Transfer Case	Mopar ATF+4, MS-9602	1.5 quarts (1.4L)
Front Differential	SAE 75W-85 Synthetic Gear Lubricant, Mopar MS-9020	~1.2 quarts (1.1L)
Rear Differential	SAE 75W-140 Synthetic Gear Lubricant + Limited Slip Additive (if equipped), Mopar MS-8985	~2.4 quarts (2.25L)
Brake Fluid	DOT 4, Mopar MS-9971	As needed
Power Steering Fluid	Electric Power Steering (EPS) - No Fluid	N/A
Washer Fluid	Mopar All-Season Windshield Washer Fluid	~1.0 gallon (3.8L)
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF)	API Certified (ISO 22241)	5.5 gallons (20.8L)

Engine Oil

For the 2023 Ram 1500, selecting the correct engine oil is critical for the longevity and performance of its advanced engine options. The specific oil required depends on the engine:

• 5.7L HEMI V8: This engine requires SAE 5W-20 viscosity grade oil that meets API SP and ILSAC GF-6A standards. The specific Stellantis (Mopar) specification is MS-6395. Full synthetic oil is highly recommended for optimal performance and protection.
• 3.6L Pentastar V6: This engine uses a lighter SAE 0W-20 viscosity oil, also meeting API SP, ILSAC GF-6A, and the Mopar MS-6395 specification. Using the correct low-viscosity oil is essential for proper function of the engine's variable valve timing system.
• 3.0L EcoDiesel V6: Diesel engines have unique needs. The EcoDiesel requires a robust SAE 5W-40 synthetic diesel oil that meets API CK-4 standards and the specific Mopar specification MS-12991. Use of high-quality diesel engine oil is critical for protecting the turbocharger and emission system components.

Intervals & Pitfalls: Always follow the oil life monitoring system in your truck. However, a good rule of thumb is every 5,000-7,500 miles. Never use an oil that does not meet the specified Mopar standard, as this can lead to sludge formation and void the powertrain warranty.

Engine Coolant

The 2023 Ram 1500 uses a specific Organic Acid Technology (OAT) coolant. The factory-fill fluid is Mopar 10-Year/150,000-Mile Coolant, which meets the MS-90032 specification. This coolant is typically purple in color.

Intervals & Pitfalls: This is a long-life coolant, but it should be checked at every service and replaced if it becomes contaminated. The biggest pitfall is mixing coolant types. Never mix OAT coolant with an older Hybrid Organic Acid Technology (HOAT) or Inorganic Additive Technology (IAT) coolant. Mixing can cause the coolant to gel, leading to blockages in the radiator and heater core, and ultimately, severe engine damage.

Transmission Fluid

All 2023 Ram 1500 models are equipped with a ZF-designed 8-speed automatic transmission (TorqueFlite 8). This unit requires a very specific fluid: Mopar ZF 8&9 Speed ATF, part number 68218925AA, or an equivalent licensed fluid. This is a low-viscosity, high-performance fluid designed for this transmission.

Intervals & Pitfalls: Ram considers this a "fill for life" fluid under normal driving conditions. However, for severe duty (towing, hauling, off-road), a fluid and filter change between 60,000 and 100,000 miles is highly recommended. Absolutely do not use "universal" ATF, ATF+4, Dexron, or Mercon fluids. Using the wrong fluid will lead to poor shifting, overheating, and ultimately, catastrophic transmission failure.

Transfer Case Fluid

For 4WD models, the transfer case requires Mopar ATF+4, which meets the MS-9602 specification. While the transmission uses a different fluid, the transfer case still relies on this trusted Mopar automatic transmission fluid.

Intervals & Pitfalls: A typical service interval is every 30,000 to 60,000 miles, or more frequently if used heavily for off-roading or towing. The most common error is confusing it with the transmission fluid. Ensure only ATF+4 is used.

Differential Fluid

The front and rear axles have different fluid requirements:

• Front Differential (4WD): The front axle requires SAE 75W-85 Synthetic Gear Lubricant meeting Mopar spec MS-9020.
• Rear Differential: The rear axle requires a heavier SAE 75W-140 Synthetic Gear Lubricant. If the truck is equipped with a limited-slip differential (LSD), a friction modifier additive (Mopar MS-8985) must be included. Many high-quality aftermarket gear oils already have the additive.

Intervals & Pitfalls: Inspect fluid levels at every oil change. A fluid change is recommended every 30,000 to 50,000 miles. Forgetting the limited-slip additive in an LSD-equipped axle will cause chattering and binding during turns.

Brake Fluid & Power Steering

The 2023 Ram 1500 requires DOT 4 brake fluid and should meet Mopar specification MS-9971. The system should be flushed every 2-3 years, as brake fluid is hygroscopic (absorbs moisture), which can lead to corrosion and reduced braking performance.

The 2023 Ram 1500 uses an Electric Power Steering (EPS) system. Therefore, there is no hydraulic power steering pump or fluid to check or change.

Washer Fluid & DEF (EcoDiesel)

Use any quality all-season windshield washer fluid. For the 3.0L EcoDiesel, maintaining the Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) level is critical. The system requires API Certified (ISO 22241) DEF. The DEF tank is 5.5 gallons and must be refilled as indicated by the driver information display. Running the DEF tank dry will cause the vehicle to enter a "limp mode" with severely reduced speed until it is refilled.

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