2023 Ram 1500 Oil Capacity, Filter & Oil Change Guide

The 2023 Ram 1500 takes between 5.0 quarts and 8.5 quarts of oil, depending on which engine your truck is equipped with. As an ASE-certified master technician, I regularly service these trucks, and knowing the precise fluid requirements for your specific powertrain is the key to keeping it on the road for years to come.

Quick answer (5.7L HEMI V8)

Because the 5.7L HEMI V8 is the most common engine in the 2023 Ram 1500, here is the quick reference for that specific powertrain:

• Oil Capacity: 7.0 quarts (6.6 liters) with filter replacement.
• Recommended Weight: SAE 5W-20.
• Oil Specification: API SP / ILSAC GF-6A, meeting Chrysler MS-6395.
• OEM Oil Filter: Mopar MO-339 (Part # 04884899AC).
• Aftermarket Filters: Fram XG2, Wix 57060, Mobil 1 M1-210A.

(If you have the 3.6L, 3.0L EcoDiesel, or 6.2L TRX, see the table below for your specific specs).

Capacity by engine option

The 2023 Ram 1500 was offered with four vastly different engines, each requiring its own specific oil volume and viscosity. Always verify your engine size under the hood or via your VIN before purchasing oil.

Note: The 3.6L V6 uses a cartridge-style filter (Mopar MO-349), while the V8s use a traditional spin-on filter.

Oil change interval

Ram uses an intelligent Oil Life Indicator system that calculates oil degradation based on driving habits, but as a rule of thumb, you should adhere to these intervals:

• Normal Duty: Up to 10,000 miles or 12 months (whichever comes first), or when the oil life monitor indicates it's time.
• Severe Duty: Every 4,000 to 5,000 miles or 6 months. "Severe duty" includes frequent towing, hauling heavy payloads, extensive idling (fleet use), driving in dusty environments, or frequent short trips where the engine doesn't reach full operating temperature.

Drain plug torque

• Standard Torque: 20 ft-lbs (27 Nm) for the standard 13mm drain plug on the 3.6L and 5.7L engines. Do not overtighten, as the oil pans can strip.
• Crush Washer: The factory drain plug features an integrated rubber/silicone seal. Inspect it closely. If the seal is flattened, cracked, or missing, replace the entire drain plug.

How to change the oil

1. Prepare the truck: Park on a level surface, engage the parking brake, and let the engine cool slightly so the oil is warm but not dangerously hot.
2. Drain the oil: Locate the drain plug on the oil pan. Place a large catch pan underneath, remove the 13mm plug, and allow the oil to completely drain.
3. Replace the filter: For V8s, slide your drain pan under the spin-on filter (located near the front-right of the engine above the rack and pinion). Remove the old filter, lubricate the new filter's rubber gasket with clean oil, and install it hand-tight (plus 1/4 to 1/2 turn). For the 3.6L V6, access the cartridge filter housing from the top of the engine bay using a 24mm socket.
4. Reinstall drain plug: Clean the drain plug, check the seal, and torque it to 20 ft-lbs.
5. Refill and check: Pour the correct amount of specified oil into the engine. Start the truck, let it run for 30 seconds to fill the filter, and check for leaks. Shut it off, wait 5 minutes, and verify the oil level on the dipstick.
6. Reset the monitor: Turn the ignition to the "ON/RUN" position (without starting the engine). Navigate to the "Vehicle Info" menu on your dash, select "Oil Life," and hold the "OK" button to reset it to 100%.

Common issues / tips

• HEMI Tick Prevention: The 5.7L HEMI is legendary, but it is also known for a lifter/camshaft issue commonly referred to as "HEMI tick." Using high-quality synthetic oil and sticking to severe-duty intervals (every 5,000 miles) is the best preventative maintenance you can do to protect the valvetrain.
• Messy V8 Oil Filters: The 5.7L oil filter is positioned directly above the electric power steering rack. When you unscrew it, oil will inevitably spill onto the rack and wiring. Use a piece of aluminum foil or a Form-A-Funnel to direct the oil into your drain pan, and generously spray the area with brake cleaner afterward to prevent dirt accumulation and false leak diagnoses.
• EcoDiesel Specs: If you drive the 3.0L EcoDiesel, you must use a fully synthetic 5W-40 oil that strictly meets Chrysler MS-12991. Using standard diesel oil will quickly clog the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF).

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