2017 Ram 2500 Oil Capacity & Filter Guide

The 2017 Ram 2500 takes either 7 quarts (6.6 liters) or 12 quarts (11.4 liters) of engine oil, depending on whether it is equipped with a gas Hemi V8 or the 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel. As an ASE-certified master technician, I regularly service these heavy-duty trucks, and using the correct oil capacity, weight, and filter is crucial for the longevity of your engine, especially if you regularly tow or haul heavy loads.

Below is your complete guide to the 2017 Ram 2500 oil change specifications, capacities, and expert tips.

Quick answer

Here are the specifications for the 2017 Ram 2500 equipped with the most popular 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel engine:

• Oil Capacity: 12 quarts (11.4 liters) with filter replacement.
• Recommended Weight: 5W-40 Full Synthetic (recommended for all climates, required below 0°F) or 15W-40 (above 0°F).
• Oil Specification: Cummins CES 20081 / API CJ-4 or CK-4.
• Oil Filter (OEM): Mopar MO-285 (Part # 5083285AA).
• Popular Aftermarket Filters: Fram PH3976A, Wix 57620, Mobil 1 M1-403A.

(Note: See the table below if your truck has a 5.7L or 6.4L gas Hemi V8).

Capacity by engine option

The 2017 Ram 2500 was offered with three different engine options. Always verify which engine is under your hood before buying supplies.

Gas Engine Aftermarket Filter Equivalents (Mopar MO-339): Fram PH10060, Wix 57060, Mobil 1 M1-113A.

Oil change interval

Modern Ram 2500 trucks are equipped with an automatic Oil Life Monitor system that calculates the degradation of your oil based on driving conditions. However, you should still adhere to the following baseline intervals:

• Normal Duty: Do not exceed 10,000 miles (for gas engines) or 15,000 miles (for the Cummins diesel), or 12 months, whichever comes first. Follow the dashboard Oil Life indicator.
• Severe Duty: If you frequently tow heavy trailers, idle extensively, drive off-road, or operate in extreme heat/dust, change the oil every 5,000 miles or 6 months.

Drain plug torque

• 6.7L Cummins: 37 ft-lbs (50 Nm).
• 5.7L & 6.4L Hemi V8: 25 ft-lbs (34 Nm).

Note: Inspect the rubber/nylon gasket integrated into the factory drain plug. If it is flattened, torn, or leaking, replace the entire drain plug. Do not overtighten, especially on the stamped steel or aluminum pans.

How to change the oil

1. Prepare the truck: Park on level ground, engage the parking brake, and let the engine cool slightly so the oil is warm but not scalding. (The Ram 2500 sits high enough that you typically don't need a jack or ramps).
2. Drain the oil: Position a large catch pan (at least 15-quart capacity for the diesel) under the oil pan. Remove the drain plug and let the oil drain completely.
3. Replace the drain plug: Wipe the mating surface clean, thread the drain plug in by hand, and torque it to the correct specification for your engine.
4. Replace the oil filter: Locate the oil filter. Unscrew it using a filter wrench (have a rag handy to catch spills). Lubricate the new filter's rubber O-ring with fresh oil, then install it hand-tight plus a 1/4 to 1/2 turn.
5. Fill with oil: Pour the specified amount of new oil into the top oil filler neck.
6. Verify and reset: Start the engine and let it run for a few moments to fill the filter. Check underneath for any leaks. Turn off the engine, wait 5 minutes, and check the dipstick to ensure the level is correct. Finally, reset your dashboard Oil Life Monitor.

Common issues / tips

• Cummins Filter Access: The 6.7L Cummins oil filter can be famously tricky to access from the top. The easiest way to remove it is actually through the passenger side wheel well. Turn the wheels all the way to the right, and use a cap-style filter wrench and a long extension.
• "Hemi Tick": If you have the 5.7L or 6.4L Hemi, you might hear a ticking noise on startup. Maintaining proper oil levels and strictly following oil change intervals with high-quality synthetic oil (and the required MS-12633 spec for the 6.4L) is the best preventative maintenance against valvetrain and lifter issues.
• Diesel Soot: Don't panic if your fresh 12 quarts of oil in the Cummins turns jet-black almost immediately after your oil change. This is entirely normal for modern diesel engines due to soot retention.

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