2018 Ram 2500 Oil Capacity & Filter Guide

The 2018 Ram 2500 takes either 7.0 quarts of oil for the gasoline V8 engines or a massive 12.0 quarts for the 6.7L Cummins diesel engine. Whether you are hauling heavy loads across the country with a Cummins or using your HEMI for local jobs, using the correct oil and filter is the most critical maintenance item you can perform to ensure long engine life.

Quick answer

Here are the essential oil and filter specifications for the 2018 Ram 2500 depending on your powertrain:

For 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel:

• Capacity: 12.0 quarts (11.4 liters) with filter replacement.
• Recommended Weight: 10W-30 (above 0°F) or 5W-40 Synthetic (for all temperatures). 5W-40 is highly recommended for cold weather and severe towing.
• Oil Spec: API CK-4 / Cummins CES 20081 (MS-10902).
• OEM Filter: Mopar MO-285 (5083285AA) or Fleetguard LF16035.
• Aftermarket Filters: Wix 57620, Fram PH3976A.

For 5.7L and 6.4L HEMI V8:

• Capacity: 7.0 quarts (6.6 liters) with filter replacement.
• Recommended Weight: 5W-20 (5.7L) or 0W-40 Synthetic (6.4L).
• Oil Spec: MS-6395 (API SP) for 5.7L; MS-12633 for 6.4L.
• OEM Filter: Mopar MO-339 (4884899AC).
• Aftermarket Filters: Wix 57060, Fram PH10060, Mobil 1 M1-113A.

Capacity by engine option

Oil change interval

Your Ram's Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) features an automatic oil change indicator system. However, as a master technician, I recommend following these mileage milestones:

• Normal Duty: For gas engines, every 8,000 miles or 12 months. For the Cummins diesel under light load, you can go up to 15,000 miles, 1,000 hours, or 12 months (whichever comes first).
• Severe Duty: If you frequently idle, tow heavy trailers, drive off-road, or operate in extreme temperatures, you fall under severe duty. Drop the interval to 4,000–5,000 miles for gas engines, and 7,500 miles (or 500 engine hours) for the Cummins.

Never exceed 12 months without an oil change, regardless of mileage.

Drain plug torque

Properly torquing your drain plug prevents stripped threads in the oil pan and annoying driveway leaks.

• Gasoline Engines (5.7L / 6.4L): 25 ft-lbs (34 Nm).
• Diesel Engine (6.7L): 37 ft-lbs (50 Nm).

Always inspect the drain plug seal. The Cummins drain plug features a built-in O-ring seal, while gas models may use an integrated rubber gasket. If the rubber is torn, flattened, or brittle, replace the plug or the seal before reinstalling.

How to change the oil

1. Prepare: Park on a level surface, engage the parking brake, and let the engine cool slightly so the oil is warm but not scalding.
2. Drain the oil: Place a large-capacity catch pan under the oil pan (ensure it holds at least 4 gallons if you have the Cummins!). Remove the drain plug and let it drain completely.
3. Replace the filter: Locate the oil filter. For the Cummins, access it from the passenger side wheel well or underneath. Remove the old filter.
4. Prep the new filter: Pre-fill the new filter about halfway with fresh oil (especially crucial on the Cummins) and lubricate the rubber O-ring with a dab of clean oil. Thread it on by hand until it makes contact, then give it a 3/4 turn. Do not use a wrench to tighten.
5. Reinstall drain plug: Install the drain plug to the correct torque specification.
6. Refill and check: Add the correct amount and type of oil. Start the engine, check for leaks, and let it run for a minute. Shut it off, wait five minutes, and verify the oil level on the dipstick.
7. Reset the light: Reset your dashboard oil life monitor.

Common issues / tips

• Cummins Filter Access: On the 6.7L, removing the oil filter from the bottom can be messy. Use an oil filter plug tool (which threads into the top of the filter) or a large zip-loc bag over the filter before unscrewing it to prevent oil from spilling all over the steering linkage.
• HEMI Tick: The 5.7L and 6.4L are notorious for valvetrain noise, often referred to as the "HEMI tick." Using high-quality synthetic oil that strictly meets Chrysler’s MS-specifications and avoiding cheap filters with poor anti-drain back valves can help minimize dry starts and valvetrain wear.
• Fuel Filter Reminder: For diesel owners, don't forget that the 6.7L has two fuel filters (one under the hood, one near the rear axle). It's a best practice to change them every 15,000 miles, making every other oil change a great time to swap them out.

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