2015 Ram 3500 Oil Capacity & Filter

The 2015 Ram 3500 with the 6.7L Cummins diesel engine takes 12.0 quarts (11.4 liters) of oil with a filter change.

Quick Answer

• Oil Capacity: 12.0 quarts (11.4 liters) with filter
• Recommended Oil Weight: 15W-40 for temperatures above 0°F (-18°C) or 5W-40 synthetic for temperatures below 0°F (-18°C).
• Oil Specification: API CJ-4 or CES 20081.
• Oil Filter Part Numbers:
  • OEM (Mopar): 68157291AA
  • Fram: PH11693
  • Wix: 57620XE
  • Mobil 1: M1-403A

Capacity by Engine Option

For the 2015 model year, the Ram 3500 came standard with the 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel. There were no other engine options from the factory for this specific model year.

Oil Change Interval

The 2015 Ram 3500 is equipped with an oil change indicator system that will alert you when service is due. However, the maximum recommended interval varies based on your driving conditions.

• Normal Duty: Do not exceed 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first. Normal duty assumes primarily highway driving in moderate conditions without significant loads or idling.
• Severe Duty: Service should be performed every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months. Severe duty includes frequent towing (especially over 10,000 lbs), operating in dusty or off-road conditions, excessive idling (as often seen on work sites), and making many short trips where the engine does not fully warm up.

Drain Plug Torque

When reinstalling the oil drain plug, it's critical to tighten it to the correct specification to avoid leaks or damage to the oil pan.

• Drain Plug Torque: 37 ft-lbs (50 N·m)
• Crush Washer: It is always best practice to use a new drain plug gasket or crush washer with every oil change to ensure a proper seal. Consult your dealer for the specific part number.

How to Change the Oil

Changing the oil on your 6.7L Cummins is a straightforward process for the DIY mechanic. Always consult your owner's manual and use proper safety equipment.

1. Warm Up Engine: Run the engine for a few minutes to warm the oil, which helps it drain more completely.
2. Position & Drain: Park on a level surface, shut off the engine, and place a drain pan under the oil pan. Remove the drain plug and allow the oil to drain completely.
3. Replace Filter: Locate the oil filter. Place the drain pan underneath it, as it will spill some oil. Unscrew the old filter. Lightly lubricate the gasket of the new filter with fresh engine oil before spinning it on. Hand-tighten the filter until the gasket makes contact, then tighten it an additional three-quarters to one full turn.
4. Reinstall Plug: Wipe the drain plug area clean. Install the drain plug with a new crush washer and torque it to 37 ft-lbs.
5. Refill Oil: Add 12 quarts of the correct specification and viscosity oil through the oil fill cap on the valve cover.
6. Check Level: Start the engine and let it run for a minute to circulate the new oil. Shut it off, wait 5-10 minutes for the oil to settle back into the pan, and then check the dipstick. Add oil if necessary to bring the level to the "Full" mark.
7. Reset Light: Reset the oil change indicator light through your vehicle's instrument cluster menu.

Common Issues / Tips

• Filter Pre-Filing: There is much debate about pre-filling the large oil filter on the 6.7L Cummins. While some mechanics prefer to, Cummins does not officially require it. The engine's high-volume oil pump is designed to prime the system quickly. If you do pre-fill, only add about one quart to avoid a messy installation.
• Overtightening the Filter: The spin-on oil filter is large, and it can be tempting to overtighten it, especially using a filter wrench. This can damage the gasket and make removal extremely difficult. Follow the "hand-tighten plus 3/4 turn" rule for a proper seal.
• Fuel Dilution: The 6.7L Cummins can be prone to fuel dilution of the engine oil, especially in trucks that undergo frequent DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) regeneration cycles. This is more common in trucks that are driven for short distances or idle extensively. If you notice your oil level increasing over time or smell diesel fuel on the dipstick, it is a sign that you should shorten your oil change interval and have the fuel system inspected.

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