2020 Ram 3500 — Oil Capacity & Filter

The 2020 Ram 3500 takes 12.0 quarts (11.4 liters) of oil with filter for the 6.7L Cummins diesel and 7.0 quarts (6.6 liters) with filter for the 6.4L HEMI gas engine.

Quick answer

• Oil capacity (with filter):
  • 6.7L Cummins I-6 turbo diesel: 12.0 qt (11.4 L)
  • 6.4L HEMI V8 gas: 7.0 qt (6.6 L)
• Recommended oil weight/viscosity:
  • Diesel: 10W-30 for most climates; 5W-40 full synthetic for heavy towing/hot operation or cold climates
  • Gas: 0W-40 full synthetic
• Oil type/spec:
  • Diesel: API CK-4; also meets Cummins CES 20086
  • Gas: FCA/Chrysler MS-12633; API SN/SN Plus or newer
• Oil filter part numbers:
  • 6.7L Cummins: OEM Mopar: consult dealer (Fleetguard LF16035 equivalent). Aftermarket: Fram XG3976A; WIX 57620
  • 6.4L HEMI: OEM Mopar: consult dealer. Aftermarket: Fram XG10060; WIX 57060

Capacity by engine option

Oil change interval

• 6.7L Cummins diesel
  • Normal service: Up to 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months, as indicated by the oil life monitor, using API CK-4 oil
  • Severe service (frequent towing, extensive idling, dusty/off-road, or running B20 biodiesel): 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months; follow the oil life monitor if it calls sooner
• 6.4L HEMI gas
  • Normal service: Typically 8,000–10,000 miles (13,000–16,000 km) or 12 months per oil life monitor
  • Severe service (heavy towing, short-trip/idle, dusty): 4,000–5,000 miles (6,500–8,000 km) or 6 months

Tip: Always defer to the truck’s oil life monitor and owner’s manual for final interval guidance based on operating conditions.

Drain plug torque

• 6.7L Cummins: 37 lb-ft (50 N·m)
• 6.4L HEMI: 25 lb-ft (34 N·m)

Crush washer note: Replace the sealing washer if your plug uses a separate crush/gasket washer. Some plugs use an integrated rubber-coated washer—inspect and replace the plug/washer assembly if damaged or leaking.

How to change the oil

1. Warm the engine to operating temperature, then shut off and allow a few minutes for oil to settle.
2. Raise and support the truck safely if needed; remove any skid plate/air dam that obstructs access.
3. Place a large drain pan (diesel needs room for 12 qt). Remove the drain plug and let oil drain completely.
4. Remove the oil filter. On the Cummins, consider a bag or foil around the filter area to catch runoff. Lightly pre-fill the new diesel filter (if mounted vertically) and oil the gasket; on the HEMI, just oil the gasket.
5. Install the new filter hand-tight per the filter label (usually 3/4–1 turn after gasket contact).
6. Reinstall the drain plug with a new washer (if applicable) and torque to spec.
7. Fill the engine with:
   • Cummins: Start with ~11 qt, then top off to 12.0 qt as needed
   • HEMI: Start with ~6.5 qt, then top off to 7.0 qt as needed
8. Start the engine, check for leaks, then shut down and recheck level after a few minutes. Adjust to the upper cross-hatch of the dipstick without overfilling.
9. Reset the oil life monitor.

Common issues / tips for this generation

• 6.7L Cummins oil selection: Ram/Cummins endorse 10W-30 CK-4 for most ambient temps to aid fuel economy; switch to 5W-40 full synthetic for heavy towing, sustained high load, or very cold starts. Ensure the label states API CK-4 and (ideally) Cummins CES 20086.
• Diesel interval reductions with biodiesel: If running up to B20, plan shorter intervals (often ~7,500 miles) and monitor oil level/condition due to possible fuel dilution.
• Fill strategy: Many owners find starting 1 quart short, then topping up after the first run, helps avoid slight overfill on both engines.
• 6.4L HEMI lifter/tick complaints: Using the specified 0W-40 full synthetic and keeping oil at the correct level can help minimize valvetrain noise; avoid thicker grades not approved by FCA.
• Skid plate and splash shields: 4x4 and upfit configurations may require shield removal; reinstall with proper fastener torque to prevent rattles.
• Filter access mess control (Cummins): Use rags or a catch bag when loosening the filter—its location can lead to spills.

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