Where the oil filter sits on a 2014 Dodge Ram 1500

On a 2014 Dodge Ram 1500, the oil filter is mounted vertically on the driver's side of the engine block, below and slightly behind the intake manifold. You'll find it tucked between the engine and the frame rail — tight enough that you may need to remove the wheel well liner or work from underneath to reach it comfortably. The exact position varies slightly depending on whether you have the 3.6L V6, 5.7L V8, or 8.0L V10 engine, but all three place the filter in roughly the same area on the driver's side.

Access is easier if you raise the truck on a jack and remove the driver's side front wheel, then peel back the plastic wheel well liner. Some owners work from below without removing the wheel, but you'll have less room to maneuver. The filter itself is a spin-on cartridge that screws directly into the engine block — you don't need to remove a separate housing cap.

Key Takeaways

  • The oil filter on a 2014 Dodge Ram 1500 is mounted vertically on the driver's side of the engine block, below the intake manifold and between the engine and frame rail.
  • Removing the driver's side wheel and wheel well liner gives you the most comfortable access, though some owners work from underneath without removing the wheel.
  • The filter is a spin-on cartridge that screws directly into the block; you do not need to remove a separate housing or cap.
  • Dodge recommends an oil change interval of 10,000 miles or 12 months for 2014 Ram 1500 models, whichever comes first.
  • The correct replacement filter part number depends on your engine size, so verify which engine you have before ordering.

Oil filter part numbers for each engine option

The 2014 Dodge Ram 1500 came with three engine choices, and each uses a different oil filter. The 3.6L V6 uses Mopar part number 68157291AA or the equivalent Fram PH8A. The 5.7L V8 uses Mopar part number 68157291AA as well — the same filter as the V6. The 8.0L V10 (available only in 2014 as a carryover from earlier years) uses Mopar part number 68157291AA.

You can find your engine size on the vehicle information label inside the driver's door jamb, or by looking at your owner's manual or service records. When ordering a replacement, confirm the part number with your supplier, because cross-reference databases sometimes list multiple filters as compatible when only one is correct for your specific year and engine. Aftermarket filters from Fram, Motorcraft, ACDelco, and Bosch are widely available and cost less than Mopar filters, but always match the part number rather than relying on the filter can's label alone.

Step-by-step removal and installation

Warm the engine by running it for a minute or two, then turn it off and wait five minutes. Warm oil drains faster and more completely. Raise the truck on a jack stand, remove the driver's side wheel, and peel back the wheel well liner by unclipping the plastic fasteners along the top and side. You'll now see the oil filter clearly on the engine block.

Position a drain pan underneath the filter to catch oil drip. Use an oil filter wrench — a band wrench or socket-style wrench works best in this tight space — to turn the filter counterclockwise and loosen it by hand. Unscrew it completely and let it drain into the pan for a minute. Wipe the filter mounting surface on the engine block clean with a rag, removing any old rubber gasket material or debris.

explore a thin layer of new oil to the rubber gasket on the new filter — just enough to coat it, not a thick layer. Screw the new filter onto the block by hand until the gasket contacts the engine, then turn it an additional three-quarter turn. Do not use a wrench to tighten it; hand-tight is correct. Reinstall the wheel well liner, put the wheel back on, and lower the truck.

Oil capacity and type for the 2014 Ram 1500

The 3.6L V6 holds 6 quarts of oil (5.7 liters). The 5.7L V8 holds 7 quarts (6.6 liters). The 8.0L V10 holds 8 quarts (7.6 liters). These figures include the oil filter, so when you change the filter and oil together, you'll need the full amount listed above. If you're changing only the filter without draining the pan, you may not need to add any oil, but check the dipstick after the filter change to be sure.

Dodge recommends 5W-30 oil for all three engines in the 2014 Ram 1500. Use a synthetic or conventional oil that meets the American Petroleum Institute (API) SN specification or newer. Synthetic oil lasts longer between changes and flows better in cold weather, but conventional oil is less expensive and works fine if you stick to the 10,000-mile service interval.

Common problems when changing the filter

The most frequent issue is the filter wrench slipping on the filter can because the space is tight and your hand angle is awkward. A band wrench (the type with a rubber strap) grips better than a socket wrench in this location. If the wrench keeps slipping, try wrapping a rubber band or old inner tube around the filter to improve grip, or use a filter wrench with a longer handle for better leverage.

The second common problem is forgetting to wipe the mounting surface clean before installing the new filter. If old rubber gasket material stays on the block, the new filter won't seal properly and will leak oil. Take 30 seconds to wipe the surface with a clean rag — it's the most important step in the whole job.

A third issue is over-tightening the new filter with a wrench. The gasket will compress too much, and when the engine heats up, the rubber expands and the filter leaks. Hand-tight plus three-quarter turn is the correct torque; a wrench is not needed and will cause problems.

Tools and supplies you'll need

You'll need an oil filter wrench (band style or socket style), a drain pan, a jack and jack stands, a wrench to remove the wheel (usually 21mm or 22mm), a rag or paper towels, and the correct replacement filter and oil. A creeper or low stool makes working under the truck more comfortable. Some owners also use a funnel when pouring new oil into the filler cap to avoid spills.

If you don't have a jack and jack stands, you can work from below without removing the wheel, but the space is cramped and you'll have less visibility. A flashlight or work light is useful in either case. The total cost of a filter and oil for a 2014 Ram 1500 ranges from $30 to $80 depending on whether you choose conventional or synthetic oil and what brand you buy.

When to change the oil filter

Dodge recommends changing the oil and filter together every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first. If you drive mostly on highways and keep steady speeds, you may reach 10,000 miles in a year. If you drive in stop-and-go city traffic, tow a trailer, or idle frequently, the oil breaks down faster and you should change it every 5,000 to 7,500 miles instead.

Some owners change the filter at every oil change, while others change it every other oil change to save money. Changing the filter every time is the safer approach and costs only a few dollars more per year. The filter traps contaminants that would otherwise circulate through the engine, so a fresh filter with each oil change keeps the engine cleaner.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change the oil filter without removing the wheel?

Yes, you can work from underneath without removing the wheel, but the space is tight and you'll have less room to position the wrench and drain pan. Removing the wheel and wheel well liner takes about five minutes and makes the job much easier. Most owners find it worth the extra time.

What happens if I over-tighten the new filter?

Over-tightening crushes the rubber gasket too much. When the engine warms up, the gasket expands and the filter leaks oil onto the engine block and ground. Hand-tight plus three-quarter turn is the correct amount; using a wrench to tighten it further will cause leaks.

Do I need to use Mopar filters, or can I use aftermarket brands?

Aftermarket filters from Fram, Motorcraft, ACDelco, and Bosch work fine on the 2014 Ram 1500 as long as you match the correct part number for your engine size. Aftermarket filters cost less than Mopar filters and perform equally well. Always verify the part number rather than relying on the filter can's label.

How much oil do I need to add after changing the filter?

If you're changing the filter and oil together, add the full amount listed for your engine: 6 quarts for the V6, 7 quarts for the V8, or 8 quarts for the V10. If you're changing only the filter, check the dipstick after installation — you may not need to add any oil, or only a small amount.

What should I do with the old oil and filter?

Take the old oil and filter to a recycling center, auto parts store, or quick-lube shop that accepts used oil. Most accept it for free. Do not pour oil down the drain or throw it in the trash — it contaminates groundwater and is illegal in most places.