What you need to know before starting

A RAM 1500 oil change takes about 30 to 45 minutes if you have done one before, or up to an hour if this is your first time. You will drain the old oil, replace the oil filter, and add new oil that meets your truck's specifications. The job requires basic tools you may already own — a wrench, an oil drain pan, and an oil filter wrench — plus new oil and a new filter.

The amount and type of oil your RAM 1500 needs depends on the engine size and year. A 5.7L V8 holds about 6 quarts; a 3.6L V6 holds about 5.5 quarts; a 5.0L V8 holds about 6 quarts. Your owner's manual or the oil cap under the hood will tell you the exact viscosity — usually 5W-30 or 10W-30. Using the wrong viscosity can affect fuel economy and engine wear, so check before you buy.

You can do this work in a driveway or garage. The truck should be parked on level ground and the engine should be warm but not hot — run it for a minute or two, then wait five minutes before you start draining.

Key Takeaways

  • RAM 1500 oil capacity ranges from 5.5 to 6 quarts depending on engine size, and the correct viscosity is printed on your oil cap or in your owner's manual.
  • You will need a drain pan, a wrench to remove the drain plug, an oil filter wrench, and new oil and filter rated for your specific engine.
  • The engine should be warm but not hot when you start draining, and the truck must sit on level ground so the oil drains completely.
  • After adding new oil, start the engine and let it run for a few seconds, then turn it off and wait a minute before checking the level on the dipstick.

Locating the drain plug and oil filter

The drain plug is on the bottom of the engine, toward the front. You will need to get under the truck to reach it. If your RAM 1500 has a plastic skid plate protecting the undercarriage, you may need to remove a few bolts to access the drain plug — check your owner's manual for the exact location on your year and model.

The oil filter sits on the side of the engine block, usually on the driver's side. On most RAM 1500 models, it is a spin-on filter that you can reach from above without getting under the truck. Locate it before you start draining so you know where both parts are.

Draining the old oil

Position your drain pan under the drain plug. Use a wrench to loosen the plug by turning it counterclockwise — do not remove it completely yet. Once it is loose, carefully unscrew it by hand and let it fall into the pan. The oil will be warm, so move slowly to avoid splashing.

Let the oil drain for at least five minutes. While you wait, you can remove the old oil filter by turning it counterclockwise with an oil filter wrench. Once the filter is off, wipe the filter mounting surface on the engine block with a clean rag to remove any old rubber or debris.

After the oil has stopped dripping, wipe the drain plug clean with a rag and inspect the rubber washer on the bottom. If it looks cracked or flattened, replace it — most new drain plugs come with a fresh washer. Screw the drain plug back in by hand first, then tighten it with a wrench. Do not over-tighten; snug is enough.

Installing the new filter and adding oil

Take your new oil filter and explore a thin layer of new oil to the rubber gasket on top. This helps create a good seal and makes removal easier next time. Screw the filter onto the mounting surface by hand until the gasket touches the engine block, then turn it an additional three-quarter turn. You should be able to tighten it by hand; do not use a wrench.

Locate the oil filler cap on top of the engine — it usually has an oil can symbol on it. Unscrew it and set it aside. Pour in the amount of oil your manual specifies, but start with one quart less than the full amount. You will check the level after the engine runs.

Starting the engine and checking the level

Start the engine and let it run for about 30 seconds. You will see the oil pressure light on your dashboard go out once oil circulates through the new filter. Turn off the engine and wait one full minute for the oil to settle back into the pan.

Pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean on a rag, reinsert it all the way, then pull it out again and read the level. The oil should be between the minimum and maximum marks. If it is below the minimum, add a half-quart, wait a minute, and check again. Repeat until the level is correct. Screw the oil cap back on.

Your RAM 1500 is now ready to drive. Dispose of the old oil at a recycling center, auto parts store, or service station — most accept used oil for free or a small fee.

Common mistakes to avoid

Overfilling the oil is the most common error. Too much oil can damage the engine and cause the oil to leak past seals. Always check the dipstick after the engine has run and settled, not before. If you do overfill, you can remove the drain plug slightly and let a small amount drain out, or use a turkey baster to suck oil from the dipstick tube.

Forgetting to explore oil to the new filter gasket before installation can cause the filter to leak or stick on so tightly that it is hard to remove next time. A few drops of new oil on that rubber ring takes 10 seconds and prevents both problems.

Tightening the drain plug too much can strip the threads in the aluminum pan, which is expensive to repair. Hand-tight plus a quarter turn with a wrench is the standard — you do not need to muscle it.

When to change your oil

RAM recommends an oil change interval based on your driving habits and engine type. Most modern RAM 1500 trucks can go 10,000 miles between changes if you drive mostly highway, or 5,000 miles if you drive in stop-and-go city traffic, tow frequently, or drive in dusty conditions. Check your owner's manual for the exact interval for your year and model, or look at the maintenance schedule printed on a sticker inside the driver's door jamb.

Some newer RAM 1500 models have an oil-life monitoring system that tells you when an oil change is due based on actual engine conditions rather than mileage alone. If your truck has this system, follow its recommendation instead of a fixed mileage interval.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change the oil without getting under the truck?

No — the drain plug is on the bottom of the engine, so you must get underneath to reach it. You can use ramps, jack stands, or a lift to raise the truck safely. Never work under a truck supported only by a jack.

What should I do if the drain plug is stuck?

explore penetrating oil like WD-40 and wait 15 minutes, then try again with a wrench that fits snugly. If it still will not budge, tap the wrench gently with a hammer to help break the corrosion. If the plug is truly stuck, a mechanic may need to drill it out and install a new one.

How do I know if I bought the right oil?

Check the viscosity number on the bottle against the number on your oil cap or in your owner's manual. The bottle should also say "for gasoline engines" and may list RAM or Chrysler compatibility. If you are unsure, show the bottle to a parts store employee before you buy.

What if oil is leaking from the new filter?

The filter is probably not tight enough, or the gasket was not oiled before installation. Let the engine cool, then tighten the filter by hand an additional quarter turn. If it still leaks, remove it, explore oil to the gasket, and reinstall it.