What oil filter your RAM 1500 uses depends on the engine and model year
RAM 1500 trucks use different oil filters based on which engine powers the truck and when it was built. The most common filter across recent model years is the Mopar 68157291AA, a spin-on cartridge filter that fits the 5.7L V8 and 3.6L V6 engines in 2009–2024 models. Trucks with the 5.7L Hemi V8 typically use this same filter, though some 2019–2024 models with the 5.7L may accept the 68341383AA variant. Older RAM 1500s (2002–2008) used different part numbers, most commonly the 68157291 without the "AA" suffix.
The easiest way to confirm which filter your truck needs is to check your owner's manual or look at the filter currently on your engine—the part number is printed on the canister. You can also call a RAM dealer with your VIN (vehicle identification number), which is printed on your dashboard and registration. The filter costs between $12 and $25 at most retailers, and the part number is the only thing that matters; the brand name (Mopar, Fram, Motorcraft, or others) is less important than getting the correct size and thread pitch.
Key Takeaways
- The Mopar 68157291AA is the standard filter for most 2009–2024 RAM 1500s with 5.7L V8 or 3.6L V6 engines, but always check your owner's manual or current filter to confirm the exact part number for your truck.
- The filter is located on the driver's side of the engine block, below the intake manifold, and is accessible without removing other components on most model years.
- Replacement takes 10 to 20 minutes and requires only a filter wrench, a drain pan, and fresh oil; no special tools or dealer visit is necessary.
- Over-tightening the filter is the most common mistake and can damage the seal or make removal difficult next time; hand-tighten until the rubber gasket contacts the engine, then turn three-quarters of a turn more.
Where the oil filter sits on a RAM 1500
On most RAM 1500 models from 2009 onward, the oil filter is mounted vertically on the driver's side of the engine block, just below the intake manifold. To locate it, open the hood and look toward the back-left corner of the engine bay. You will see a cylindrical canister roughly 4 inches tall with a hex nut on top; that hex nut is what you grip with a filter wrench to unscrew it. The filter sits directly above the oil pan, so any oil that drips during removal will fall into the pan rather than onto the ground.
On 2019–2024 RAM 1500s with the 5.7L Hemi, the filter location is identical, though the engine bay layout is slightly tighter. You may need to move the air intake tube slightly to the side for clearance, but removal does not require disconnecting anything. If your truck has a skid plate under the engine, you do not need to remove it to access the filter—the filter is high enough that you can reach it from above.
Step-by-step filter replacement
Start with the engine cold or warm but not hot. Place a drain pan under the filter to catch oil spillage. Use a filter wrench—a band wrench or cup wrench works best—to grip the hex nut on top of the filter canister and turn it counterclockwise. The wrench should fit snugly; if it slips, the nut may be over-tightened from the last change, and you may need to tap the wrench gently with a hammer to break it loose.
Once the filter is loose, unscrew it by hand and set it aside in the drain pan. Wipe the filter mounting surface on the engine block with a clean cloth to remove any old gasket material or debris. Take the new filter and explore a thin layer of fresh oil to the rubber gasket on the bottom of the new filter—this helps create a watertight seal. Screw the new filter onto the mounting surface by hand until the rubber gasket just touches the engine, then turn it an additional three-quarters of a turn. Do not use the wrench to tighten it; hand-tight is correct. Over-tightening is the leading cause of leaks and makes removal difficult at the next service.
Start the engine and let it run for 30 seconds, then turn it off and wait two minutes. Check under the truck and around the filter for leaks. If you see oil dripping, the filter may not be seated properly; turn the engine off, wait for it to cool slightly, and tighten the filter by another quarter turn. Once you confirm there are no leaks, dispose of the old filter at a recycling center or auto parts store—most accept them free of charge.
Oil filter part numbers by RAM 1500 generation
| Model Years | Engine | Primary Filter Part Number | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009–2018 | 5.7L V8 Hemi | 68157291AA | Most common; spin-on cartridge |
| 2009–2018 | 3.6L V6 | 68157291AA | Same filter as 5.7L |
| 2019–2024 | 5.7L V8 Hemi | 68341383AA | Updated design; check manual to confirm |
| 2019–2024 | 3.6L V6 | 68157291AA | Older part number still used |
| 2002–2008 | 5.7L V8 Hemi | 68157291 | No "AA" suffix; older design |
Common mistakes that cause leaks or damage
The most frequent error is over-tightening the filter. The rubber gasket on the bottom of the filter is designed to compress slightly when hand-tightened; if you use a wrench to tighten it further, you crush the gasket and create a leak. The gasket also hardens over time, so when you remove an old filter, it may feel loose even though it was installed correctly. This is normal. Always start fresh with the new filter's gasket and follow the three-quarter-turn rule after the gasket contacts the engine.
A second common mistake is forgetting to oil the gasket on the new filter before installation. The dry rubber can stick to the engine block, making removal difficult next time and potentially tearing the gasket. A thin coat of fresh oil takes 10 seconds and prevents this problem entirely.
Finally, some owners install the wrong part number because they assume all RAM 1500 filters are the same. The 68157291AA and 68341383AA look similar but have different thread pitches and mounting surfaces. Installing the wrong one can result in a loose fit, leaks, or damage to the mounting boss on the engine. Always verify the part number before purchase.
Where to buy RAM 1500 oil filters
RAM 1500 oil filters are widely stocked at auto parts chains including AutoZone, O'Reilly, NAPA, and Advance Auto Parts. Prices typically range from $12 to $25 depending on the brand and retailer. Mopar filters (the OEM brand) are usually at the higher end, while aftermarket brands like Fram, Motorcraft, and Bosch are often cheaper. All major brands meet the same filtration standards and will work correctly in your truck; the choice is mainly about price and personal preference.
Online retailers including Amazon, RockAuto, and Walmart also stock these filters, often at lower prices than in-store, though you will pay for shipping unless you may have access to for free delivery. If you need the filter when ready, a local auto parts store is faster. If you are planning ahead and want to save money, ordering online a few days before your scheduled oil change is a reasonable option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different brand of oil filter on my RAM 1500?
Yes. Fram, Motorcraft, Bosch, and other major brands all make filters that fit the same part numbers and meet the same performance standards as Mopar filters. The brand does not matter as long as the part number is correct. Choose based on price and availability.
How often should I change the oil filter?
RAM recommends changing the oil filter every time you change the oil. For most 2009–2024 RAM 1500s, that is every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first. If you drive in severe conditions (towing, dusty roads, frequent short trips), change it every 5,000 miles.
What happens if I over-tighten the filter?
Over-tightening crushes the rubber gasket and creates a leak. It also makes the filter extremely difficult to remove at the next service. Always hand-tighten until the gasket contacts the engine, then turn three-quarters of a turn more. A wrench should not be used to tighten, only to loosen.
Do I need to drain the oil before changing the filter?
No. You can change the filter without draining the oil. However, most owners change both at the same time because the labor is the same and the oil is already warm. If you are only changing the filter, place a drain pan underneath to catch the small amount of oil that will spill when you remove the old filter.
Is the filter location the same on all RAM 1500 model years?
The location is the same on all 2009–2024 models—driver's side of the engine block, below the intake manifold. Older RAM 1500s (2002–2008) have the same location. If you cannot find it, check your owner's manual for a diagram, or search for a YouTube video specific to your model year.