How to Change Oil on Dodge RAM 1500/2500 5.7L HEMI

This article provides a step-by-step guide on how to change the engine oil in a Dodge RAM 1500/2500 with a 5.7L HEMI engine. It covers everything from preparing your tools and ensuring your vehicle is on a level surface to safely draining the old oil, replacing the oil filter, and adding new oil. The guide also includes tips on proper disposal of old oil, resetting the engine oil life indicator, and keeping maintenance records. By following these instructions, you can perform an effective and safe oil change, ensuring your truck’s engine runs smoothly.

First and foremost, let’s get straight to the point: what you’ll need. Please note that these are just recommendations aimed at making your life easier and helping you find the best prices (at least at the time of this research). Ensure you have the correct oil—5W-20 full synthetic is recommended by the manufacturer for this model, but please double-check that it’s the right one for your vehicle. You can shop around for these items yourself, and if you have a Costco membership, Kirkland offers a good deal on engine oil!

** If you don’t have any tools, consider buying a kit with the wrench and sockets instead of purchasing everything separately. **

You might need this if you don’t have enough clearance to get under your RAM. For this, we recommend researching the appropriate tool based on your vehicle’s weight. However, most trucks have enough height to allow you to work underneath without additional tools, which makes the job easier.

You don’t need this, but if you’d like, you can use a torque wrench set to 25 ft-lb to tighten the engine oil pan bolt.

Now the action:

This process should be done on a level surface!

It’s generally recommended to let the engine cool down for at least 20 to 30 minutes before changing the oil. This cooling period ensures that the oil is not too hot to handle and that it has had enough time to drain back into the oil pan, making the oil change more effective and safer.

If the engine has been running for a long time or at high temperatures, it may be safer to wait up to an hour to ensure it’s cool enough to avoid burns.

Ensure your vehicle is off, in park, and with the parking brake engaged. Open the hood latch underneath the steering wheel, exit your vehicle, and pop the hood open.

While you wait for your engine to cool down, start by placing the cardboard under the vehicle and positioning the drain pan underneath the oil pan.

The oil pan bolt is under your vehicle, distinct from the transmission fluid pan.

Avoid confusing the two to ensure a proper oil change.

Check the video below to help you locate the correct engine oil bolt and pan, with the exact timestamp provided for your convenience.

Once your old engine oil is just dripping into the drain pan, go ahead and hand-tighten the bolt. Use a rag to clean the bolt before using your wrench to tighten it.

Set the torque wrench to 25 ft-lb if you have one. If not, tighten it reasonably well and test it later. If it’s not dripping, then you’re good to go. Make sure to check it routinely to ensure everything is in order.

Take the oil reservoir and pour the old engine oil from the drain pan into this container for proper disposal at your nearest station. You can search on Google to find one nearby. O’Reilly and AutoZone usually offer this service.

After securing the engine oil pan bolt, it’s time to change the oil filter.

Go ahead and unscrew the old oil filter by hand. Be sure to place the cardboard and drain pan underneath to catch any spills. Protect yourself and your face from the oil or the filter falling on you. The oil will likely get on your hands, so you may want to wear gloves for this part.

Check if the rubber gasket came off with the filter; if not, you’ll need to remove it from its original spot.

Check out the video below to help you locate the engine oil filter:

Once you’ve removed the old oil filter, it’s time to install the new one.

Using your finger, take some of the old oil from the drain pan and apply it around the top part of the new filter to lubricate the seal and prevent any leaks, as shown in the video clip below.

Now you can hand-tighten the new oil filter and clean up any areas where oil may have dripped.

Go to the front of your RAM and, with the hood open, locate the engine oil cap and remove it. (You can usually find the manufacturer’s oil type specification, such as ‘5W-20,’ on the cap.)

Start by placing the funnel and adding the new engine oil. You’ll need about 7 quarts, so start by adding one full 5-quart container.

Pour in the second container gradually, checking the dipstick to reach the correct oil level.

Keep adding oil until you achieve the right amount.

Please be cautious not to add more than the dipstick’s recommended oil level, or you’ll have to drain the excess oil again!

After checking your dipstick, if the oil is at the correct mark, reinsert the dipstick and ensure the oil fill cap is clean before putting it back on.

Start your RAM for a few seconds, then turn it off and check the dipstick again.

The oil level may drop, as the oil fills the system and the filter when the engine is running. If needed, add more oil and repeat this process until you get the correct reading.

Make sure to do this on a level surface!

If you’ve made it this far, congratulations! Now you can close everything up. Go inside your cab, turn the key to the ‘run’ position, and press the gas pedal three times to reset your engine oil life indicator.

Now that everything is done, write down your mileage and the type of engine oil you used. This way, you can keep track of your maintenance records, which can improve your vehicle’s resale value and help you know when the next oil change is due.

The recommended oil change interval is typically between 7,500 to 10,000 miles or every 6 to 12 months, whichever comes first.

However, the actual interval can vary depending on your driving conditions:

• Normal Driving Conditions: If your driving mostly consists of highway driving at moderate speeds, you can aim for the higher end of the range, closer to 10,000 miles.

• Severe Driving Conditions: If you frequently drive in stop-and-go traffic, tow heavy loads, drive in extreme temperatures, or take short trips where the engine doesn’t fully warm up, you should consider changing the oil closer to 7,500 miles.

Changing the engine oil in your Dodge RAM 1500/2500 5.7L HEMI is a straightforward process that can save you time and money while ensuring your truck runs smoothly. By following the steps outlined in this guide—preparing the necessary tools, safely draining the old oil, replacing the oil filter, and adding the right amount of new oil—you can maintain your vehicle’s performance and extend its life.

Don’t forget to properly dispose of the old oil, reset your engine oil life indicator, and keep a record of your maintenance. Regular oil changes are essential for keeping your engine in top condition, so stay on top of this important task.

If you found this guide helpful, please share it with others, and feel free to leave a comment with any feedback or questions!

If you find this overwhelming and decide you need help, we’re here for you. Our professionals are highly trained and experienced, ensuring a quick and top-quality oil change for your Dodge RAM, giving you peace of mind on the road.

Set up an appointment with us today for a RAM oil change!