When shopping for Ram 1500 engine oils, many owners wonder what type of oil specification their model uses. Blauparts is here to help! In this blog article, we've put together a Ram 1500 oil specification application list or guide to help you determine the correct Ram engine oil spec and OEM-approved oil you need when changing your Ram 1500 engine oil. We offer a full line of premium OEM-approved Ram oils and our convenient oil change kits that include the necessary quantity of oil, oil specification, oil filter, and hardware.
With our long history as an independent service garage with over 30 years of hands-on experience in automotive service, we've seen many mechanical breakdowns on vehicles. Experience has shown that changing your oils and fluids is the most crucial preventive maintenance routine to avoid vehicle breakdowns. Regular oil change intervals and using high-quality OEM-approved engine oils can significantly help extend the life of your engine to well over 150,000 miles and beyond.
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DISCLAIMER: The Ram 1500 engine oil information on this page should not be used as a substitute for what your vehicle owner's manual, factory service manual, or authorized Ram dealer recommends. Consult your owner's manual for the correct type of Ram oil that is to be used for your specific Ram model. The Ram oil specifications referenced in the article are used internationally. However, the Ram engine and year applications referenced here apply only to Ram models available in the USA.
What Type of Engine Oil Should I Use In My Ram 1500?
The owner's manual specifies the recommended Ram 1500 oil, specifications, quality standards, and oil viscosity weight. Always consult the vehicle's service/owner's manual to confirm what specific fluids or oils are required for your Ram 1500 model. These specifications can typically be referenced in the owner's manual index under engine oil or operating fluids. If the owner's manual has been lost and it is difficult to determine what type of Ram 1500 oil to use, refer to our BLAU® Ram 1500 Oil Change Kits for the Ram 1500 models, which match the correct Ram oil specification, oil filter, and hardware for each specific Ram 1500 model and engine type.
Recommended Ram 1500 Oil Specifications
Types of Oil Used in Ram 1500 Model Engines
- 2003-2010 Dodge Ram 1500 5.7L Hemi models use Ram Chrysler FCA MS-6395 oil spec with viscosity SAE 5W-20
- 2011-2021 Ram 1500 5.7L Hemi models use Ram Chrysler FCA MS-6395 oil spec with viscosity SAE 5W-20
- 2013-2018 Ram 1500 3.6L V6 Pentastar models use Ram Chrysler FCA MS-6395 oil spec with viscosity SAE 5W-20
- 2019-2021 Ram 1500 3.6L V6 Pentastar models use Ram Chrysler FCA MS-6395 oil spec with viscosity SAE 0W-20
- 2014-2018 Ram 1500 3.0L V6 EcoDiesel models use Ram Chrysler FCA MS-11106 original oil spec*
- 2014-2018 Ram 1500 3.0L V6 EcoDiesel models use Ram Chrysler FCA MS-10902, API CJ-4, or Cummins CES 20081 revised oil spec*
- 2020-2022 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel models use Ram Chrysler FCA MS-12991 oil specification
- 2021-2022 Ram 1500 TRX 6.2L V8 models use Ram Chrysler FCA MS-12633 oil specification or part numbers 68171066CA 68523970CA, 68171066PA, 68171066PB, 68171066PC
* TSB - Motor Oil Specification Update: On 7-20-2016, Ram released a TSB (Technical Service Bulletin) '16-064'. This Bulletin recommends an updated oil specification requirement for the 3.0L V6 EcoDiesel engine. The updated motor oil specs to be used are one of the three Chrysler MS-10902, Cummins CES 20081, or API CJ-4. The RAVENOL NDT 5W40 has all three specs and approvals required by the TSB update. If the original oil specification of Chrysler MS-11106 is still preferred, see the oil change kit see kit J1A8011. For the oil change kit with the updated oil, see kit J1A8012.
Ram 1500 Oil Fill Capacity
It is important not to overfill your engine with oil. The below charts recommend adding 0.5 liters less engine oil than the total oil capacity called for Ram 1500. After changing the oil and filter, start the engine, and run it until it reaches the full operating temperature of approximately 180°F. Typically, it will take around 15 minutes to achieve engine operating temperature. With the vehicle on level ground, wait a minute or two once the engine is shut off. Then, check the dipstick oil level or use the vehicle's onboard Multimedia Interface computer system to check the oil level. Fill the engine to the full mark. This is the correct way to check the engine oil level and avoid overfilling the engine crankcase when performing your Ram 1500 oil change. Following this procedure allows the oil in the engine to warm up and expand so that the dipstick reflects the accurate oil level in the engine. It is also good to ensure your engine and oil are warm before draining because this allows the oil to flow or drain down to the engine's oil pan sump for a more thorough and complete draining of the old engine oil.
Overfilling engine oil is a common mistake. If checking the Ram 1500 oil level when the engine is cold, remember that the oil has not fully expanded and if the oil is topped off to the maximum fill level on the dipstick, the engine will likely be overfilled. If the engine oil is overfilled, the excess oil expands, resulting in excess crankcase pressure, which can make its way into the engine's crankcase ventilation breather hoses, PVC valves, and EGR systems. The excess oil will create above-normal engine crankcase pressure and above-normal oil smog, or mist, known as blowby. The excess blowby can pollute the air the engine is ingesting for combustion and impairs the engine PCV ventilation and the EGR systems. When the engine experiences repeated overfilling, the excess blowby will likely contribute to an oily carbon buildup on the topside of the engine's intake and exhaust valves. Over time, repeated overfilling can also cause oily residue and carbon buildup in expensive emission system components and cause catalytic converters, EGR valves, oxygen sensors, EGT sensors, and engine filters to plug up and fail prematurely.
- 2003-2010 Dodge Ram 1500 5.7L V8 16 valve engine oil fill capacity is 6.6 liters, 6.9 quarts
- 2011-2021 Ram 1500 5.7L V8 16 valve engine oil fill capacity is 6.6 liters, 6.9 quarts
- 2013-2021 Ram 1500 3.6L V6 24 valve engine oil fill capacity is 5.6 liters, 5.9 quarts
- 2014-2018 Ram 1500 3.0L V6 24 valve engine oil fill capacity is EcoDiesel 10 liters, 10.6 quarts
- 2020-2022 Ram 1500 Ecodiesel 3.0L V6 oil fill capacity is 8.0 liters or 8.5 quarts
- 2021-2022 Ram 1500 TRX 6.2L V8 oil fill capacity is 7.0 liters or 7.5 quarts
Ram 1500 Oil Change Interval
The recommended Ram 1500 oil change intervals depend on your truck's exact year and engine option. It is important to keep in mind that from the introduction of the Ram 1500s in the United States to the present, the oil change intervals have had several updates. Below are the current (as of the publishing date of this article) Ram 1500 oil change intervals that are in accordance with engine options and engine types.
- 2003-2021 Ram 1500 Hemi 5.7L 16V recommended engine oil change interval is every 10,000 miles, once a year, or flexible onboard computer oil life light, whichever occurs first. Depending on difficult driving style and conditions, Blauparts recommends an earlier oil change interval, such as 3,000 miles - 6,000 miles or every six months, whichever occurs first.
- 2013-2021 Ram 1500 3.6L 24V V6 Pentastar recommended engine oil change interval is every 10,000 miles, once a year, or flexible onboard computer oil life light, whichever occurs first. Depending on difficult driving style and conditions, Blauparts recommends an earlier oil change interval, such as 3,000 miles - 6,000 miles or every six months, whichever occurs first.
- 2014-2018 Ram 1500 3.0L 24V V6 EcoDiesel recommended engine oil change interval is every 10,000 miles, once a year, or flexible onboard computer oil life light, whichever occurs first. If the truck is used in high or severe load operating conditions, Blauparts recommends an earlier oil change interval, such as 3,000 miles - 6,000 miles.
- 2020-2022 Ram 1500 3.0L EcoDiesel recommended engine oil change interval is every 10,000 miles, once a year, or flexible onboard computer oil life light, whichever occurs first. If the truck is used in high or severe load operating conditions, Blauparts recommends an earlier oil change interval, such as 3,000 miles - 6,000 miles.
- 2021-2022 Ram 1500 TRX 6.0L V8 recommended engine oil change interval is every 6,000 miles, every six months, or flexible onboard computer oil life light, whichever occurs first. If the truck is used in high or severe load operating conditions, Blauparts recommends an earlier oil change interval, such as 3,000 miles.
The above oil change interval recommendations of 10,000 miles or once a year should only be followed with an oil that has the OEM Ram oil quality specifications listed explicitly on the datasheet or oil bottle, along with an OEM oil filter designed for extended 10,000-mile oil change intervals. Using engine oils labeled without the correct Ram oil specification, and using generic aftermarket oil filters, could lead to engine mechanical breakdowns and reliability issues associated with the vehicle's emission system components.
Under certain circumstances, we recommend performing oil change intervals more frequently. If the vehicle is exposed to any of the below-driving conditions, consider changing the engine oil at 3,000 miles - 6,000 miles instead of 10,000 miles. Examples:
- The engine is new and is still going through the break-in period
- The engine is consistently under load and subject to conditions such as commercial use or pulling trailers. Driving at sustained high speeds or in spirited driving conditions
- Consistently using ethanol types of gasoline (premium non-ethanol types of gasoline recommended for extended oil change intervals)
- Driving short distances or stop-and-go intermittent driving where complete engine operating temperature is not reached—especially in cold winter climates
- Running the engine at idle for an extended period
- Drive-in extreme hot summer temperatures for an extended period
Modern synthetic engine oils have motivated some owners to run their oil longer than the recommended change interval or oil change service. However, it is the best practice to stick to the Ram-recommended oil change interval. We feel that the vehicle manufacturers have done due diligence in defining the correct engine oil specification requirements and quality standards, and precisely how many miles an owner should run the oil to ensure the best engine longevity. If you choose to run an oil with an OEM Approval beyond the recommended change interval, it would be a good practice to confirm it can be run safely beyond it, by collecting a sample of your used engine oil. After collecting the sample, you should send it to an oil analysis laboratory so they can analyze and test the oil to confirm it has not broken down, and it is still maintaining its ability to provide maximum lubrication protection for whatever length of oil change interval you may be choosing.
Ram Engine Oil Quality Standards & Oil Specs
Worldwide there has been an increased emphasis for vehicle manufacturers to reduce emissions, minimize their carbon footprint, and improve fuel economy. In the late 1990s to early 22000s Ram or Mopar created and instituted their own internal engine oil quality standard and specification system to ensure optimal engine reliability and longevity. They were put into place to ensure a higher quality level of engine oil would be used in their engines instead of solely relying upon, and specifying the broader, and more general API or ACEA oil quality standards and specifications. Each Ram oil quality specification denoted by letters and numbers signifies the necessary oil profile and chemical properties required for the oil to archive the correct performance level that is required for a specific Ram engine application. It is also important to note, engine oils that have received OEM Ram oil approvals have been tested more extensively than popular “off the shelve” oils, which typically are lower in quality and have a simpler set of oil specification parameters that only cover a broad or general range of lubrication requirements than those developed by Chrysler. Engines and vehicle emission systems that experience mechanical issues or failures can often be linked to consumers using inferior low to mid-quality grade engine oils for a prolonged period. Using the correct OEM-approved Ram oil specification for your engine requirements will offer the best possible performance, protection, and longevity for your engine.
Below is a full list of Ram motor oil specifications for use in the Ram 1500 engines.
Non-Approved Ram 1500 Oil
Conventional petroleum-based blends of motor oils are becoming a thing of the past and should not be used for the best results as noted above. Using conventional motor oils that do not have an OEM-approved Ram engine oil quality standard on the bottle label is very risky and not recommended.
New Ram 1500 engines, fuel injection, and emission system components use an array of unique designs and materials. These engines and components are designed and engineered to operate within exact parameters, tolerances, and performance levels. The long-term use of low-quality generic engine oils that were not specifically designed for your engine could compromise the integrity of the engine and these related components. Always use engine oils that meet the exact Ram oil specification for your specific Ram 1500 engine type. Additionally, using oils that do not meet the correct Ram 1500 oil specification could jeopardize your vehicle's warranty.
Topping Off Ram 1500 Oil
When topping off Ram 1500 engine oil between oil changes, we encourage owners to have an extra liter of the correct Ram specification oil on hand. If experiencing a low engine oil level emergency, having an extra liter of oil will help Ram 1500 owners get through the remainder of the duration of the oil change interval. We discourage mixing oil brands and different types of oil since no two brand oil formulations are alike, especially if the oil does not meet the correct Ram oil specification. Purchasing an extra liter of oil helps ensure you're prepared to use the right oil for topping up, just in case.
What Ram 1500 Oil Should I Use?
Today, more than ever, there are more engine oil brands to choose from than ever before. Everyone seems to have an opinion as to what brand of oil they prefer to use in their Ram 1500. Some choose to purchase a low-cost engine oil since they do not want to spend the money to buy a high-quality engine oil with formal Ram-approved oil quality specifications. Others are unknowingly misled into thinking a name-brand oil is of high quality when it is not. Some name-brand oils are proven to be low-quality by showing signs of breaking down as early as 4,000 - 5,000 miles. The signs of broken-down oil may be increased engine ticking or tapped noise around the 4000-mile mark. Others believe in buying a cheaper motor oil and just changing it sooner. Does that make sense when the manufacturer recommends changing the oil every 8,000 - 10,000 miles? Is it reasonable to pay twice, for 2 cheaper oil changes (including 2x the labor) that last only 5,000 miles each? Or is it more reasonable to buy once, for 1 high-quality oil change (including 1x labor) that will perform better for the entire recommended 10,000-mile oil change interval? When purchasing a high-quality oil engineered to be run for 10,000 miles, money and time will typically be saved in the long run. Using a high-quality oil like Ravenol CleanSynto or USVO, you are getting what you pay for. A superior quality product that is engineered to ensure optimal engine protection throughout the entire oil change interval along with a host of additional benefits as noted below.
If you plan on keeping your Ram 1500 long-term you should be concerned about the benefits your engine receives when using high-quality approved oils for your Ram 1500 engine. They offer better lubricating characteristics and usually do not break down for the entire duration of the oil change interval. Using a cheaper inexpensive oil will typically have a formulation with lower lubricating characteristics and will usually break down before the oil change interval. Remember, oils that have the formal Ram approval on the bottle label meet a higher quality standard. They have been subjected to extensive testing when compared to many popular “off the shelve” oils which typically fall into the category of being lower quality because they only have a basic, general set, of lubrication requirements.
Using a higher-quality engine oil such as RAVENOL is more environmentally responsible. High-quality engine oils like RAVENOL cause engines to emit fewer carbon emissions into the atmosphere and allow for longer oil change intervals without depleted lubricating properties. Because the oil doesn't need to be changed as often, less oil is used, leading to fewer greenhouse gases that are produced from the energy it takes to manufacture the motor oils and the disposal of larger amounts of used oils. Additionally, because oil changes need to be performed less often, time and money are saved.
Popular engine oils typically use general formulations for a broad variety of engine applications. In some cases, these generic inexpensive engine oil can offer low-performance lubricating levels and basic characteristics requiring more frequent oil changes. This is due to lower quality base oils that break down and lubricating additives that become prematurely depleted. This results in premature sludge, coking, and deposit buildup inside the engine along with other mechanical and performance issues.
We recommend using engine oils for the Ram 1500 applications based on high-quality full synthetics. Typically, these are PAO (Polyalphaolefin) and Ester oils. To learn more about the benefits of using RAVENOL fully synthetic oils with USVO technology, feel free to read our related FAQ USVO blog article.
Things To Consider When Shopping for Ram 1500 Engine Oil:
- Quality Synthetic Base Oil and Tested Oil Characteristics - If your Ram 1500 is still under warranty it’s important to use engine oil that clearly states on the bottle label or manufacturer's website, that it meets the desired Ram oil specification (e.g. FCA MS-6395, FCA MS-11106, FCA MS-10902). Did you know RAVENOL has more OEM approvals than almost any other oil company - worldwide*? It is an excellent choice for discriminating Ram owners who desire only the highest quality products. (*Based on the latest Dekra Betriebsstoff Liste.)
Transparency builds confidence and trust. The oil manufacturer should freely disclose the exact type of synthetic oil base. When shopping for Ram 1500 oil look for a product that clearly states its formulation is made from synthetic PAO or Ester base oils. The price of a product is usually a good indication of the type or group of synthetic base it is made with. In the engine oil industry, a quality synthetic will typically cost no less than $10-$12 a liter. If the price is less than that, beware, the oil may not be formulated with a synthetic PAO or Ester base oil.
We recommend you go to the oil manufactures website to review and investigate for yourself what the performance characteristics of the oil are, and research what the base oil formulation is made from. They should list the technical details related to the oil's viscosity such as HTHS value, temperature pourpoint and flashpoint, and the Noack volatility at certain temperatures. Interestingly, most oil manufacturers are not completely transparent with this information because these technical characteristics could reveal their oil as inferior, or low quality. Additionally, always question the quality of oils that say they are a synthetic “blend” in the description. Many are made with only a small percentage of real synthetic base oil and could fall into the class of being low quality.
You will appreciate the RAVENOL oil brand for being more transparent with the important technical characteristics of their oil specifications. In most cases, they tell you if the oil formulation is mineral, semi-synthetic, or fully synthetic based. RAVENOL will even provide details about whether it is a full PAO or Ester base. Their latest USVO oils are the "best of the best" because the base of the oil is a very high-quality, fully synthetic PAO formulation. The USVO base synthetic is combined with proprietary additives that make this oil outperform other name brands (even OEM brands) on the market by as much as 20%. In today’s competitive marketplace, when making a superior product like RAVENOL, other oil manufacturers want to know their oil recipes. Understandably, some of RAVENOL’s technical details are not displayed because they may be considered trade secrets. To learn more about the benefits of using RAVENOL USVO® see our blog article entitled 'FAQs: RAVENOL USVO Oil Technology'.
- 100% engineered, made, and bottled in Germany! - European oil manufacturers have been at the forefront of developing the latest engine oil technologies to meet the demands of new and more strict European vehicle emission regulations and modern engine technology. These demands required them to develop new oil specifications and quality standards to meet those requirements before they arrived here. Consequently, new advanced manufacturing techniques that create the latest oil formulations result in a superior product compared to domestically made products in the U.S. and Canada. It also costs more for domestic oil manufacturers to use higher quality materials and change their standard processes to make the oil meet the required European specification or standards. Some parts of the world have very lenient rules on what they consider fully synthetic. Whereas, under German law, you must be transparent and say it as it is. Surprisingly, what is defined and labeled as semi-synthetic oils in Germany, are marketed as fully synthetic oils in other parts of the world. RAVENOL endeavors to be transparent and say it as it is. Their oils are made in Germany at their manufacturing facility. They have total control of the manufacturing process, allowing them to create cutting-edge formulations and super high-quality products no matter where they are sold in over 80 different countries!
Remember, the quality level is usually always reflected in the product's price. Using a high-quality base oil and additive package in the oil formulation costs more. Using higher-quality synthetics in the base oil and high-quality additives create a much more robust engine oil when compared to conventional motor oil. Keep in mind, most repair shops today are driven by productivity and profit and are more concerned about using a lower-cost engine oil that is “sufficient” that allows them to make more profit, rather than using expensive high-quality oil and making less. If you are a Ram 1500 owner and are concerned about maintaining your vehicle properly for the long term, we suggest you ask questions, do the research, and spend the extra time, energy, and money to make sure your oil change is done right.
RAVENOL products meet the highest quality specifications and standards. Select RAVENOL products meet the recommended Ram 1500 oil specifications. RAVENOL also works closely with automotive manufacturers, race engineers, and race teams, to develop the most technically advanced lubricants available today.
Below you will find a variety of engine oils that are recommended for the Ram 1500. Please reference the Ram 1500 oil specification and quality standard application list above. Use the list as a guide in conjunction with your owner’s manual to find the correct Ram 1500 engine oil spec for your specific engine type.
Eurol Evolence 0W20
Meets and Exceeds Chrysler Ram FCA MS-6395 Oil Specification
- Fully synthetic, low-friction oil specially suited for modern engines with start/stop systems.
- No shear losses during an entire change interval.
- Extended oil change intervals where recommended by the manufacturer.
- Improved mechanical efficiency and fuel economy with excellent cold start characteristics.
- Engineered to minimize the risk of LSPI (Low-Speed Pre-Ignition) when using fuels containing up to 85% ethanol (E85).
RAVENOL DFE 0W20
Meets Chrysler Ram FCA MS-6395 Oil Specification
- Fully synthetic PAO-based oil with exclusive USVO and CleanCynto technology.
- No shear losses during an entire change interval.
- Prevents and reduces low-speed pre-ignition issues.
- Improved mechanical efficiency and fuel economy with excellent cold start characteristics.
- Utilizes the positive properties of tungsten to smooth the internal surface structure of the engine.
Eurol Evolence 5W20
Meets and Exceeds Chrysler Ram FCA MS-6395 Oil Specification
- Fully synthetic, low-friction oil specially suited for modern engines with start/stop systems.
- No shear losses during an entire change interval.
- Extended oil change intervals where recommended by the manufacturer.
- Improved mechanical efficiency and fuel economy with excellent cold start characteristics.
- Engineered to minimize the risk of LSPI (Low-Speed Pre-Ignition) when using fuels containing up to 85% ethanol (E85).
RAVENOL SFE 5W20
Meets and Exceeds Chrysler Ram FCA MS-6395 Oil Specification
- Fully synthetic PAO-based oil with exclusive USVO and CleanCynto technology.
- No shear losses during an entire change interval.
- Extended oil change intervals where recommended by the manufacturer.
- Improved mechanical efficiency and fuel economy with excellent cold start characteristics.
- Utilizes the positive properties of tungsten to smooth the internal surface structure of the engine.
RAVENOL HLS 5W30
Meets and Exceeds Ram FCA MS-11106 Oil Specification
- Performance synthetic base oil and exclusive CleanCynto technology additive formula.
- Special MID SAPS low ash oil characteristics.
- Suitable for extended oil change intervals where recommended by the manufacturer.
- Supports diesel EGR and particulate filter emission system cleanliness and longevity.
- Excellent cold start characteristics, shear stability, and fuel economy improvement.
RAVENOL SSL 0W-40
Meets and Exceeds Ram FCA MS-12633 and MS-10725 Oil Specification
- Fully synthetic PAO-based oil with exclusive USVO and CleanCynto technology.
- No shear losses during an entire change interval.
- Extended oil change intervals where recommended by the manufacturer.
- Improved mechanical efficiency and fuel economy with excellent cold start characteristics.
- Utilizes the positive properties of tungsten to smooth the internal surface structure of the engine.
RAVENOL NDT 5W40
Meets Ram FCA MS-10902, API CJ-4, and Cummins CES 20081 Oil Specification
- Engineered as SHPD and HD (Super High-Performance Diesel, Heavy Duty) engine oil for modern diesel engines based on PAO oil.
- Extended oil change intervals where recommended by the manufacturer.
- High abrasion resistance, pressure absorption, wear protection, viscosity index at high temps, oxidation stability, excellent cold start characteristics, and reduced fuel consumption.
- Improves engine performance, reliability, and cleanness thanks to active agents.
RAVENOL VST 5W-40
Meets Exceeds Ram FCA MS-12991 Oil Specification (replaces MS-10896).
- Fully synthetic PAO-based oil with exclusive USVO and CleanCynto technology.
- No shear losses during an entire change interval.
- Extended oil change intervals where recommended by the manufacturer.
- High abrasion resistance, oxidation stability, and excellent cold start characteristics.
- Utilizes the positive properties of tungsten to smooth the internal surface structure of the engine.
Disclaimer: Always consult your service manual and confirm your application's specific fluid and oil requirements. Always follow the vehicle manufacturer's recommended oil change intervals. Blauparts and Ravenol are not affiliated with Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V (FCA), FCA US LLC, FCA Group Marketing S.p.A, Dodge, Ram, Jeep, Mopar, or any other vehicle manufacturer. All trademarks and OE specification part numbers referenced in this product listing are displayed for identification purposes only. They are in no way intended to denote any affiliation with their corresponding owners.