How-to · Elgin CDJR · Streamwood, IL
Ram 1500 Maintenance Schedule
The Ram 1500 does not use a fixed oil change mileage. An oil change indicator tells you when service is due, and the Maintenance Plan in the 2026 Ram 1500 Owner's Manual lists the inspections and replacements by mileage or years. Here is what it says, item by item, including the spark plug intervals for the 3.0L, 3.6L and 5.7L engines.
Oil change indicatorsets when the oil change is due
10,000 mi / 12 momaximum between oil changes
Every 2 yearsbrake fluid replacement
12,000 micabin air filter
The short answer
Change the oil and filter when the oil change indicator says so, and never more than 10,000 miles, 12 months or 350 hours of engine run time apart, whichever comes first. At each oil change the plan says to rotate the tires at the first sign of irregular wear and inspect the battery, CV/universal joints, brakes, cooling system and exhaust. On top of that: tire rotation and CV joint inspection at every 10,000-mile step from 20,000 to 150,000 miles, brake fluid every two years, engine air filter every 30,000 miles, cabin air filter every 12,000 miles, transfer case fluid change at 120,000 miles, coolant at 10 years or 150,000 miles, and the accessory drive belt at 150,000 miles. Spark plugs are due at 60,000 and 120,000 miles on the 3.0L and at 100,000 miles on the 3.6L and 5.7L.
How the Ram 1500 oil change indicator works
The Ram 1500 has an automatic oil change indicator system that reminds you when it is time for scheduled maintenance. It sets the message from engine operating conditions, so frequent short trips, trailer towing and extremely hot or cold temperatures all influence when the "Oil Change Required" message appears.
When you see the message, the manual says to have the truck serviced as soon as possible, within the next 500 miles. An authorized dealer resets the message after the scheduled oil change; if someone else does the oil change, the manual explains how to reset it from the instrument cluster display. Whatever the indicator says, oil change intervals should never exceed 10,000 miles, 12 months or 350 hours of engine run time, whichever comes first. The manual notes the 350-hour limit is generally only a concern for fleet customers.
From the 2026 Ram 1500 Owner's Manual (Scheduled Servicing: Description), read October 28, 2026.
Once a month or before a long trip
The manual lists these owner checks:
- Check the engine oil level.
- Check the operation of the interior and exterior lights.
- Check the 12V battery terminals, cables and connections.
- Check the brake pads, rotors, brake operation and fluid level.
- Check the steering, suspension, chassis components and axle boots.
- Check the wiper and washer operation, wiper blades and reservoir.
- Check the coolant fluid reservoir(s).
From the 2026 Ram 1500 Owner's Manual (Scheduled Servicing: Once A Month Or Before A Long Trip), read October 28, 2026.
At every oil change
The Maintenance Plan lists these items at every oil change interval, as indicated by the oil change indicator system:
- Change the oil and filter.
- Rotate the tires at the first sign of irregular wear, even if it occurs before the oil indicator system turns on.
- Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals as required.
- Inspect the CV/Universal joints.
- Inspect the brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums and hoses.
- Inspect the engine cooling system protection and hoses.
- Inspect the exhaust system.
- Inspect the engine air cleaner if you drive in dusty or off-road conditions, and replace it as necessary.
- Deploy the power side steps and clean the linkages with a high pressure car wash wand to remove foreign debris, then apply Mopar Spray White Lithium Grease to the pivot points.
- Inspect the Evaporative System Fresh Air Filter and replace it as necessary; it may need replacing more often in extreme dusty conditions.
The plan also says to lubricate the door hinge roller pivot joints with white lithium grease twice a year to prevent premature wear.
From the 2026 Ram 1500 Owner's Manual (Maintenance Plan: At Every Oil Change Interval), read October 28, 2026.
Mileage and time items
The rest of the plan runs by mileage or years passed, whichever comes first, from 20,000 miles (2 years) to 150,000 miles (15 years). Three items work differently: the cabin air filter is replaced every 12,000 miles; the brake fluid interval is time based only, every two years, so mileage intervals do not apply to it; and the spark plug interval is mileage based only, so yearly intervals do not apply to it.
The manual also says more frequent maintenance may be needed in severe conditions, such as dusty areas and very short trip driving, and that some extreme conditions may call for maintenance not specified in the schedule.
From the 2026 Ram 1500 Owner's Manual (Maintenance Plan tables and footnotes), read October 28, 2026.
Ram 1500 maintenance schedule by mileage
Every 10,000-mile step (20,000 to 150,000 miles) includes rotating the tires and inspecting the CV/Universal joints. The table lists what the plan adds at each step.
| Miles (or years) | Items the Maintenance Plan adds |
|---|---|
| 20,000 (2 years) | Inspect front suspension, tie rod ends and boot seals; inspect brake pads; adjust parking brake as necessary; replace brake fluid (every two years) |
| 30,000 (3 years) | Inspect front and rear axle surfaces; inspect transfer case fluid (heavy usage, off-road, fleet/taxi); inspect rear door net block gap; replace engine air cleaner filter |
| 40,000 (4 years) | Front suspension and brake pad inspections; parking brake; replace brake fluid |
| 60,000 (6 years) | Front suspension, brake pad, axle surface and rear door net block gap inspections; parking brake; replace brake fluid; replace engine air cleaner filter; 3.0L spark plugs; inspect transfer case fluid, and change it for police, taxi, fleet or frequent trailer towing |
| 80,000 (8 years) | Front suspension and brake pad inspections; parking brake; replace brake fluid |
| 90,000 (9 years) | Axle surface, transfer case fluid (heavy usage) and rear door net block gap inspections; replace engine air cleaner filter |
| 100,000 (10 years) | Front suspension and brake pad inspections; parking brake; replace brake fluid; 3.6L and 5.7L spark plugs; inspect and replace the PCV valve if necessary; coolant flush and replace (due at 10 years or 150,000 miles, whichever comes first) |
| 120,000 (12 years) | Front suspension, brake pad, axle surface and rear door net block gap inspections; parking brake; replace brake fluid; replace engine air cleaner filter; 3.0L spark plugs; inspect and change transfer case fluid |
| 140,000 (14 years) | Front suspension and brake pad inspections; parking brake; replace brake fluid |
| 150,000 (15 years) | Axle surface, transfer case fluid (heavy usage) and rear door net block gap inspections; replace engine air cleaner filter; flush and replace engine coolant; replace accessory drive belt (OEM grade Mopar belt if equipped with Stop/Start); inspect belt tensioner and pulley |
| Every 12,000 miles | Replace cabin air filter |
From the 2026 Ram 1500 Owner's Manual (Maintenance Plan, pages 306 to 309), read October 28, 2026. At the axle surface inspections, if gear oil leakage is suspected, check the fluid level; change axle fluid for police, taxi, fleet, off-road or frequent trailer towing use.
Spark plugs and oil by engine
| Engine | Spark plugs | Engine oil with filter |
|---|---|---|
| 3.0L | 60,000 and 120,000 miles | 7.5 qt |
| 3.6L | 100,000 miles | 5 qt |
| 5.7L | 100,000 miles | 7 qt |
From the 2026 Ram 1500 Owner's Manual (Maintenance Plan; Fluid Capacities, Gas Models), read October 28, 2026.
For oil changes, see our Ram oil change page.
Ram 1500 maintenance at Elgin CDJR
Our Mopar service department services every Ram, wherever it was bought, including routine maintenance, Express Lane oil changes, brakes, tires, batteries, recalls and warranty repairs. Tell us your mileage when you book and we can go through what the plan lists for it.
Our service department is open Monday to Friday 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Elgin CDJR is at 1500 W. Lake St. (U.S. 20) in Streamwood. Get directions.
Schedule service online, or see our Ram service center page.
Ram 1500 maintenance schedule FAQ
How often does a Ram 1500 need an oil change?
When the oil change indicator says so, and never more than 10,000 miles, 12 months or 350 hours of engine run time apart, whichever comes first. When the message appears, the manual says to have the truck serviced within the next 500 miles.
When should Ram 1500 spark plugs be replaced?
At 60,000 and 120,000 miles on the 3.0L engines, and at 100,000 miles on the 3.6L and 5.7L, per the 2026 manual. The spark plug interval is mileage based only.
How often should the Ram 1500 brake fluid be replaced?
Every two years. The manual says this interval is time based only, so mileage does not apply.
Does the Ram 1500 maintenance schedule include a transmission fluid change?
The 2026 Maintenance Plan tables do not list a separate transmission fluid change. The manual says routine transmission fluid and filter changes are not required, but to change them if the fluid is contaminated or the transmission is disassembled, and its towing tips call for changes as specified for police, taxi, fleet or frequent trailer towing if you regularly tow for more than 45 minutes at a time. If you tow regularly, ask our service advisors which interval applies.
When is the Ram 1500 coolant changed?
The plan says to flush and replace the engine coolant at 10 years or 150,000 miles, whichever comes first.
How often should the tires be rotated on a Ram 1500?
The plan lists tire rotation at every 10,000-mile step from 20,000 to 150,000 miles, and at every oil change at the first sign of irregular wear.
Is your Ram 1500 due for service?
Book a visit with the Mopar service department at Elgin CDJR in Streamwood.
Sources
Maintenance intervals are from the 2026 Ram 1500 Owner's Manual, read on October 28, 2026; other model years can differ, so check your own manual. Our services, address and hours are from our own website, checked the same day. Photo is illustrative.