How-to · Elgin CDJR · Streamwood, IL
Ram 1500 Oil Type and Capacity by Engine
The right oil for a Ram 1500 depends on the engine under the hood. Here is the oil grade, the Mopar material standard, the API symbol and the capacity with filter for each engine in the 2026 Ram 1500 Owner's Manual, plus how to check the level (the 3.0L has no dipstick) and how often to change it.
0W-20full synthetic for the 3.0L Standard Output, 3.6L and 5.7L
0W-40full synthetic for the 3.0L High Output (RHO)
7.5 qtwith filter for the 3.0L engines
5 qt / 7 qtwith filter for the 3.6L / 5.7L
The short answer
The 2026 Ram 1500 manual recommends Mopar full synthetic oil for every engine: SAE 0W-20 meeting MS-6395 for the 3.0L Standard Output, 3.6L and 5.7L engines, and SAE 0W-40 meeting MS-A0921 for the 3.0L High Output (RHO). Capacity with filter is 7.5 quarts for the 3.0L, 5 quarts for the 3.6L and 7 quarts for the 5.7L. Equivalent full synthetic oils of the same grade can be used if they carry the API trademark the manual lists.
2026 Ram 1500 oil type and capacity by engine
| Engine | Recommended oil | Capacity with filter |
|---|---|---|
| 3.0L Standard Output | Mopar SAE 0W-20 Full Synthetic Engine Oil meeting Material Standard MS-6395. Equivalent full synthetic SAE 0W-20 oil can be used but must have the API Starburst trademark with a certification level of API-SP or later; API-SN+ is also acceptable. | 7.5 qt (7.1 L) |
| 3.0L High Output (RHO) | Mopar API Certified SAE 0W-40 Full Synthetic Engine Oil meeting Material Standard MS-A0921. Equivalent full synthetic SAE 0W-40 oil can be used but must have the API Donut trademark with a certification level of API-SP or later; API-SN+ is also acceptable. | 7.5 qt (7.1 L) |
| 3.6L | Mopar SAE 0W-20 Full Synthetic Engine Oil meeting Material Standard MS-6395. Equivalent full synthetic SAE 0W-20 oil can be used but must have the API Starburst trademark. | 5 qt (4.7 L) |
| 5.7L | Mopar SAE 0W-20 Full Synthetic Engine Oil meeting Material Standard MS-6395. Equivalent full synthetic SAE 0W-20 oil can be used but must have the API Starburst trademark. | 7 qt (6.6 L) |
From the 2026 Ram 1500 Owner's Manual (Technical Specifications: Engine Fluids And Lubricants; Fluid Capacities, Gas Models), read October 27, 2026. Other model years and the Ram 2500 and 3500 can differ.
For both 3.0L engines, the manual adds a caution: using earlier API certification levels (such as API-SN or prior) can result in engine damage that is not covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
What the API symbols on the bottle mean
The manual says the manufacturer only recommends API trademark oils. The API Starburst trademark certifies 0W-20, 0W-30 and 5W-30 engine oils, and the API Donut trademark certifies 0W-40 and 5W-40 engine oils.
Your engine was designed for synthetic engine oils, so use only synthetic, API approved oils. Synthetic oils that do not have both the correct API trademark and the correct SAE viscosity grade numbers should not be used.
From the 2026 Ram 1500 Owner's Manual (Engine Oil: American Petroleum Institute (API) Approved Engine Oil; Synthetic Engine Oils), read October 27, 2026.
Checking the oil level on a 3.0L Ram 1500
The 3.0L engine does not have a traditional dipstick, and the manual says there is no need to check the level by hand. To see it, use the steering wheel arrow buttons to open the "Vehicle Info" menu in the instrument cluster display and go to the "Oil Level" screen. As long as the bar is between minimum and maximum, it is safe to drive; a red bar means the level is too high or too low.
The system measures the level only when the truck is parked on reasonably level ground, the oil is warm and the engine has been off for four minutes. To refresh the reading after adding a quart of the correct oil:
- Run the engine until the oil temperature is above 180°F (82°C).
- Park on relatively level ground.
- Turn the engine off, cycle the ignition back to RUN and wait four minutes with the engine off.
- Start the engine; the new level shows in the Vehicle Info menu.
If the display shows Critically Low, add two quarts of the specified oil as soon as possible. If it shows Critically High, contact an authorized dealer for service. Do not add too much oil; overfilling may damage the engine. If you added a quart and the indicator does not read 3/4 or full, the manual says to contact an authorized dealer.
From the 2026 Ram 1500 Owner's Manual (Checking Oil Level, 3.0L Engines), read October 27, 2026.
Checking the oil level on a 3.6L or 5.7L Ram 1500
Check the oil level at regular intervals, such as every fuel stop. The best time is about five minutes after a fully warmed-up engine is shut off, with the truck on level ground for the most accurate reading.
- Pull the dipstick and read the level. The dipstick has a crosshatched zone, which may be marked SAFE, MIN and MAX, or with dimples at the MIN and MAX ends.
- Keep the level within the crosshatch markings.
- Adding 1 qt (1.0 L) when the reading is at the low end of the range raises the level to the high end.
- Use care when filling, and wipe up any oil spilled on top of the engine with an absorbent cloth or remove it with compressed air.
The manual cautions that overfilling or underfilling the crankcase causes oil aeration or loss of oil pressure, which could damage the engine.
From the 2026 Ram 1500 Owner's Manual (Checking Oil Level, 3.6L and 5.7L Engines), read October 27, 2026.
How often to change Ram 1500 oil
Your vehicle has an automatic oil change indicator. When "Oil Change Required" appears, have the vehicle serviced as soon as possible, within the next 500 miles. Frequent short trips, trailer towing and very hot or cold temperatures affect when the message comes on.
Under no circumstances should oil change intervals 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.
Replace the engine oil filter with a new one at every oil change, using a full-flow disposable filter. The manual says only high quality Mopar certified filters should be used, prefers bproauto filters as an alternative, and otherwise says to use only filters that meet or exceed SAE/USCAR-36 filter performance requirements.
From the 2026 Ram 1500 Owner's Manual (Scheduled Servicing; Engine Oil Filter), read October 27, 2026. More frequent maintenance may be needed in severe conditions, such as dusty areas and very short trip driving; see your manual's maintenance plan.
What the manual says to avoid
Non-detergent oil
Never use non-detergent oil or straight mineral oil in the engine, or damage may result.
Chemical flushes
Do not use chemical flushes in your engine oil; the chemicals can damage the engine, and that damage is not covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Additives
The manufacturer strongly recommends against adding any additives (other than leak detection dyes) to the engine oil, because its performance may be impaired by supplemental additives.
Wrong grade
Do not use synthetic oils without both the correct API trademark and the correct SAE viscosity grade.
From the 2026 Ram 1500 Owner's Manual (Engine Oil; Materials Added To Engine Oil), read October 27, 2026.
Ram oil changes at Elgin CDJR
Our Mopar service department in Streamwood does Ram 1500 oil and filter changes, and most gas Rams can come through our Express Lane. Book online or come in during service hours.
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 oil change page.
Ram 1500 oil FAQ
What oil does a Ram 1500 with the 5.7L engine take?
The 2026 Ram 1500 manual recommends Mopar SAE 0W-20 full synthetic oil meeting MS-6395, or an equivalent full synthetic 0W-20 with the API Starburst trademark. Capacity is 7 quarts with filter.
What oil does the Ram 1500 3.0L engine take?
The 3.0L Standard Output takes SAE 0W-20 full synthetic meeting MS-6395 (API Starburst, API-SP or later; API-SN+ also acceptable). The 3.0L High Output (RHO) takes SAE 0W-40 full synthetic meeting MS-A0921 (API Donut, API-SP or later; API-SN+ also acceptable).
How many quarts of oil does a Ram 1500 take?
Per the 2026 manual, with filter: 7.5 quarts for the 3.0L engines, 5 quarts for the 3.6L and 7 quarts for the 5.7L.
Where is the dipstick on the 3.0L Ram 1500?
There is none. The 3.0L shows the oil level in the instrument cluster under Vehicle Info, Oil Level.
How often should I change the oil in my Ram 1500?
When the Oil Change Required message appears, within the next 500 miles, and never more than 10,000 miles, 12 months or 350 hours of engine run time, whichever comes first.
Can I add an oil additive?
The manufacturer strongly recommends against adding any additives other than leak detection dyes to the engine oil.
Time for an oil change?
Schedule a visit at Elgin CDJR in Streamwood. Most gas Rams can come through our Express Lane.
Sources
Oil grades, standards, capacities, checking steps and intervals are from the 2026 Ram 1500 Owner's Manual, read on October 27, 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.