Ram 1500 · Elgin CDJR · Streamwood, IL
Ram 1500 Spark Plug Guide
When do the spark plugs on a Ram 1500 need to be replaced? Here is what the 2026 Ram 1500 owner's manual says: the spark plug interval for each engine in its Maintenance Plan, why the interval is based on mileage only, and the fuel and engine-misfire notes that affect spark plugs and the catalytic converter.
60,000 mi3.0L engine, first change
120,000 mi3.0L engine, second change
100,000 mi3.6L and 5.7L engines
Miles onlyTime intervals do not apply
The short answer
The 2026 Ram 1500 owner's manual lists spark plug replacement by engine in its Maintenance Plan: Replace the spark plugs 3.0L at 60,000 miles (96,000 km) and 120,000 miles (192,000 km), and Replace the spark plugs 3.6L and 5.7L at 100,000 miles (160,000 km). The manual says the spark plug change interval is mileage based only, so yearly intervals do not apply.
When should Ram 1500 spark plugs be replaced?
The manual's Maintenance Plan lists these spark plug items:
| Maintenance Plan item | When, per the 2026 manual |
|---|---|
| Replace the spark plugs 3.0L | 60,000 miles (96,000 km) and 120,000 miles (192,000 km) |
| Replace the spark plugs 3.6L | 100,000 miles (160,000 km) |
| Replace the spark plugs 5.7L | 100,000 miles (160,000 km) |
The manual notes that more frequent maintenance may be needed in severe conditions, such as dusty areas and very short trip driving, and that in some extreme conditions, additional maintenance not specified in the maintenance schedule may be required.
From the 2026 Ram 1500 owner's manual (Scheduled Servicing, Maintenance Plan), read November 8, 2026.
Why the spark plug interval is mileage only
A footnote to the plan says the spark plug change interval is mileage based only, so the yearly (time) intervals in the table do not apply to spark plugs. That means a Ram 1500 that is driven very little does not need new spark plugs just because of its age; the change is due when the odometer reaches the listed mileage.
From the 2026 Ram 1500 owner's manual (Maintenance Plan footnote), read November 8, 2026.
Fuel and spark plug life
The manual's fuel section says gasoline blended with MMT (a manganese-containing additive used in some gasolines to raise octane) reduces spark plug life and reduces emissions system performance in some vehicles. The manufacturer recommends using gasoline without MMT, and because MMT content may not be shown on the pump, the manual says to ask the gasoline retailer whether the gasoline contains it. MMT is prohibited in Federal and California reformulated gasoline.
From the 2026 Ram 1500 owner's manual (Methylcyclopentadienyl Manganese Tricarbonyl (MMT) In Gasoline), read November 8, 2026.
Engine misfire and the catalytic converter
The manual's Exhaust System section says damage to the catalytic converter can result if your vehicle is not kept in proper operating condition. In the event of engine malfunction, particularly involving engine misfire or other apparent loss of performance, have your vehicle serviced promptly; continued operation with a severe malfunction could cause the converter to overheat, resulting in possible damage to the converter and vehicle.
From the 2026 Ram 1500 owner's manual (Exhaust System), read November 8, 2026.
Ram 1500 service at Elgin CDJR
If your Ram 1500 is due for spark plugs, or it runs rough or shows signs of a misfire, our Ram service center handles the scheduled maintenance in your owner's manual and can check the engine. 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., and is closed Sunday. Elgin CDJR is at 1500 W. Lake St. in Streamwood. Get directions.
Ram 1500 Spark Plug FAQ
How often should Ram 1500 spark plugs be replaced?
The 2026 manual lists 60,000 and 120,000 miles for the 3.0L engine, and 100,000 miles (160,000 km) for the 3.6L and 5.7L engines.
When does a 5.7L Ram 1500 need spark plugs?
The Maintenance Plan lists Replace the spark plugs 5.7L at 100,000 miles (160,000 km).
Do Ram 1500 spark plugs have a time limit?
No. The manual says the spark plug change interval is mileage based only; yearly intervals do not apply.
Can gasoline affect spark plug life?
Yes. The manual says gasoline blended with MMT reduces spark plug life, and the manufacturer recommends gasoline without MMT.
What should I do if my Ram 1500 misfires?
The manual says to have the vehicle serviced promptly if the engine malfunctions, particularly with an engine misfire, because continued operation with a severe malfunction could cause the converter to overheat, possibly damaging the converter and vehicle.
What are your service hours?
Monday to Friday 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. We are closed Sunday.
Bring your Ram 1500 to Streamwood
Visit Elgin CDJR at 1500 W. Lake St. in Streamwood.
Sources
The guidance on this page is from the 2026 Ram 1500 owner's manual on Mopar (PDF dated February 12, 2026), read November 8, 2026. Our address and service hours are from our own website, checked the same day.
- 2026 Ram 1500 owner's manual (maintenance plan, MMT and exhaust system pages; PDF last modified February 12, 2026), Mopar, read November 8, 2026
- Ram service center page: service hours, address, Elgin CDJR