How often to change the Ram 2500 air filter

The manual's Maintenance Plans list:

At each oil change, the manual also says to inspect the engine air cleaner filter if you drive in dusty or off-road conditions, and replace it if required. It says the quality of replacement filters varies considerably, and recommends Mopar engine air cleaners as high quality filters.

From the 2026 Ram 2500/3500 owner's manual (Maintenance Plan, 6.4L Gasoline Engine; Maintenance Plan, 6.7L Diesel Engine; At Each Oil Change; Engine Air Cleaner Filter Selection), read November 8, 2026.

How to replace the 6.4L gasoline engine air filter

When replacing the engine air cleaner filter on a 6.4L gasoline engine, the manual says to use a dry (non-oiled) filter only. Its removal and installation steps are:

1. With a suitable tool, loosen the fasteners on the engine air cleaner filter cover.
2. Lift the engine air cleaner filter cover to access the filter.
3. Remove the engine air cleaner filter from the housing assembly.
4. Inspect and clean the housing if significant dirt or debris is present, then install the new filter into the housing assembly with the filter inspection surface facing downward.
5. Install the engine air cleaner filter cover onto the housing assembly.
6. Tighten the fasteners on the engine air cleaner filter assembly. Do not overtighten the cover lid screws or damage may result.

From the 2026 Ram 2500/3500 owner's manual (Engine Air Cleaner Filter Inspection And Replacement, Gasoline Engine), read November 8, 2026.

How to replace the 6.7L diesel engine air filter

The manual's steps for the diesel engine are:

1. Using a suitable tool, fully loosen the fasteners on the engine air cleaner filter cover.
2. Lift the cover to access the engine air cleaner filter.
3. Remove the filter from the housing assembly.
4. Inspect and clean the lower housing if significant dirt or debris is present, then install the new filter with the pleats (the area that was inspected) facing downward.
5. Install the filter cover onto the housing assembly locating tabs.
6. Tighten the fasteners to secure the cover to the housing assembly.

From the 2026 Ram 2500/3500 owner's manual (Engine Air Cleaner Filter Inspection And Replacement, Diesel Engine), read November 8, 2026. The manual warns that the air induction system can provide a measure of protection in the case of engine backfire: do not remove it unless necessary for repair or maintenance, and make sure no one is near the engine compartment before starting the vehicle with it removed.

How to replace the Ram 2500 cabin air filter

The cabin air filter is in the fresh air inlet behind the glove compartment and is replaced every 12,000 miles (19,000 km). Do not remove it while the vehicle is running, or with the ignition in ACC or ON/RUN, because the blower can contact hands and propel debris. The manual's steps are:

1. Open the glove compartment and remove all contents.
2. With the door open, remove the glove compartment tension tether and tether clip by sliding the clip toward the face of the door, then lift the clip out of the door and release it into the dash panel.
3. Push inward on the right side glove compartment travel stop to disengage it, then pull the right side of the compartment outward (away from the hinge) to disengage it from the hinge.
4. Disengage the door from its hinges by opening the glove compartment past the travel stop and pulling it toward you.
5. Remove the filter cover by pushing in on the finger tabs on each end.
6. Pull the cabin air filter straight out of the housing.
7. Install the new filter with the arrow pointing toward the floor. When installing the cover, press on each end until you hear an audible click.
8. Reinstall the glove compartment on the hinges.
9. Pull the tension tether outward and reinstall the glove compartment past the travel stops by pushing in on its sides.
10. Reattach the tension tether by inserting the tether clip in the door and sliding it away from the face of the door.

From the 2026 Ram 2500/3500 owner's manual (Cabin Air Filter Replacement; Maintenance Plans), read November 8, 2026. The filter's arrow shows the airflow direction; the manual says installing it wrong will mean replacing it more often. Make sure the door hinges and travel stops are fully engaged.

Ram 2500 service at Elgin CDJR

If your Ram 2500 is due for an engine or cabin air filter, our Ram service center can replace 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., and is closed Sunday. Elgin CDJR is at 1500 W. Lake St. in Streamwood. Get directions.