🔧 Engine Oil & Oil Filter - Replacement

Changing the oil and filter on your Ram keeps the 3.6L engine lubricated, cool, and protected from wear. This service is straightforward, but it’s important to use the correct oil spec, replace the cartridge filter correctly, and tighten everything to the proper torque.

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 1-1.5 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Let the engine cool down before draining oil. Hot oil can burn you.
• Use jack stands anytime the vehicle is raised. Never rely on a jack alone.
• Set the parking brake and block the rear wheels before lifting the front.
• Keep the drain plug and filter area clean to prevent dirt from entering the engine.
• Dispose of used oil and filter properly at a recycling center.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 13mm socket
• 24mm socket
• Ratchet
• Torque wrench
• Drain pan
• Funnel
• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands
• Wheel chocks
• Gloves
• Safety glasses
• Clean rags

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Engine oil (5W-20 synthetic) - Qty: 6 quarts
• Oil filter cartridge - Qty: 1
• Oil filter cap O-ring - Qty: 1
• Drain plug washer - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Let the engine cool so the oil is warm, not hot.
• Raise the front of the truck and support it securely with jack stands.
• Have the new filter, O-ring, and drain plug washer ready before opening anything.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Raise and secure the front of the truck

• Use the floor jack to lift the front of the vehicle.
• Place the jack stands under the proper front support points.
• Lower the vehicle onto the stands and make sure it is stable.
• Shake lightly before getting underneath.

Step 2: Remove the oil fill cap and drain the oil

• Open the hood and remove the oil fill cap.
• Place the drain pan under the oil pan drain plug. A drain pan is a container that catches used oil.
• Use the 13mm socket and ratchet to remove the drain plug.
• Let the oil drain completely.
• Torque to 25 Nm (18 ft-lbs) when reinstalling the drain plug.

Step 3: Remove the oil filter

• Move the drain pan under the oil filter housing.
• Use the 24mm socket and ratchet to loosen the oil filter cap.
• Remove the cap and filter cartridge together.
• Let any remaining oil drain into the pan.
• Torque to 25 Nm (18 ft-lbs) when reinstalling the filter cap.

Step 4: Install the new filter and O-ring

• Remove the old O-ring from the filter cap.
• Lightly coat the new O-ring with clean engine oil.
• Install the new O-ring on the cap in the same groove.
• Install the new oil filter cartridge onto the cap.
• Thread the cap back in by hand first to avoid cross-threading.

Step 5: Reinstall the drain plug

• Install a new drain plug washer on the plug.
• Thread the drain plug in by hand first.
• Use the 13mm socket and torque wrench to tighten it.
• Torque to 25 Nm (18 ft-lbs).

Step 6: Add new engine oil

• Set a funnel in the oil fill opening.
• Add about 5.5 quarts first, then check the level.
• Add oil slowly until the level reaches the full mark.
• Total capacity is about 6 quarts with filter.

Step 7: Start, inspect, and recheck level

• Start the engine and let it run for 30-60 seconds.
• Check underneath for leaks at the drain plug and filter housing.
• Shut the engine off and wait 5-10 minutes.
• Check the dipstick and top off if needed.

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✅ After Repair

• Verify the oil level is at the full mark after the engine sits briefly.
• Check again for leaks after a short test drive.
• Reset the oil change reminder in the instrument cluster if equipped.
• Recheck the drain plug and filter area one more time after a few days.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $90-$160 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $35-$70 (parts only)

You Save: $55-$90 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 0.8-1.0 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

HowToo makes it easy: same-day/2-day shipping on every part, plus all the tools and specialty tools you need! Check out the parts and tools sections below to add everything to your cart.