🔧 2500 - Engine Oil & Oil Filter Replacement

You’ll drain the old engine oil, replace the spin-on oil filter, then refill with the correct oil for your 6.4L. Fresh oil protects the bearings and lifters, and the new filter removes dirt that can wear the engine.

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 0.75-1.5 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Work on level ground and chock the rear wheels before going underneath.
• ⚠️ Exhaust and oil can be hot; let the truck cool 15-30 minutes if fully warmed.
• ⚠️ Never rely on a jack alone; support with jack stands at all times.
• ⚠️ Avoid over-tightening the drain plug; stripped threads can damage the oil pan.
• ⚠️ Battery disconnect is not required for this service.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Nitrile gloves
• Safety glasses
• Wheel chocks
• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Drain pan (10-quart minimum)
• Socket set with 13mm socket
• 3/8" drive ratchet
• Torque wrench (10-50 ft-lbs range)
• Oil filter wrench (cap style 76mm 14-flute)
• Funnel
• Shop rags

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Engine oil (0W-40 full synthetic, MS-12633 equivalent) - Qty: 7 quarts
• Engine oil filter (6.4L) - Qty: 1
• Oil drain plug gasket/washer (if equipped) - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park your 2500 on level ground, shift to Park, and set the parking brake.
• If you lift the front, place wheel chocks behind the rear tires, then lift with a floor jack and support with jack stands.
• Warm oil drains faster: idle 2-3 minutes, then shut off.
• Open the hood and remove the oil fill cap so the crankcase vents while draining.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Raise and secure the truck (if needed)

• Place wheel chocks behind the rear tires.
• Lift the front with a floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum).
• Set the frame onto jack stands (rated 3-ton minimum) and gently shake the truck to confirm it’s stable.

Step 2: Drain the engine oil

• Position a drain pan (10-quart minimum) under the oil pan drain plug.
• Use a 13mm socket and 3/8" drive ratchet to loosen and remove the drain plug.
• Let the oil drain until it slows to an occasional drip (usually 5-10 minutes).
• Wipe the drain plug clean with shop rags.

Step 3: Reinstall and torque the drain plug

• If your drain plug uses a sealing washer, replace it now.
• Thread the plug in by hand first to avoid cross-threading.
• Use a torque wrench and 13mm socket to tighten the drain plug: Torque to 27 Nm (20 ft-lbs).
• Hand-starting threads prevents expensive damage.

Step 4: Remove the old oil filter

• Move the drain pan under the oil filter area (a little oil will spill).
• Use an oil filter wrench (cap style 76mm 14-flute) to loosen the filter, then spin it off by hand.
• Make sure the old rubber gasket comes off with the filter (it can stick to the engine).

Step 5: Install the new oil filter

• Wipe the filter mounting surface clean with shop rags.
• Put a light film of fresh oil on the new filter’s rubber gasket (use a finger).
• Spin the new filter on by hand until the gasket touches, then tighten an additional 3/4 turn by hand.
• If you choose to torque it, use the torque wrench with the oil filter wrench (cap style 76mm 14-flute): Torque to 18 Nm (13 ft-lbs).
• Overtight filters can be very hard to remove.

Step 6: Refill with new engine oil

• Insert a funnel into the oil fill opening.
• Pour in 7 quarts of 0W-40 full synthetic (MS-12633 equivalent).
• Reinstall the oil fill cap.

Step 7: Start, check for leaks, and verify level

• Start the engine and let it idle 30-60 seconds.
• Look underneath for leaks at the drain plug and oil filter.
• Shut the engine off and wait 3-5 minutes for oil to drain back.
• Check the dipstick, wipe with a shop rag, reinsert, then read level and top off if needed.

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✅ After Repair

• Recheck for leaks after your first short drive.
• Dispose of used oil and the filter at a recycling center or parts store.
• Reset the oil life indicator using the method that matches your cluster:

• 🧭 Method A (cluster menu): Turn ignition to RUN (engine off) → use steering wheel buttons to Vehicle Info > Oil Life → press and hold OK to reset to 100%.
• 🦶 Method B (pedal reset): Turn ignition to RUN (engine off) → press the accelerator pedal fully 3 times within 10 seconds → turn ignition OFF, then start and confirm reset.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $120-$220 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $55-$100 (parts only)

You Save: $65-$120 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 0.8-1.2 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

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