🔧 Engine Oil & Oil Filter - Change

Changing the oil and filter on your Ram keeps the engine protected and helps prevent sludge buildup and premature wear. Your 3.6L uses a cartridge-style oil filter under the engine cover, so the filter housing has to be opened before the old element comes out.

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

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Work on a cool engine so you do not burn yourself on hot oil or exhaust parts.
• Support the truck securely with jack stands if you lift the front; never rely on a jack alone.
• Oil will be hot and slippery; wear gloves and safety glasses.
• Dispose of used oil and the old filter properly; do not pour oil on the ground.
• Battery disconnect is not required for this repair.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Oil filter housing socket
• 24mm socket
• 3/8-inch ratchet
• Torque wrench
• Drain pan
• Funnel
• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands
• Wheel chocks
• Shop towels
• Gloves
• Safety glasses

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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 housing O-rings - Qty: 1 set
• Drain plug crush washer - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Let the engine cool completely before starting.
• If the truck is raised, chock the rear wheels and support the front with jack stands.
• Have a drain pan ready before removing the drain plug.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Warm up and shut down

• If the engine is cold, start it and let it idle for 2-3 minutes.
• Shut the engine off and open the hood.
• Warm oil drains faster.

Step 2: Raise and secure the truck

• Use the floor jack to raise the front of the truck if you need more access.
• Set the truck on jack stands before going underneath it.
• Make sure the truck is stable before continuing.

Step 3: Remove the oil fill cap

• Remove the engine oil fill cap by hand.
• This helps the oil drain smoothly.

Step 4: Drain the engine oil

• Place the drain pan under the oil pan drain plug.
• Use the 24mm socket and ratchet to remove the drain plug.
• Let the oil drain completely.
• Install a new crush washer on the drain plug.
• Reinstall the drain plug and torque to 20 Nm (15 ft-lbs).

Step 5: Remove the oil filter housing cap

• Move the drain pan under the oil filter housing.
• Use the oil filter housing socket to loosen the filter cap.
• Lift the cap out carefully and let the oil drain from it.
• Remove the old filter cartridge from the cap.
• Remove and replace the O-rings on the filter cap.
• Lightly oil the new O-rings first.

Step 6: Install the new oil filter

• Install the new cartridge filter onto the cap.
• Reinstall the filter cap into the housing by hand first.
• Use the oil filter housing socket to tighten the cap.
• Torque to 25 Nm (18 ft-lbs).

Step 7: Refill with fresh oil

• Use a funnel and add 6 quarts of 5W-20 synthetic oil.
• Install the oil fill cap.
• Wait 1 minute, then check the dipstick.
• Add oil in small amounts until the level is at the full mark.

Step 8: Start and inspect

• Start the engine and let it idle for 30-60 seconds.
• Check for leaks at the drain plug and oil filter housing.
• Shut the engine off and recheck the oil level.

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✅ After Repair

• Reset the oil change reminder: turn the ignition on without starting, press the accelerator pedal fully 3 times within 10 seconds, then turn ignition off.
• Verify the oil level again after a short drive and top off if needed.
• Recheck for leaks after your first drive.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $85-$160 (parts + labor)

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

You Save: $50-$90 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?

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.