Does the RAM 1500 require synthetic oil?
Yes. All current RAM 1500 engines require synthetic motor oil, but the exact grade depends on the engine. The 3.6L Pentastar eTorque typically calls for 0W-20, the 5.7L Hemi for 5W-20, and the 3.0L EcoDiesel for 5W-40. Always confirm the specification in the owner's manual or on the under-hood oil cap.
Engine-by-engine oil requirements
Gasoline engines
RAM’s gasoline-powered RAM 1500s generally require synthetic oil. The two gas engine options have different grade requirements:
- 3.6L Pentastar V6 eTorque: 0W-20 full synthetic motor oil. Use oil that meets Mopar specification MS-6395 and the latest API standard.
- 5.7L Hemi V8: 5W-20 full synthetic motor oil. Same Mopar/API spec alignment as the smaller engine.
Gasoline RAM 1500 engines are designed to use full synthetic motor oil, with the exact grade depending on the engine and model year. Always verify with the owner’s manual or under-hood label.
Diesel engine
The EcoDiesel option in RAM 1500s requires a dedicated synthetic diesel oil. For the 3.0L EcoDiesel, RAM recommends:
- 3.0 EcoDiesel V6: 5W-40 full synthetic motor oil that meets API CK-4 (or newer) and Mopar specification.
Diesel engines typically use a higher-grade synthetic oil to handle higher temperatures and soot loading; always confirm the latest specification in the manual.
Oil-change intervals and monitoring
In RAM 1500 models equipped with synthetic oil, change intervals are guided by the vehicle’s Oil Life Monitoring System. Under normal driving, many configurations target roughly 7,500 miles (12,000 kilometers) between changes, though towing, extreme conditions, or severe service can shorten that interval. The system will indicate when an oil change is due, so rely on its readout or the owner’s manual for precise guidance.
Diesel engines with the EcoDiesel option also follow the Oil Life Monitoring System, and the interval may differ from gasoline models. Always follow the vehicle’s onscreen or manual recommendations for best results.
Summary
For RAM 1500, synthetic oil is the standard recommendation across modern engines. Grade requirements vary by engine: 0W-20 for the 3.6L V6, 5W-20 for the 5.7L V8, and 5W-40 for the 3.0 EcoDiesel. Always check the specific spec for your year and model in the owner's manual or on the under-hood oil cap, and follow the Oil Life Monitoring System for changes.
