How many quarts of transmission fluid does a 2000 Dodge Ram take?

In most configurations, a full transmission fluid fill runs roughly 12 to 14 quarts, while a simple pan drop and filter change typically requires about 6 to 9 quarts. The exact amount depends on the transmission model and whether you’re performing a full flush or a standard drain-and-fill.

During the 2000 model year, Dodge Ram trucks offered both gas-powered and diesel configurations with different automatic transmissions. Gas models commonly used the 46RE/46RH automatic, while some heavy-duty diesel variants used the 47RE automatic. Because capacities vary by model and service method, identifying the exact transmission type for your specific truck is important—check the transmission tag or VIN data for precision.

Know your transmission type

Transmission capacity varies by model. The following guide provides typical ranges for common 2000 Ram configurations to help you estimate how much ATF you’ll need, with the caveat that exact figures come from your manual or VIN-specific data plate.

Before listing, here is a quick capacity guide by transmission type for common 2000 Ram configurations:



• Gas-engine Ram (46RE/46RH) — total system capacity about 12–14 quarts; pan capacity roughly 7–9 quarts; a drain-and-fill typically uses 6–9 quarts depending on filter changes and how much fluid remains in the cooler lines.


• Diesel Ram (47RE) — total system capacity roughly 15–18 quarts; pan capacity around 9–11 quarts; a drain-and-fill might use 7–12 quarts depending on the service approach and the presence of additional cooling lines.

These figures are approximate and can vary with the specific truck, optional equipment, and whether you perform a full fluid flush or a simpler pan drop. For exact numbers, consult the factory service manual or your vehicle’s VIN-specific documentation.

Service approach and practical steps

Whether you’re doing a standard drain-and-fill or a full transmission flush, follow these general steps to ensure a correct fill. Always verify the correct ATF type for your transmission before adding fluid.

Before listing, here is a general procedure for a standard drain-and-fill on a 2000 Ram automatic:



1. Warm the engine and transmission to operating temperature, then park on a level surface and set the parking brake. This helps the fluid expand and circulate for an accurate level check.


2. Lift the vehicle and place a drain pan beneath the transmission pan. Remove the pan bolts and drain the fluid. Remove the pan, drain any remaining fluid, and replace the filter if applicable.


3. Clean the pan and magnets, reinstall a new pan gasket, and reinstall the pan with the bolts tightened to spec. Reconnect any wiring or sensors you may have moved.


4. With the transmission in Park (or Neutral, as specified by the service manual) and the engine running, add ATF in small increments. Check the level using the transmission dipstick and follow the manufacturer’s API/procedure for proper level and temperature range.


5. Finish by road-testing the vehicle to ensure smooth shifting and check for leaks. Recheck the level after the operating temperature is reached again.

Ford, Chevrolet, and other brands have different specs, but the above steps reflect a typical approach for many Dodge Ram automatics in this era. If you’re flushing the system or working with a diesel 47RE, you may need specialized equipment and more fluid to account for the extra capacity.

In practice, if you’re unsure, it’s wise to consult the service manual for your exact transmission model (46RE/46RH or 47RE) or have a trusted shop perform the service to ensure you use the proper ATF type and fill quantity.

Summary

For a 2000 Dodge Ram, plan on roughly 12–14 quarts for a full transmission fill on gas models with the 46RE/46RH, and 15–18 quarts for diesel models with the 47RE. If you’re just doing a drain-and-fill, expect about 6–9 quarts (gas) or 7–12 quarts (diesel), depending on the filter change and cooler lines. Always confirm with your VIN-specific manual or the transmission tag to avoid under- or over-filling.

How many quarts of transmission fluid for a drain and fill?

For a standard transmission fluid drain and fill, you'll typically need 3 to 5 quarts, but you should always measure the amount you drained and refill with the same amount to start, then check the level using the dipstick after running the engine. The exact amount varies by vehicle, and it's crucial to check the owner's manual or look up specifications for your specific make and model, as a drain and fill will not replace all the old fluid. 
How to determine the right amount

• Drain the old fluid: Let the old fluid drain completely. 
• Measure the drained fluid: Measure how much fluid was drained. This is your starting point for refilling. 
• Refill with the measured amount: Put the same amount of new, correct transmission fluid back into the transmission. Using a funnel can help with this process. 
• Start the engine: Start the vehicle and let it run for a few minutes, shifting through all the gears (Park, Reverse, Neutral, Drive) while holding the brake. This circulates the new fluid. 
• Check the level: Turn the engine off and check the fluid level with the dipstick. Add more fluid in small increments if the level is low, or drain a small amount if it's too high. 
• Re-check: Repeat the process of running the engine and checking the dipstick until the fluid level is correct according to the dipstick's hash marks for a "hot" reading. 

Important considerations

• A drain and fill is different from a full transmission flush, which requires significantly more fluid (10-12 quarts or more) because it aims to replace all the fluid, including what's in the torque converter. 
• You should always use the specific type of transmission fluid recommended by your vehicle's manufacturer to avoid damage. 
• Some vehicles, like certain Land Rovers, do not have a dipstick and require a fluid extractor to add new fluid. Consult your owner's manual to be certain. 

How much transmission fluid does a 2002 Dodge Ram 1500 5.9 hold?

The 2002 Dodge Ram 1500 with a 5.9L engine has a 46RE 4-speed automatic transmission, which requires a service refill of approximately 10 quarts of ATF+4 fluid, and a total capacity of 10-12 quarts when changing the filter as well. The exact amount depends on whether the torque converter was drained. 
You can watch this video to learn how to change the transmission fluid in a Dodge Ram: 58sSynthetic Oil ProtectionYouTube · Feb 20, 2019

• Service Refill: 10 quarts. 
• Total Capacity (with filter change): 10-12 quarts. Add approximately 6 quarts for a complete overhaul (which includes the torque converter and filter) and top off as needed. 
• Fluid Type: Always use Mopar ATF+4 or a compatible equivalent. 

To fill:

1. Add the initial 10 quarts, then start the engine and let it run at idle. 
2. Shift through all the gears, pausing for a few seconds in each one. 
3. Check the dipstick and add more fluid as needed until it reaches the full mark. 

How many quarts of transmission fluid does a 2000 Dodge Ram 1500 take?

The transmission fluid capacity for a 2000 Dodge Ram 1500 varies by transmission type. The 42RE automatic transmission has a total fill capacity of approximately 10.9 quarts with an initial fill of about 4 quarts, while the 46RE automatic transmission holds around 10 quarts total (approximately 3.8 quarts for the initial fill). The NV5600 manual transmission requires about 9.5 pints of fluid. 
This video demonstrates how to change the transmission fluid and filter in a Dodge Ram with a 46RE transmission: 55sDeuceLiterYouTube · Sep 22, 2023
Automatic transmissions

• 42RE:
  • Total capacity: 10.9 quarts 
  • Initial fill: 4 quarts 
• 46RE:
  • Total capacity: Approximately 10 quarts (9.6 liters) 
  • Initial fill: Approximately 3.8 quarts (3.6 liters) 

This video shows how to change the transmission fluid in a 2000 Dodge Ram 1500: 1mtrucksandotherstuffYouTube · Jul 18, 2018
Manual transmissions

• NV5600:
  • Capacity: 9.5 pints 

Important notes

• Always use ATF+4 fluid for automatic transmissions. 
• It's best to fill the transmission gradually, starting with a smaller amount, and then check the dipstick to avoid overfilling, especially after a fluid and filter change. 
• Total capacity can vary slightly. It is recommended to add fluid gradually until the correct level is reached according to the dipstick. 

What kind of transmission fluid does a 2000 Dodge Ram 1500 take?

The correct transmission fluid for a 2000 Dodge Ram 1500 is ATF+4, which is specified by Chrysler under the MS-9602 standard. It is always best to confirm this in your owner's manual, but most 2000 Ram 1500 models with an automatic transmission use ATF+4. 

• Fluid type: ATF+4 
• Why it's important: Using the correct fluid ensures proper lubrication and hydraulic pressure for shifting. 
• Verification: Always double-check the specific requirements in your vehicle's owner's manual to confirm the exact type and service recommendations.