How much oil does a V6 Dodge Ram take?
Gasoline V6 Rams typically require about 5.7 quarts of engine oil with a filter, while the 3.0L EcoDiesel V6 uses roughly 11.5–12 quarts. Exact capacity depends on the specific engine variant, year, and filter size, so always verify against the owner's manual or the under-hood sticker.
Ram pickups have used several V6 configurations across generations. The following sections summarize the most common gasoline and diesel V6 engines and their typical oil capacities, with notes on how to confirm the correct figure for your truck.
Engine options and oil capacities
Below is a concise breakdown of typical oil capacities by V6 engine configuration found in Ram pickups. Actual capacity can vary by model year, engine revision, and filter size.
- 3.7L PowerTech V6 (older Ram 1500 configurations): approximately 5 quarts with filter.
- 3.6L Pentastar V6 (modern Ram 1500, 2010–present): approximately 5.7 quarts with filter.
- 3.0L EcoDiesel V6 (Ram 1500/2500/3500, 2014–present): approximately 11.5–12 quarts with filter.
Conclusion: The exact capacity depends on the engine variant and the oil filter used. Always confirm with the owner’s manual and recheck the dipstick after filling.
Practical guidance for oil changes
Before performing or scheduling an oil change, follow these tips to ensure you use the correct amount and oil type for your V6 Ram.
- Identify your exact engine variant (3.7L, 3.6L, or 3.0L EcoDiesel) from the dash badge or VIN documentation.
- Check the recommended oil grade for your year and engine (typically 5W-20 or 0W-20 for gasoline V6 engines; 5W-40 synthetic for EcoDiesel in many models).
- Plan to add roughly the full capacity in one go, then start the engine and check for leaks before topping off to the correct dipstick level.
- Replace the oil filter with the recommended filter size for your engine variant.
- Dispose of old oil and the filter according to local regulations.
These steps help ensure accurate filling and proper engine protection. Always verify the final level with a warm engine and a clean dipstick.
Model-year differences to watch for
Engine capacity and recommended oil grade can shift slightly with new model years or regional specifications. If you’re buying a used Ram or performing maintenance far from the factory manual, cross-check the exact capacity for your VIN and engine code to avoid overfilling or underfilling.
Summary
Oil capacity on a V6 Ram varies by engine: about 5.7 quarts for the 3.6L Pentastar gasoline V6, roughly 5 quarts for the older 3.7L PowerTech, and around 11.5–12 quarts for the 3.0L EcoDiesel. Always confirm with the owner’s manual or under-hood sticker for your specific truck, and fill carefully to the correct dipstick level after an oil change.
