How much transmission fluid does a 2000 Dodge Ram 1500 5.9 hold?

The 2000 Dodge Ram 1500 with a 5.9-liter V8 and the common automatic transmission typically holds about 11–13 quarts of automatic transmission fluid, depending on whether you’re performing a simple pan drain and filter change or a full system flush that includes the torque converter.

What affects the capacity

Several factors determine the exact amount of ATF your transmission requires or retains. These include the specific transmission model used in your truck, whether the torque converter is drained during service, the presence of a cooler line flush, and whether a new pan gasket and filter are installed. Always verify with the vehicle’s service manual for your exact build.

Before performing any service, it helps to know the component capacities involved in a typical drain-and-fill versus a full transmission replacement.



• Pan capacity (fluid stored in the pan): about 9–10 quarts. This is the fluid you drain when you remove the pan and replace the filter.


• Fluid in the torque converter and lines (not drained by a pan drop): roughly 2–3 quarts. This fluid remains in the converter and cooler lines and is not removed during a standard pan-only service.


• Total system capacity (full replacement including converter): about 11–13 quarts. This range covers a complete exchange of most or all transmission fluid, depending on whether the converter is drained and whether lines are flushed.

Note: These figures reflect the common 46RE automatic transmission found in many 2000 Ram 1500 models with the 5.9L engine. If your truck uses a different variant or has additional accessories, the exact capacity can vary slightly. Always consult the owner’s manual or service literature for your VIN.

ATF type and service guidance

Using the correct automatic transmission fluid is essential for proper shifting and longevity. For early Chrysler-era automatics, the recommended fluid type can vary by year and model. Check your owner’s manual or a dealership service bulletin to confirm whether Dexron III, Mercon, ATF+3, or ATF+4 is specified for your transmission. If you’re unsure, a trusted shop can verify the exact specification for your VIN and avoid cross-contamination from using the wrong fluid.

Maintenance tips

When performing a drain-and-fill, warm the engine, place the vehicle in Park, and use the dipstick to verify proper fluid level after the fill and a short idle. If performing a full flush or a converter drain, follow the exact procedure in the service manual, as these steps can impact the final fluid quantity needed.

Summary

For a 2000 Dodge Ram 1500 with a 5.9L engine and the common automatic transmission, plan on about 11–13 quarts of ATF for a complete replacement, with roughly 9–10 quarts in the pan and an additional 2–3 quarts that remain in the torque converter and lines. Always verify the exact capacity for your specific transmission variant and use the recommended ATF type as listed in the owner’s manual.

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. 

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. 

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. 

How much oil does a 2000 Dodge Ram 1500 5.9 take?

The oil capacity for a 2000 Dodge Ram 1500 with the 5.9L V8 engine is 5 quarts, and it requires a 10W-30 oil (or 5W-30 for colder temperatures) and a new oil filter. Always check the oil level on the dipstick after refilling to ensure it's within the correct range. 

• Capacity: 5 quarts (with filter) 
• Recommended Viscosity: 10W-30 (above -18∘Cnegative 18 raised to the composed with power cap C−18∘𝐶 or 0∘F0 raised to the composed with power cap F0∘𝐹) 
• Alternate Viscosity (for cold weather): 5W-30 (below 0∘C0 raised to the composed with power cap C0∘𝐶 or 32∘F32 raised to the composed with power cap F32∘𝐹) 
• Process: After refilling, run the engine for a short time, then shut it off and check the dipstick to confirm the oil level is correct.