Setting aside an hour for a 2023 ram 1500 oil change is one of the smartest things you can do to keep that Hemi or Pentastar engine humming for years. Honestly, these trucks are built like tanks, but even the toughest engine needs fresh lubrication to stay happy. Whether you're trying to save a few bucks or you just don't trust the local lube shop with your pride and joy, doing it yourself is surprisingly straightforward once you know the little quirks of the 2023 model.
Why Do It Yourself?
Let's be real for a second. Taking your truck to the dealership can be a massive headache. You have to schedule an appointment, drive down there, wait in a plastic chair for two hours while drinking bad coffee, and then pay a premium for "shop supplies" and labor. When you handle your own 2023 ram 1500 oil change, you know exactly what oil is going into the engine, you know the filter was actually replaced, and you can check for other issues while you're under there. Plus, there's just something satisfying about working on your own rig.
Gathering Your Supplies
Before you crawl under the chassis, you need to make sure you have everything ready. There is nothing worse than draining your oil and realizing you bought the wrong filter or you're a quart short.
For the 2023 model year, most Ram 1500s come with one of two engines: the 3.6L Pentastar V6 with eTorque or the 5.7L Hemi V8 with eTorque. They take different amounts and types of oil, so check your manual or the oil cap before you buy.
- For the 5.7L Hemi V8: You're going to need 7 quarts of 5W-20 full synthetic oil.
- For the 3.6L Pentastar V6: You'll need 5 quarts of 0W-20 full synthetic oil.
As for the filter, many owners swear by the Mopar brand because it's what the factory uses, but high-quality aftermarket options like Wix or Mobil 1 are great too. Just make sure it's compatible with your specific engine. You'll also need a 13mm or 16mm socket (depending on your specific drain plug), an oil filter wrench, a drain pan that can hold at least 8 quarts, and some clean rags.
Prepping the Truck
It's a good idea to run the truck for five or ten minutes before you start. Warm oil flows much faster than cold oil, which helps get more of the old gunk out of the pan. Just don't get it too hot, or you'll be nursing burnt fingers.
Park on a level surface, engage the parking brake, and if you have the air suspension, make sure to put it into "Tire Jack Mode" so the truck doesn't try to level itself while you're underneath. One of the perks of the Ram 1500 is the ground clearance; most people can slide right under without even needing a jack, which makes the whole process much faster.
The Draining Process
Once you're under there, locate the oil pan and the drain plug. On the 2023 models, it's usually pretty easy to spot. Position your drain pan underneath and start loosening the bolt. Pro tip: hold the bolt against the pan as you unscrew the last few threads, then pull it away quickly. This helps you avoid getting a sleeve full of hot oil.
While the oil is glugging out, take a look at the drain plug. Check the O-ring or gasket to make sure it isn't cracked or flattened out. If it looks rough, spend the two dollars to replace it now so you don't have a slow drip later.
Swapping the Filter
This is where things can get a little messy, especially on the Hemi. On the 5.7L V8, the oil filter is located in a bit of an awkward spot above the electric power steering rack. Ram actually put a little plastic diverter tray under it to help the oil drain away from the steering components, but it's still common for things to get greasy.
Use your filter wrench to loosen it, but finish unscrewing it by hand. Let the oil drain out of the filter before you pull it all the way off. For the 3.6L V6 guys, you've got it easy—your filter is a cartridge style located right on top of the engine under the hood.
Before you put the new filter on, take a finger and smear a little bit of fresh oil on the rubber gasket. This ensures a good seal and makes it much easier to take off during your next 2023 ram 1500 oil change. Screw it on until it's "hand tight," then give it maybe another quarter turn. Don't go crazy with the wrench here; you aren't trying to fuse it to the engine block.
Filling It Up
Double-check that you've put the drain plug back in and tightened it down. It's a classic mistake to start pouring fresh oil in only to see it running across the garage floor because you forgot the plug.
Pop the hood and find the oil fill cap. Use a funnel to pour in your fresh synthetic oil. If you have the Hemi, dump in those 7 quarts. If you have the V6, go with 5. Once you're done, put the cap back on, start the engine, and let it idle for a minute. This lets the oil circulate and fill up the new filter.
Turn the truck off, wait a couple of minutes for the oil to settle back into the pan, and then check the dipstick. You want the level to be right in the "safe" zone. If it's a little low, add a splash more.
Resetting the Oil Life Monitor
Your 2023 Ram 1500 is smart enough to track its own oil life, but it isn't smart enough to know you just changed it. You have to tell it.
- Sit in the driver's seat and put the ignition in the "ACC" or "RUN" position (don't start the engine).
- Use the arrows on your steering wheel to scroll through the menu on the digital cluster.
- Find the "Vehicle Info" section.
- Scroll sideways until you see the "Oil Life" screen.
- Press and hold the "OK" button on the steering wheel for a few seconds.
- The percentage should jump back up to 100%.
It's a simple step, but if you forget it, the truck will start chiming at you in a few weeks telling you that you're overdue for service, which is just annoying.
Dealing with the Old Oil
Please don't be that person who dumps old oil in the backyard or down the drain. It's terrible for the environment and actually illegal in most places. Most auto parts stores like AutoZone or O'Reilly will take your used oil for free and recycle it. Just pour the old stuff back into the empty jugs your new oil came in, put the lids on tight, and drop them off next time you're out.
Final Thoughts
Doing a 2023 ram 1500 oil change at home really isn't a big deal once you've done it once. It takes about thirty to forty-five minutes once you get a rhythm going. Not only do you save a chunk of change, but you also get to know your truck a little better. You can spot potential leaks, check your CV boots, and make sure everything looks solid underneath.
Keep a little notebook in your glovebox or use an app to track the date and mileage of every change. If you ever decide to sell the truck down the road, having a detailed maintenance history is a huge selling point. Now, get out there, get your hands a little dirty, and keep that Ram on the road!