2015 RAM 1500 Oil Filter Guide: Part Numbers & Compatibility [2026]

2015 Ram 1500 Oil Changes Made Easy: Your Essential Action Plan

Performing your own oil and filter change on a 2015 Ram 1500 is one of the most rewarding maintenance tasks you can undertake. Not only does it save you a significant amount of money compared to dealership prices, but it also ensures that your Hemi or Pentastar engine receives the highest quality care. This guide covers the essential steps to locate, remove, and replace the oil filter, while also managing the full oil service. Following these specific steps is crucial for the longevity of your truck’s engine, as regular lubrication prevents internal friction and helps dissipate heat. Whether you are a seasoned mechanic or a first-time DIYer, this walkthrough will provide the technical specifications and “pro tricks” necessary to get the job done cleanly and efficiently.

Step 1: Gather Your Tools and Supplies

What you need: 7 quarts of 5W-20 synthetic oil (for 5.7L Hemi) or 6 quarts of 5W-20 (for 3.6L Pentastar), a Mopar MO-339 or equivalent spin-on filter (Hemi) or MO-744 cartridge (Pentastar), 13mm socket or wrench, oil filter wrench, oil drain pan, funnel, and clean rags.

Instructions: Before you even crawl under the truck, verify your engine type. The 2015 Ram 1500 most commonly features the 5.7L Hemi V8, which requires a spin-on filter, while the 3.6L V6 uses a top-mounted cartridge. Ensure you have the correct filter part number for your specific VIN. Check your owner’s manual to confirm the oil viscosity; while 5W-20 is standard, some heavy-duty users prefer 5W-30 if the manual allows. Lay out all your tools on a clean workspace. Having everything within reach prevents the “oil-covered hand” scramble later in the process. Ensure your drain pan has at least an 8-quart capacity to avoid overflows during the draining process.

Pro Tip: Always buy a high-quality silicone-valved oil filter. Cheap filters can cause “dry starts” in Hemi engines, leading to the infamous “Hemi Tick” over time due to poor oil retention in the upper engine blocks.

Step 2: Warm the Engine and Secure the Vehicle

What you need: Level ground, wheel chocks, and your ignition key.

Instructions: Start your truck and let it idle for about 5 to 10 minutes. You want the oil to reach a lukewarm temperature, which lowers its viscosity and allows it to flow more freely, carrying away more contaminants. Once the engine is warm, park the vehicle on a flat, level surface. Engage the parking brake firmly and place wheel chocks behind the rear tires. While the Ram 1500 has enough ground clearance for many people to slide under without a jack, using ramps can provide much-needed elbow room. If you use a jack, always support the frame with high-quality jack stands. Never work under a vehicle supported only by a hydraulic jack, as seal failure can be fatal.

Pro Tip: Open the hood and loosen the oil fill cap slightly. This breaks the vacuum within the engine, allowing the oil to drain out of the bottom much faster and more completely.

Step 3: Drain the Old Engine Oil

What you need: 13mm wrench or socket, oil drain pan, and protective gloves.

Instructions: Locate the oil drain plug on the bottom of the oil pan. On the 2015 Ram, this is typically a 13mm bolt. Position your drain pan slightly offset from the plug, as the oil will initially shoot out with some force and trajectory before settling into a vertical stream. Carefully loosen the plug with your wrench. Once it is loose enough to turn by hand, switch to using your fingers while applying inward pressure on the plug to prevent oil from leaking out prematurely. In one quick motion, pull the plug away. Let the oil drain until it slows to a very thin, occasional drip. This usually takes about 10 to 15 minutes. Inspect the magnetic tip of the drain plug for any large metal shards, which could indicate internal engine wear.

Pro Tip: While the oil is draining, inspect the crush washer on the drain plug. If it looks flattened or cracked, replace it with a new one to prevent slow leaks after the job is finished.

Step 4: Locate and Remove the Oil Filter

What you need: Oil filter wrench, a plastic grocery bag or aluminum foil, and shop towels.

Instructions: On the 5.7L Hemi, the oil filter is located on the passenger side of the engine, tucked above the electronic power steering rack. This is a notoriously messy location because the oil tends to spill onto the steering components. To avoid a mess, wrap the steering rack in aluminum foil or place a large plastic bag around the filter as you unscrew it. Use your filter wrench to break the seal, then unscrew it by hand. As the filter comes off, tilt the open end upward quickly to keep the oil inside, then drop it into your drain pan. If you have the 3.6L Pentastar, simply unscrew the cap on the top of the engine and pull the cartridge out.

Pro Tip: The “Double Gasket” Trap: Before moving to the next step, look at the old filter. Ensure the rubber O-ring gasket is still attached to it. If it’s missing, it’s stuck to the engine block. If you install a new filter over an old gasket, it will blow out under pressure, causing total oil loss in seconds.

Step 5: Prepare and Install the New Filter

What you need: New oil filter and a small amount of fresh 5W-20 oil.

Instructions: Open your new oil filter and dip your finger into a bottle of fresh oil. Run your finger around the rubber gasket on the top of the new filter to create a light film. This lubrication ensures a proper seal and makes the filter much easier to remove during your next oil change. If you are working on a Hemi, you can “pre-fill” the filter about halfway with fresh oil to reduce the time it takes for oil pressure to build upon startup. Thread the new filter onto the engine bypass stud by hand. Spin it until the gasket makes contact with the mounting surface. Once it touches, tighten it an additional 3/4 to one full turn by hand. Do not use a wrench to tighten it, as over-tightening can damage the gasket or threads.

Pro Tip: Use a permanent marker to write the current mileage and date on the side of the filter. This provides a quick visual reference for any mechanic or future owner to see that the truck has been well-maintained.

Step 6: Refill the Engine and Check for Leaks

What you need: Funnel, 6-7 quarts of oil, and the oil fill cap.

Instructions: Reinstall the oil drain plug and tighten it to approximately 20-25 ft-lbs (snug, but do not strip it). Place your funnel into the oil fill port on top of the engine. Pour in the recommended amount of oil—7 quarts for the Hemi or 6 quarts for the Pentastar. Once filled, replace the oil cap and start the engine. Let it run for about 60 seconds while watching the dashboard oil pressure gauge; it should rise within a few seconds. While the engine is running, look under the truck to verify there are no leaks coming from the drain plug or the oil filter. Turn off the engine and let the oil settle for 5 minutes, then check the dipstick to ensure the level is exactly at the “Full” mark.

Pro Tip: Never overfill your engine. If the oil level is above the “Safe” zone on the dipstick, it can cause “aeration” or foaming, where the crankshaft whips air into the oil, reducing its ability to lubricate effectively.

Step 7: Reset the Oil Life Monitor

What you need: The vehicle’s ignition and steering wheel controls.

Instructions: Your 2015 Ram 1500 features an electronic oil life monitoring system that must be manually reset so the truck can track your next interval. Turn the ignition to the “Run” position (do not start the engine). Use the arrow buttons on the left side of your steering wheel to navigate the Driver Information Display (DID). Scroll to the “Vehicle Info” menu, then find the “Oil Life” sub-menu. Once there, press and hold the “Right” arrow or the “OK” button (depending on your trim level) until the percentage resets to 100%. You may hear a chime or see the screen flash to confirm the reset is complete. This ensures your truck accurately alerts you when it’s time for the next service based on your driving habits.

Pro Tip: Even if the monitor says you have life left, try to change your oil every 5,000 to 7,500 miles if you do a lot of towing or short-trip city driving, as these “severe” conditions break down oil faster than the computer sometimes predicts.

✅ Final Checklist

• Drain plug is tightened to 20-25 ft-lbs and isn’t weeping oil.
• Old oil filter gasket was removed from the engine block (no double-gasketing).
• New oil filter is hand-tightened and pre-lubricated.
• Oil level reads exactly between the hash marks on the dipstick after a test run.
• Dashboard oil life monitor has been reset to 100%.

Important Notes:

• Safety: Always wear eye protection. Hot oil can cause severe burns and permanent eye damage if it splashes.
• Environmental: Take your used oil and filter to a local auto parts store or recycling center. Never pour oil down a drain or into the ground.
• Professional Help: If you notice heavy metal flakes in the oil or if the drain plug threads feel “mushy” or stripped, consult a professional mechanic immediately.
• Estimated Time: 30–45 minutes.
• Estimated Cost: $40–$70 (depending on synthetic oil brand vs. $100+ at a dealership).

Related Resources

• 7 Best Lift Kits for Ram 1500
• 7 Best Tonneau Covers for Ram 1500
• 7 Best Ram 1500 Accessories

Trusted References

• Pennzoil
• AutoZone