5.7 HEMI Oil Type and Capacity Chart: 2003 to 2026 Years, Models
Applies to: Ram 1500 (2003–2026), Ram 2500/3500 with the 5.7L HEMI, Dodge Durango, Dodge Charger, Dodge Challenger, Chrysler 300, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Jeep Commander ·
Quick answer
| What you need | Answer |
|---|---|
| Oil capacity (with filter) | About 7 quarts (6.6 liters) |
| Oil type | Full synthetic recommended, meeting Chrysler MS-6395 |
| Viscosity, 2003–2021 | SAE 5W-20 |
| Viscosity, 2022–2024 and 2026 Ram 1500 | SAE 0W-20 |
| Filter thread | M22 x 1.5 |
| Change interval | Follow the oil change indicator. Up to 10,000 miles or 12 months in normal use, less in severe use |
The exact grade depends on your model year and vehicle. Use the chart below, then confirm with the oil filler cap or your owner’s manual.
5.7 HEMI Oil at a Glance
Ram 1500 · Ram 2500/3500 · Durango · Grand Cherokee · Charger · Challenger · 300
Which viscosity for your Ram 1500?
Ram dropped the 5.7 HEMI for 2025 and brought it back for 2026. Always match the oil filler cap or your owner’s manual.
Oil type by vehicle
Oil change in 6 steps
- 1Warm up the engine for a couple of minutes, then shut it off.
- 2Raise safely on ramps or jack stands, on level ground.
- 3Drain the oil from the pan plug and remove the old filter.
- 4Prep the filter. Pre-fill with about 1/2 quart and wet the gasket.
- 5Refill with about 6.5 quarts, then check the dipstick and top up.
- 6Run 30 seconds, check for leaks, recheck the level, reset the indicator.
How often to change it
Follow your truck’s oil change indicator. Do not skip the time limit.
Do not use in a standard 5.7 HEMI
- 5W-30 (except specified heavy-duty trucks)
- 5W-40 or 15W-40
- Oil without MS-6395 on the label
- 6 quarts as a full fill
5.7 HEMI oil capacity and type by model year
All 5.7L HEMI engines hold about 7 quarts (6.6 liters) with a filter change. Some sources list 6.9 quarts, which is the same amount rounded differently. Other Ram 1500 engines are listed in our Ram 1500 oil capacity chart by year.
| Model years | Viscosity | Specification | Filter (see filter section) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2003–2008 | 5W-20 | MS-6395 | MO-899 / 04884899AC |
| 2009–2012 | 5W-20 | MS-6395 | MO-899 / 04884899AC |
| 2013–2018 | 5W-20 | MS-6395 | MO-339 / 04892339 |
| 2019–2021 | 5W-20 | MS-6395 | MO-339 / 04892339 |
| 2022–2024 | 0W-20 | MS-6395 | MO-339 / 04892339 |
| 2026 | 0W-20 | MS-6395 | MO-339 / 04892339 |
No 2025 Ram 1500 has the 5.7 HEMI. Ram dropped it for 2025 and brought it back for 2026 (see the 2026 section below).
Always match the grade printed on your oil filler cap or listed in your owner’s manual. If it conflicts with the chart, the manual wins.
Oil type by vehicle
| Vehicle | Years | What to use |
|---|---|---|
| Ram 1500 | 2003–2021 | 5W-20, MS-6395 |
| Ram 1500 | 2022–2024, 2026 | 0W-20, MS-6395 |
| Ram 2500 / 3500 (5.7 HEMI) | 2003–2018 | Most use 5W-20. Trucks rated above 14,000 lb GCWR may specify 5W-30. Check your manual |
| Dodge Durango | 2004–2021 | 5W-20, MS-6395 |
| Dodge Durango | 2024–2025 | 0W-20 |
| Jeep Grand Cherokee | 2005–2021 | 5W-20, MS-6395 |
| Jeep Grand Cherokee | 2024 | 0W-20 |
| Dodge Charger / Challenger R/T, Chrysler 300C | 5.7 HEMI years | 5W-20, MS-6395 |
Ram 2500/3500 with the 6.4L HEMI: this is a different engine. See our 6.4 HEMI oil type and capacity guide.
2026 Ram 1500: the 5.7 HEMI returns
Ram dropped the 5.7L HEMI for the 2025 model year and planned to replace it with the 3.0L Hurricane twin-turbo inline-six. Customer demand brought the V8 back for 2026. It still makes 395 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque and keeps the eTorque mild-hybrid system.
For the 2026 truck, use 0W-20 full synthetic that meets MS-6395, about 7 quarts. Check the oil filler cap before you buy oil.
Can I use 5W-30, 5W-40, 15W-40 or 0W-20?
5W-30 in a standard 5.7 HEMI (Ram 1500, Durango, Grand Cherokee): not recommended. The engine’s cylinder deactivation system (MDS) and variable valve timing are calibrated for thinner oil. Thicker oil can slow the lifter solenoids and cause a check engine light or a ticking noise. The 5W-30 exception applies to certain heavy-duty Ram 2500/3500 trucks, not as a general upgrade.
5W-40 or 15W-40: not recommended for the same reason. Skip it unless your manual calls for it.
0W-20 in a truck that specifies 5W-20: check your owner’s manual first. The two grades differ only slightly at cold start, but the manual is the authority for your year.
5W-20 in a truck that specifies 0W-20 (2022+): do not substitute. Those engines are calibrated for the thinner oil.
Can I mix 0W-20 and 5W-20? The oils are compatible, so a top-off in an emergency will not harm the engine. Do a full drain and refill with the correct grade at your next service.
Does the wrong viscosity void my warranty? Using a grade other than the one in your manual can make a warranty claim harder to win, especially if a valve-train or solenoid problem follows. Keep your service records.
Will 6 quarts be enough? No. Run the engine on the full capacity. Underfilling raises wear risk, especially at idle. Add oil gradually and check the dipstick on level ground.
Synthetic or conventional?
Full synthetic is the safe choice for every 5.7 HEMI. Older trucks (before about 2013) were commonly run on conventional 5W-20. Official specifications do not strictly require synthetic, but synthetic resists sludge better, and sludge is what clogs the narrow MDS and VVT oil passages. The oil must still meet MS-6395, whichever type you pick.
When you buy oil, look for “MS-6395” on the back label. Do not rely on the front of the bottle alone.
Why the right oil matters on a HEMI
The 5.7L HEMI uses engine oil as hydraulic fluid. The Multi-Displacement System uses oil pressure to switch the engine between 8 and 4 cylinders, and variable valve timing uses it to move the cam phaser. If the oil is too thick, too thin, or dirty, those systems respond slowly. The result is poor fuel economy, a ticking noise or a check engine light.
That is why Chrysler created its own standard, MS-6395, and why dealers and owners recommend using oil that carries it.
Oil filter guide
The 5.7 HEMI uses an M22 x 1.5 threaded filter. Avoid cheap filters with cardboard end caps and choose one with synthetic media if you plan to run longer intervals.
| Brand | Part number | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mopar (OEM) | MO-899 (04884899AC) / MO-339 (04892339) | Factory filter, depending on year |
| Wix XP | 57899XP | Synthetic media |
| Fram Ultra | XG2 | Wire-backed |
| K&N | HP-1017 | Wrench-off nut |
| Royal Purple | 20-820 | Micro-glass media |
Pro tip: pre-fill the new filter with about half a quart of oil and wet the gasket before you install it. This reduces the dry start when you first run the engine.
For a full comparison, see our best oil filter for the 5.7 HEMI Ram 1500 guide.
How to change the oil in a 5.7 HEMI
What you need: about 7 quarts of the correct oil, a new filter, a new drain plug washer if your plug uses one, a socket and ratchet for the drain plug, an oil filter wrench for your filter (a 76 mm cap type is common), a torque wrench, a drain pan, a funnel, gloves and a rag.
- Warm the engine for a couple of minutes, then switch it off. Warm oil drains faster. Do not drain a hot engine, it can burn you.
- Raise the truck safely. Use ramps or jack stands on level ground. Never work under a truck held only by a jack.
- Remove the drain plug at the back of the oil pan and let the oil drain fully.
- Remove the old filter. On the Ram 1500, the filter sits low on the passenger side. Slide the drain pan under it first, because it spills when you break it loose.
- Install the drain plug with a new washer if needed and tighten it to specification. One guide lists 25 ft-lb .
- Prepare the new filter. Pre-fill it with about half a quart of oil and wipe a thin film of oil on the gasket.
- Install the filter hand-tight, then turn it a further 1/8 to 1/4 turn. Do not overtighten.
- Add oil. Pour in about 6.5 quarts first (6 liters), then check the dipstick and add until the level is right. Do not guess, check.
- Start the engine for 20–30 seconds, then shut it off. Check under the truck for leaks.
- Recheck the dipstick after a minute and top up if needed.
- Reset the oil change indicator. See our oil reset guide. The steps vary by year.
Take used oil and the old filter to a recycling point or auto parts store.
How often to change the oil
Your truck has an oil change indicator that tracks real driving conditions. Follow it. As a general guide with full synthetic oil:
| Driving | Interval |
|---|---|
| Normal driving | Up to 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first |
| Severe duty (frequent short trips, towing, dusty roads, long idling) | 3,000–6,000 miles or 6 months |
Do not skip the time limit. Oil ages even if you do not drive much.
Other service milestones:
| Mileage | Service |
|---|---|
| 20,000 miles | Cabin air filter, suspension inspection |
| 30,000 miles | Engine air filter, driveline inspection |
| 60,000–100,000 miles | Spark plugs, coolant, transmission and axle fluid (per your manual) |
What does an oil change cost?
Prices vary by region, shop and oil brand. For a DIY change, you pay for about 7 quarts of full synthetic oil and a filter. Shops typically charge more than the parts alone, and dealer pricing is usually the highest. Ask for a quote that states the oil grade and MS-6395 compliance .
HEMI tick and oil
A ticking noise from a 5.7 HEMI can have several causes, including a lifter or camshaft problem. Oil is one factor you can check first:
- Is the oil level correct? Check the dipstick.
- Is the oil the right grade and MS-6395 certified?
- Is the oil overdue for a change?
- Does the ticking go away when you change the oil?
If the tick is loud, steady and persists after a correct oil change, see a technician. Do not keep driving a truck with a failing lifter. For the oil pressure sensor, see our 5.7 HEMI oil pressure sensor guide. For the variable valve timing solenoid, see our VVT solenoid location guide.
Idle time matters. The oil pump’s output drops at idle. Long idling gives the upper valvetrain less oil flow, so avoid extended idling and change the oil on the severe-duty schedule if you idle a lot.
Choosing an oil
Choose a full-synthetic oil that lists MS-6395 on the label and has the right viscosity for your year. Several major brands make one. Compare the label, not the marketing. Do not pay extra for a racing oil you do not need.
Where to buy: [AFFILIATE: MS-6395 5W-20 full synthetic] · [AFFILIATE: MS-6395 0W-20 full synthetic] · [AFFILIATE: Mopar oil filter] · [AFFILIATE: oil filter wrench] · [AFFILIATE: drain plug washer]
FAQs
How many quarts of oil does a 5.7 HEMI take?
About 7 quarts (6.6 liters) with a filter change.
What oil does a 5.7 HEMI take?
Full-synthetic oil meeting MS-6395. Use 5W-20 for 2003–2021 trucks and 0W-20 for 2022 and newer Ram 1500. Confirm on the oil filler cap.
What oil does a 2026 Ram 1500 5.7 HEMI take?
0W-20 full synthetic that meets MS-6395, about 7 quarts.
What oil does a Ram 2500 5.7 HEMI take?
Most use 5W-20. Some heavy-duty trucks rated over 14,000 lb GCWR specify 5W-30. Check your manual.
What is the oil capacity without a filter change?
The specification is given with a filter. If you skip the filter, it will take a little less. Add oil gradually and check the dipstick.
Can I use 5W-30 in a 5.7 HEMI?
Not in a standard Ram 1500, Durango or Grand Cherokee. The MDS and valve timing are calibrated for the specified thinner oil.
What happens if I ignore MS-6395?
Oil that does not meet the standard may break down faster and leave varnish or sludge, which can clog the narrow oil passages over time.
How long can I go between oil changes?
Follow the oil change indicator. Up to 10,000 miles or 12 months in normal use with full synthetic, less in severe duty.
Conclusion
Every 5.7 HEMI holds about 7 quarts. The part that changes is the viscosity: 5W-20 for 2003–2021 trucks and 0W-20 for 2022 and newer Ram 1500 Use an MS-6395 full-synthetic oil, a quality filter and the interval your truck’s indicator gives you. When in doubt, read the filler cap and your owner’s manual.
