How do you change the oil in a Dodge Ram?

Answer 1

Remove the drain plug on the bottom of the oil pan and drain it. Don't re-install plug until it stops dripping. Look at the plug, is the gasket okay? is the head of the bolt worn? If so replace as needed. Remember to put a pan to hold about 5 or 6 quart of oil under the plug. When dripping completely stops, install drain plug, but don't overtighten. Place used oil into a gallon jug to take to oil recycler. Place pan back under oil filter. Turn it counter clockwise and set it in your drain pan to drain out old oil and then discard it. Take new filter and add a little oil into the filter to help reduce a dry start. Spread a little of the new oil on the rubber seal of the filter. Wipe off the threads and sealing surface of the filter gasket area around the threads. Make sure the old gasket is not still attached to motor or you will have a leak. Screw on new filter, when it gets snug, turn another 3/4 of a turn. You do not need to crush it on. Determine what oil you need for you engine by the owners manual or call the dealer. Add 4 and a half quarts to engine ( unless you know the capacity). Start it and let it run 10 seconds or until the pressure light goes off. Shut it off and check the level. Adjust level as needed to fill to the top of the hash marks on level indicator. Write down your miliage and the date. I go 3 months or 3000 miles myself. Mark it where you will see it so you know when to go through this lovely experience all over again. It would be wise to get a grease gun and lubricate any fittings for u-joints, ball joints, tie rod ends, idler arm or pitman arm if there are any.

answer

• Raise your Dodge Ram with a jack and place the truck on jack stands. If you don't have jack stands, drive the truck onto a set of wheel ramps.

  Pop the hood and remove the dipstick and oil filler cap. These components are under the hood. The dipstick is attached to a yellow handle.

• Slide under the Ram and locate the oil filter and oil drain plug. The oil drain plug is on the bottom of the engine block, with the filter stationed nearby.

• Remove the oil drain plug using the ratchet wrench. Pull the plug out and let the oil drain for 10 to 15 minutes. Check the gasket and threads for damage. Replace these parts as needed.

• Remove the oil filter with a strap-type oil filter wrench. Dump the old oil into the oil drip pan and put on the new filter. Tighten the oil filter by hand and use the wrench to replace the oil drain plug. Clean off the excess oil.

• Go under the hood and add oil. Turn on the engine and check the oil pressure gauge to make sure it rises. Let the Dodge Ram run for a minute.

• Lower your Ram and turn off the engine. Take an oil reading on the dipstick. If the oil level isn't at full, add more oil.