2016 Ram 1500 Oil Change — 5.7L HEMI (7 Qt, 5W-20, MDS Note)

I do the oil change on my 2016 Ram 1500 with the 5.7L HEMI V8 myself and it saves me $80–$100 every service. The HEMI takes 7 quarts of 5W-20 full synthetic with a filter change, the drain plug torques to 25 ft-lbs, and the filter is tucked up high on the driver's side of the block — easy to reach, but you'll want gloves because it sits near the exhaust manifold. Dealer wants $120–$160 for this service. I do it in 30 minutes for under $50.

The MDS System and Why Oil Quality Matters

The 2016 Ram 1500 5.7L HEMI uses Multi-Displacement System (MDS) — a cylinder deactivation system that shuts down four cylinders under light load to save fuel. MDS relies on small hydraulic lifter solenoids that are extremely sensitive to oil quality and viscosity. Using the wrong oil — or stretching intervals past the recommended limit — can cause MDS lifter failures that run $1,500–$3,000 to repair.

Chrysler's spec for the 2016 HEMI is 5W-20 full synthetic. Do not use conventional oil. Do not use 5W-30. Do not use 0W-20. The viscosity is critical for proper MDS operation. FCA-approved oils carry the MS-6395 certification — look for it on the label.

Tools and Parts

• 7 quarts Pennzoil Ultra Platinum 5W-20 (or equivalent FCA MS-6395 certified 5W-20 full synthetic)
• Oil filter: Mopar MO-340 (OEM) or FRAM XG10060, Wix 57356XP
• Drain plug washer: Mopar 6508778AA (replace every change — aluminum gasket)
• 15mm socket or box wrench for drain plug
• Oil filter wrench (standard 3/8" drive, 65mm cap type)
• Drain pan (8-quart minimum — 7 qt oil + filter = just over 7 qt total drainage)
• Torque wrench
• Jack, jack stands or ramps
• Nitrile gloves, shop rags

Spec Sheet

Item	Spec
Oil capacity (with filter)	7 quarts
Oil type	5W-20 full synthetic (FCA MS-6395)
Drain plug torque	25 ft-lbs (34 Nm)
Oil filter part number	Mopar MO-340
Drain plug part number	Mopar 6508778AA (gasket)
Service interval	8,000 miles (severe duty) / 10,000 miles (normal, with OLM)

Filter Location Note

The HEMI oil filter housing is on the upper driver's side of the engine block, near the exhaust manifold. Access from above is easy on the Ram because of the large engine bay. Use a filter wrench to break it loose — it'll be hot if the engine ran recently. Position your drain pan below the driver's side front wheel well when removing the filter to catch any residual oil that drips down the block.

Step-by-Step: 2016 Ram 1500 5.7L HEMI Oil Change

Warm-Up and Prep

1. Run the engine for 3–5 minutes to warm the oil. Shut it off, wait 5 minutes before crawling underneath.

2. Raise the truck on jack stands or drive up on ramps. With the HEMI's large engine, you can often do the drain from the side without full ramp height, but more clearance is always better.

3. Remove the oil fill cap on top of the engine (large cap on the passenger side valve cover). This helps the oil drain faster.

Drain

4. Position your drain pan under the oil drain plug — rear of the engine oil pan, driver's side. The 2016 Ram oil pan is deep, so the drain plug hangs low and is easy to reach.

5. Break the plug loose with a 15mm socket, then spin out by hand. Oil will be hot — wear gloves.

6. Let the oil drain completely (5–7 minutes). While draining, move to the filter.

Change the Filter

7. Locate the oil filter on the upper driver's side of the block. It's a standard spin-on canister. Use your filter wrench to break it loose 1–2 turns, then spin out by hand.

8. Before installing the new filter, wipe the mounting surface clean. Lightly coat the new filter's O-ring with fresh oil.

9. Thread the new filter on by hand until the gasket contacts the mounting surface, then tighten 3/4 additional turn. Do not wrench-tighten.

Reinstall Drain Plug and Fill

10. Install a new drain plug washer on the drain plug. Thread the plug in by hand, then torque to 25 ft-lbs (34 Nm). Do not overtighten — the oil pan is aluminum on the Ram 1500 and can be damaged.

11. Add 6.5 quarts of 5W-20 to start. Replace the fill cap.

12. Start the engine. Watch for the oil pressure warning light to extinguish within 5–10 seconds. Let it idle 30 seconds, then shut off.

13. Wait 2 minutes. Check the dipstick. Add remaining oil in small increments until the dipstick reads between MIN and MAX. Final capacity is 7 quarts with filter — you may not use the full last half-quart depending on filter drainage.

Reset the Oil Change Indicator

14. Uconnect display method: Tap the vehicle info button, navigate to Oil Life, and hold OK/select until it resets to 100%.

15. Instrument cluster method: Turn ignition to RUN (don't start). Press the gas pedal to the floor slowly 3 times within 10 seconds. The oil life monitor will reset.

MDS System — Oil Change Tips

• Always use the specified 5W-20 MS-6395 oil. Thicker oil won't flow through the MDS lifter circuits fast enough, especially at cold starts.
• If your HEMI has a tick or miss after an oil change, check that you filled to the correct level. Both overfill and underfill can cause MDS solenoid issues.
• The HEMI MDS system is designed to be invisible during normal driving. If you notice the truck dropping to 4-cylinder mode more frequently or less smoothly, check oil quality before assuming a mechanical issue.

Cost Comparison: DIY vs. Dealer

	DIY	Ram Dealer
7 qt 5W-20 full synthetic	$35–$50	Included
Oil filter	$10–$15	Included
Labor	$0	$80–$110
Total	$45–$65	$120–$160+

Savings: $75–$100 per service. At 10,000-mile intervals on a daily-driver truck, that's real money.

For more Ram 1500 and GM truck maintenance guides, check the OwnerDrop blog. If you also run a GM truck in the fleet, the 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 oil change guide covers the 5.3L Ecotec3 with its own AFM cylinder deactivation quirks.

Want step-by-step guides for your specific car? OwnerDrop has 28+ repair guides — start your Starter plan at $29.99/mo.