2023 Ram 1500 5.7L HEMI Oil Change — DIY Guide with Torque Specs
2023 Ram 1500 5.7L HEMI Oil Change — DIY Guide with Torque Specs
I switched to doing my own oil changes on my HEMI about two years ago when I added up what I'd spent at the dealer. A basic oil change on the 5.7L HEMI comes out to $130–$160 at a Ram dealer when you factor in the synthetic oil they're required to use. That's real money, and it's a 30-minute job if you've done it once.
Here's the full procedure for the 2023 Ram 1500 5.7L HEMI.
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Get the DIY Mechanic SystemSpecs at a Glance
| Item | Spec |
|---|---|
| Engine | 5.7L HEMI V8 (eTorque or non-eTorque) |
| Oil type | Pennzoil Platinum 0W-20 Full Synthetic (FCA spec MS-6395) |
| Mopar part # | 68218951AA (5-qt), 68492616AA (quart) |
| Oil capacity | 7.0 quarts with filter |
| Oil filter | Mopar 68191349AA |
| Drain plug torque | 20 lb-ft (27 Nm) |
| Drain plug size | 15mm |
| Change interval | Oil Change Indicator (OCI) system — typically 8,000–10,000 miles |
Notes on the 2023 HEMI
The 2023 Ram 1500 requires 0W-20. This is a change from earlier HEMIs. The Gen 3 5.7L HEMI introduced the Active Fuel Management (MDS) and eTorque mild hybrid systems — both require 0W-20 for proper operation. Do not use 5W-20 or 5W-30 in a 2023 model.
eTorque vs. non-eTorque: The eTorque variant adds a belt-integrated motor/generator to the front of the engine for start-stop and torque fill. The oil change procedure is identical — same drain plug, same filter, same capacity.
7.0 quarts — the HEMI is a big engine with a large oil capacity. Buy 8 quarts (7 + 1 spare for topping off), not 5.
What You'll Need
- Mopar 0W-20 Full Synthetic or FCA MS-6395-spec equivalent (7 quarts)
- Mopar 68191349AA oil filter
- 15mm socket for drain plug
- Oil drain pan — 10-quart capacity
- Torque wrench
- Oil filter strap wrench
- Funnel
- Jack + stands or ramps
Step-by-Step
1. Warm the Oil
Run the engine 3–4 minutes. Shut off, wait 5 minutes.
2. Raise the Truck
The 2023 Ram 1500 sits differently depending on the suspension package (air, coil, or eTorque). Both have adequate clearance on ramps. Use jack stands under the frame rails, never the body or suspension arms.
3. Drain the Oil
Position a 10-quart drain pan. Remove the 15mm drain plug counterclockwise. The HEMI holds 7 quarts — let it drain fully, 8–10 minutes.
Remove the oil filler cap on the driver's side valve cover to equalize pressure.
4. Replace the Oil Filter
The Mopar filter is a spin-on type on the driver's side of the engine block, accessible from below. Remove counterclockwise. Have a rag ready.
Wipe the filter seating surface clean. Apply a thin film of fresh oil to the new gasket. Hand-tighten plus 3/4 turn.
5. Reinstall the Drain Plug
The 2023 Ram uses an aluminum oil pan. Thread the drain plug in by hand first to avoid cross-threading, then torque to 20 lb-ft. The drain plug uses a gasket — Mopar 68211204AA replacement washer, under $2.
6. Fill with New Oil
Pour 6.5 quarts, then check the dipstick after a brief idle. The HEMI takes exactly 7.0 quarts to the FULL mark — add incrementally.
7. Idle and Leak Check
Start the engine. Watch the oil pressure gauge — it should rise immediately. The HEMI with MDS will cycle the system on first startup. Let it idle 2 minutes, then shut off and check the drain plug and filter for leaks.
8. Reset the Oil Change Indicator
- Cycle the ignition to ON (don't start the engine)
- Press the gas pedal fully to the floor three times within 10 seconds
- Turn ignition off
- Start engine — oil change indicator should be reset
Or through the Uconnect screen: Vehicle Information > Oil Life and select Reset.
Cost Comparison
| DIY | Ram Dealer | |
|---|---|---|
| 0W-20 Full Synthetic (7 qt) | ~$42–$55 | — |
| Mopar filter | ~$10–$14 | — |
| Drain plug washer | ~$2 | — |
| Labor | $0 | $60–$100 |
| Total | ~$54–$71 | $130–$165 |
At $75–$95 in savings per oil change, this pays for itself fast — especially if you use the longer OCI interval on full synthetic.
Common Mistakes
1. Using 5W-20. Earlier HEMIs used 5W-20. The 2023 requires 0W-20. FCA MS-6395 spec. Check your oil cap — it's printed there.
2. Not buying enough oil. 7 quarts. Buy 8.
3. Forgetting the drain plug washer. The HEMI drain plug has a sealing washer that should be replaced each service. Reused washers can leak or seize.
4. Muscle-torquing the drain plug. 20 lb-ft is the spec. The aluminum pan can't take more.
5. Assuming the OCI is mileage-only. The 2023 Ram's Oil Change Indicator monitors actual driving conditions — oil life can drop faster with heavy towing or extended idling.
Related Maintenance
The 5.7L HEMI at 60k–100k miles typically needs: serpentine belt inspection, spark plugs (at 100k), and a transmission fluid check if you're towing regularly. The MDS lifters are worth monitoring — fresh oil at the right spec is the best prevention against lifter failure.
For more on the HEMI and DIY truck maintenance, see the how much money can you save doing your own car maintenance guide. For first-time oil change technique, see how to do an oil change at home.
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Written by OwnerDrop Team
DIY automotive guides and systems for independent mechanics. We test every procedure, document every torque spec, and build every tool list from scratch.
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