DIY Oil & Filter Change for Your 2019 Ram 1500

Regular oil and filter changes are the cornerstone of a healthy, long-lasting engine. For owners of a 2019 Ram 1500, understanding this vital maintenance task can not only save you money but also provide peace of mind, knowing your truck is running efficiently. This guide will walk you through the essential steps, tools, and considerations for performing an oil and filter change on your Ram 1500, covering both the popular 3.6L V6 Pentastar and the robust 5.7L Hemi V8 engines. By taking this on yourself, you're not just performing a chore; you're investing in the longevity and performance of your vehicle.

Understanding Engine Oil: The Lifeblood of Your Ram

Before you even think about getting your hands dirty, it's crucial to understand the type of oil your 2019 Ram 1500 requires. Engine oil acts as a lubricant, coolant, and cleaner, reducing friction between moving parts, dissipating heat, and preventing sludge build-up. Using the correct oil viscosity and type is paramount.

Synthetic vs. Conventional vs. Blend

The debate between synthetic, conventional, and synthetic blend oils is ongoing, but here's a breakdown to help you decide:

• Conventional Oil: Derived from crude oil, it's the most basic type. It's generally less expensive and works well for drivers who adhere to regular, shorter oil change intervals, provided it's approved for your 1500 Classic.
• Synthetic Blend Oil: A mixture of conventional and synthetic base oils. It offers some of the benefits of full synthetic at a more affordable price point, providing better protection and performance than conventional oil.
• Full Synthetic Oil: Engineered for superior performance, full synthetic oil offers excellent lubrication, thermal stability, and resistance to breakdown. It's designed to withstand extreme temperatures and can offer longer oil change intervals, making it a great choice if you prefer more time between services. Many modern vehicles, including certain Ram 1500 models, may even require 100% synthetic oil.

Your vehicle's owner's manual is the definitive source for the recommended oil type and viscosity. For your 2019 Ram 1500 Classic, this could be 0W-20, 0W-30, 5W-20, 5W-30, or even 10W-30, depending on the engine and specific model variant. Always consult your manual to ensure you're using the right specifications.

The Importance of Viscosity

The numbers in oil viscosity (e.g., 5W-30) indicate its resistance to flow at different temperatures. The 'W' stands for 'Winter', and the first number denotes the oil's viscosity when cold, while the second number represents its viscosity at operating temperature. Using the correct viscosity ensures proper lubrication in all conditions, from cold starts to hot engine operation.

Essential Tools & Materials

Having the right tools ready makes the job much smoother and safer. Here's what you'll need:

• New Engine Oil: As per your owner's manual (typically 6-7 quarts for the Hemi, around 6 quarts for the V6).
• New Oil Filter: Ensure it's the correct filter for your 2019 Ram 1500's specific engine (Hemi or 3.6L V6).
• Drain Pan: A wide, shallow pan is ideal to catch all the old oil without spills.
• Socket Wrench & Correct Socket: For the oil drain plug. A 6-point socket is preferred to prevent rounding off the plug.
• Breaker Bar: Sometimes, the drain plug can be incredibly tight, requiring extra leverage.
• Oil Filter Wrench: For spin-on filters (common on Hemi), a band-type or cap-style wrench works well. For cartridge filters (common on 3.6L V6), a large socket or specific filter cap wrench will be needed.
• Rubber Gloves: To protect your hands from hot, dirty oil.
• Safety Glasses: Crucial for protecting your eyes from any drips or splashes of harmful fluids.
• Funnel: To prevent spills when adding new oil.
• Clean Rags or Shop Towels: For wiping up spills and cleaning surfaces.
• Jack and Jack Stands (Optional but Recommended): If your truck is too low to comfortably access the drain plug and filter, these are essential for safe lifting and support. NEVER work under a vehicle supported only by a jack.
• Torque Wrench: For tightening the drain plug and filter cap to specification, preventing over-tightening or leaks.

Safety First: Prioritising Your Well-being

Working under any vehicle carries inherent risks. Always prioritise safety:

• Vehicle Support: If you need to raise your Ram 1500, use a floor jack to lift it, and immediately support it securely on jack stands. Ensure the stands are on a stable, level surface. Never rely solely on the jack.
• Personal Protection: Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from oil, battery acid, coolant, or brake fluid. Wear rubber gloves to protect your skin from hot oil and contaminants.
• Hot Components: The engine and exhaust system will be hot if you've recently driven the vehicle. Exercise extreme caution to avoid burns.
• Level Ground: Always perform the oil change on a level surface to ensure accurate oil level readings and prevent the vehicle from rolling.

Step-by-Step Guide: Changing Your Ram 1500's Oil & Filter

Follow these steps carefully to ensure a successful oil change:

1. Preparation

• Warm Up the Engine: Start your Ram 1500 and let it run for about 5-10 minutes to bring the oil to its normal operating temperature. Warm oil flows more easily, carrying out more contaminants.
• Park and Secure: Park your truck on a level surface and engage the parking brake. Turn off the engine.
• Access and Open Bonnet: If necessary, use your jack and jack stands to raise the front of the vehicle safely. Open the bonnet and locate the oil filler cap on the valve cover. Remove the filler cap – this helps the oil drain faster and more completely.
• Locate Components: Familiarise yourself with the location of the oil drain plug on the bottom of the oil pan, the oil filter, the oil filler cap, and the dipstick.

2. Draining the Old Oil

• Position Drain Pan: Place your drain pan directly underneath the oil drain plug.
• Remove Drain Plug: Using the correct size socket and ratchet (or breaker bar), carefully loosen the drain plug by turning it counter-clockwise. Be prepared for hot oil to gush out. You may want to wear gloves to avoid contact with hot oil.
• Drain Completely: Allow all the old oil to drain into the pan. This can take several minutes. As the flow slows, you may need to reposition the pan.
• Inspect Old Oil: While the oil is draining, inspect it for any metal shavings or chips, which could indicate internal engine wear.
• Clean and Reinstall Drain Plug: Once the oil has fully drained, wipe off the drain plug with a clean rag. Any minute metal particles clinging to the plug could contaminate the new oil. Reinstall the drain plug and tighten it to the proper torque. For 3.6L V6 engines, the drain plug torque is typically 20 ft-lbs. For 5.7L Hemi engines, consult your owner's manual for the specific torque setting, as overtightening can strip the oil pan threads, and undertightening can cause leaks.

3. Removing the Oil Filter

The process for removing the oil filter varies depending on whether your 2019 Ram 1500 has the 3.6L V6 Pentastar engine or the 5.7L Hemi V8.

For 5.7L Hemi V8 Engines (Spin-On Filter)

The Hemi typically uses a conventional spin-on oil filter, often positioned with a convenient drain channel beneath it to minimise mess.

• Position Drain Pan: Move the drain pan under the oil filter.
• Loosen Filter: Use your oil filter wrench to loosen the filter by turning it counter-clockwise. Once it's loose, you should be able to unscrew it by hand. Some Hemi filters are angled with a channel to direct oil, making the process cleaner. Allow the oil to drain from the filter into the pan as you loosen it.
• Remove Filter: Carefully remove the old filter, keeping its open end pointed upwards to prevent spills.
• Clean Mounting Surface: Use a clean rag to wipe off the mounting surface on the engine block. Ensure no old gasket material remains stuck to the surface; if it does, gently scrape it off.
• Prepare New Filter: Compare the old filter with the new one to ensure they are identical. Apply a thin film of clean engine oil to the rubber gasket of the new filter. This helps create a good seal and prevents the gasket from sticking.
• Install New Filter: Screw the new filter onto the engine by hand. Tighten it until the gasket makes contact with the engine, then give it an additional 3/4 to one full turn, or as specified on the filter's packaging. Do not overtighten with a filter wrench, as this can damage the filter or its seal.

For 3.6L V6 Pentastar Engines (Cartridge Filter)

The 3.6L Pentastar engine often uses a cartridge-style oil filter, located in a housing on top of the engine.

• Remove Engine Cover: If present, lift up on the outer edges of the engine cover to disengage its rubber mounts and remove it.
• Place Rag: Place a rag or shop towel at the base of the oil filter housing to catch any drips.
• Loosen Filter Cap: Using a box-end wrench or large socket, carefully loosen the filter cap by turning it counter-clockwise.
• Remove Cap and Filter: Remove the cap and the old filter element from the housing. Pull the filter element out of the cap.
• Replace O-Ring: Remove and discard the old O-ring from the filter cap. Install a new O-ring (usually supplied with the new filter) onto the cap and apply a light amount of clean engine oil to it.
• Install New Filter: Insert the new filter element into the cap, ensuring the filter clips (if present) lock into the cap.
• Reinstall Assembly: Place the filter assembly (cap with new filter) back into the filter housing. Carefully thread the cap into the housing by hand to avoid cross-threading.
• Tighten Filter Cap: Tighten the filter cap to the proper torque. For the 3.6L V6 Pentastar, the filter cap torque is typically 18 ft-lbs. Do not overtighten.

4. Adding New Oil

• Lower Vehicle (if raised): Remove all tools and the drain pan from underneath the vehicle. Carefully lower your Ram 1500 if it was raised.
• Pour New Oil: Using a funnel, slowly pour four quarts of fresh, recommended engine oil into the oil filler opening.
• Initial Check: Wait a few minutes to allow the oil to drain down into the oil pan. Then, check the oil level using the dipstick. It should be near the 'FULL' mark.
• Start Engine & Check for Leaks: Install the oil filler cap. Start the engine and let it run for about a minute. While the engine is running, carefully look under the vehicle and check for any leaks around the oil pan drain plug and the new oil filter. If you see any leaks, immediately stop the engine and tighten the plug or filter as necessary.
• Final Oil Level Check: Turn off the engine and wait a few more minutes for the oil to settle. Recheck the oil level on the dipstick. Add small amounts of oil as needed until the level reaches the 'FULL' mark. Be careful not to overfill.

5. Resetting the Oil Change Indicator Light

After changing the oil, you'll need to reset the oil life monitoring system to ensure accurate future reminders. The specific procedure can vary slightly, but generally involves:

• Turn the ignition to the 'ON' position (without starting the engine).
• Press the accelerator pedal fully three times within 10 seconds.
• Turn the ignition to the 'OFF' position.

If the 'Oil Change Required' message reappears upon restarting, the reset procedure was not successful, and you'll need to repeat it. Note that even if the system doesn't indicate a change is needed, manufacturers recommend changing the oil and filter at least once every year.

Oil Type Comparison: Synthetic vs. Conventional

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How often should I change the oil in my 2019 Ram 1500?

A: While your Ram's oil life monitoring system provides guidance, it's generally recommended to follow the intervals in your owner's manual. This could range from 7,500 to 10,000 miles for synthetic oil, or more frequently for conventional oil. Regardless of mileage, the manufacturer states the oil and filter must be changed at least once every year.

Q: What happens if I use the wrong type or viscosity of oil?

A: Using the wrong oil can lead to inadequate lubrication, increased engine wear, reduced fuel efficiency, and potentially costly engine damage over time. Always refer to your owner's manual for the correct specifications.

Q: Can I mix synthetic and conventional oil?

A: While it's generally not recommended, synthetic blend oils are designed to be a mix. However, for optimum performance and protection, it's best to stick with one type. Mixing them can dilute the benefits of synthetic oil.

Q: What should I do with the old engine oil?

A: Old engine oil is a hazardous waste and must be disposed of properly. Never pour it down a drain or onto the ground. Most local auto parts stores, recycling centres, or municipal waste facilities will accept used oil for recycling. Store it in a sealed container until you can take it for disposal.

Q: My oil filter is stuck. What should I do?

A: For spin-on filters, if a filter wrench isn't working, you might try a larger, more aggressive wrench. For some Rams, wrapping an old belt around the filter and using it for leverage can help. If it's truly stuck, professional assistance might be needed to avoid damaging the engine block. Ensure you're turning it counter-clockwise.

Q: Is it really worth changing my own oil?

A: Absolutely! Changing your own oil can save you money on labour costs, allows you to use your preferred brand and type of oil, and gives you a chance to inspect other components under your truck. It's a fundamental skill for any vehicle owner and builds confidence in maintaining your own vehicle.

By following this comprehensive guide, you'll be well-equipped to perform an effective and safe oil and filter change on your 2019 Ram 1500. This routine maintenance is an investment in your truck's future, ensuring reliable performance for many miles to come. Drive safely!

If you want to read more articles similar to DIY Oil & Filter Change for Your 2019 Ram 1500, you can visit the Maintenance category.