2017 Ram 1500 5.7 oil capacity and type are critical details for any owner looking to maintain their truck’s legendary 5.7L HEMI engine in peak condition. Understanding these specifications ensures optimal performance, fuel efficiency, and longevity for one of North America’s most popular pickup trucks. Neglecting proper oil maintenance can lead to costly repairs and diminished engine health, making this knowledge indispensable for every Ram owner.
Understanding the Heart of Your Ram: The 5.7L HEMI Engine
The 5.7-liter HEMI V8 engine, a powerhouse under the hood of many 2017 Ram 1500 trucks, is renowned for its robust performance, impressive towing capabilities, and distinctive rumble. This engine’s advanced design includes features like Variable Valve Timing (VVT) and, in some models, the Multi-Displacement System (MDS), which allows the engine to seamlessly switch to four-cylinder mode under light load conditions to improve fuel economy. Given these sophisticated systems and the demands placed on a truck engine, using the correct oil is not merely a recommendation but a necessity.
The Specifics: 2017 Ram 1500 5.7 Oil Capacity and Type
To ensure your HEMI engine operates efficiently and reliably, paying close attention to both the oil capacity and the specified oil type is paramount.
Oil Capacity
For the 2017 Ram 1500 equipped with the 5.7L HEMI V8 engine, the recommended oil capacity is 7.0 quarts (approximately 6.6 liters). This measurement includes the oil filter. It’s crucial to always check your oil level using the dipstick after an oil change to confirm the correct fill, as slight variations can occur depending on how thoroughly the old oil was drained. Overfilling or underfilling can both lead to potential engine issues. Always start the engine briefly after refilling to allow the new oil filter to saturate, then shut it off, wait a few minutes, and recheck the dipstick, adding a small amount if necessary to reach the “full” mark.
Recommended Oil Type (Viscosity and Specification)
The manufacturer’s primary recommendation for the 2017 Ram 1500 5.7L HEMI engine is SAE 5W-20 engine oil. This specific viscosity is crucial for the optimal operation of the HEMI’s components, particularly the VVT and MDS systems, which rely on precise oil pressure and flow.
Beyond viscosity, the oil must meet a specific Chrysler material standard: MS-6395. This standard ensures that the oil contains the necessary additives and meets the performance requirements set by the manufacturer for lubrication, wear protection, sludge prevention, and resistance to thermal breakdown.
When choosing your engine oil, you’ll also encounter different formulations:
Conventional Oil: Derived from crude oil, it’s the least expensive but offers less protection and shorter change intervals.
Synthetic Blend Oil: A mix of conventional and synthetic oils, offering better protection than conventional but not as robust as full synthetic.
Full Synthetic Oil: Engineered for superior performance, offering excellent protection against wear, extreme temperatures, and sludge buildup. It also typically allows for extended oil change intervals.
For a high-performance engine like the HEMI, and especially given the demands placed on a truck, full synthetic SAE 5W-20 oil that meets the MS-6395 standard is highly recommended. While conventional or synthetic blend oils might meet the initial MS-6395 spec, full synthetic oil provides the best long-term protection and performance, particularly beneficial for vehicles used for towing, heavy hauling, or in extreme temperatures.
Why Proper Oil Maintenance is Crucial for Your 2017 Ram 1500 5.7
Adhering to the correct oil capacity and type isn’t just about following rules; it’s about safeguarding your investment.
Engine Longevity: The right oil provides proper lubrication, minimizing friction and wear on critical engine components, extending the life of your HEMI.
Optimal Performance: Correct viscosity ensures the VVT and MDS systems function correctly, allowing the engine to deliver its rated horsepower and torque efficiently.
Fuel Economy: Reduced friction within the engine contributes to better fuel efficiency.
Protection Against Sludge and Deposits: High-quality oil, especially synthetic, resists thermal breakdown and helps prevent the formation of harmful sludge and deposits that can clog oil passages.
Reduced Emissions: A well-lubricated and clean-running engine operates more efficiently, contributing to lower emissions.
When to Change Your Oil: Service Intervals
Ram recommends oil change intervals typically between 7,500 to 10,000 miles or every 6 to 12 months, whichever comes first, for normal driving conditions when using the recommended synthetic oil. However, several factors can influence the ideal interval:
Driving Conditions: Frequent short trips, heavy towing, off-roading, sustained high-speed driving, or driving in extremely dusty, hot, or cold conditions are considered “severe” and may necessitate more frequent oil changes (e.g., every 5,000 miles or 6 months).
Oil Life Monitor System: Many 2017 Ram 1500 models are equipped with an Oil Life Monitor system, which uses various engine parameters to estimate when an oil change is due. This system is a reliable guide under most circumstances.
Oil Type: While synthetic oils allow for longer intervals, it’s still essential to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations or your vehicle’s oil life monitor.
Regularly checking your oil level between changes is also a good practice, especially before long trips or heavy use, to ensure it remains at the proper level.
DIY Oil Change Tips for Your Ram 1500
For those who prefer to perform their own maintenance, changing the oil on a 2017 Ram 1500 5.7L HEMI is a manageable task.
1. Gather Supplies: You’ll need 7 quarts of SAE 5W-20 full synthetic oil meeting MS-6395, a new oil filter (e.g., Mopar MO-339), an oil filter wrench, a drain pan, a socket wrench for the drain plug, a funnel, and rags.
2. Warm the Engine: A slightly warm engine allows the oil to drain more easily.
3. Lift and Secure: Use a jack and jack stands to safely raise the front of the truck, providing access to the drain plug and oil filter.
4. Drain the Oil: Place the drain pan under the oil pan, then remove the drain plug. Allow all the old oil to completely drain.
5. Replace the Filter: Remove the old oil filter using a wrench. Apply a thin coat of new oil to the gasket of the new filter before screwing it on hand-tight.
6. Refill with New Oil: Reinstall the drain plug (don’t overtighten), lower the truck, and carefully add the 7 quarts of new oil through the filler cap.
7. Check and Verify: Start the engine for a minute to circulate the oil, then shut it off. Wait a few minutes for the oil to settle, then check the dipstick and top off if necessary to the full mark.
8. Proper Disposal: Dispose of the used oil and filter responsibly at an authorized recycling center.
Conclusion
Understanding the 2017 Ram 1500 5.7 oil capacity and type is a fundamental aspect of responsible vehicle ownership. By consistently using 7.0 quarts of SAE 5W-20 full synthetic oil that meets the Chrysler MS-6395 specification, and adhering to recommended service intervals, you are actively preserving the power, efficiency, and legendary reliability of your HEMI engine. This simple yet crucial maintenance step ensures your Ram 1500 continues to perform as intended for many years and miles to come.
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Source:
2017 Ram 1500 Owner’s Manual and Service Information.* (Always consult your specific vehicle’s owner’s manual for the most accurate and up-to-date information.)