maintenance

Oil Change - Diesel

for 2014 Ram 2500 6.7L I6 Cummins Diesel · 4WD
Difficulty
Easy
Time
48 min
Tools
9
Steps
11
🤖AI-generated, not yet human-verified. This walkthrough was produced by AI and may contain errors. Treat it as a guide, cross-check every step and torque value against the manufacturer's service manual, and stop if anything looks unsafe.

Complete engine oil and filter change for the 6.7L Cummins diesel engine, including removal of skid plate if equipped and proper disposal of used oil.

Warnings

⚠️Engine oil and components will be extremely hot if engine has been running. Allow engine to cool for at least 30 minutes before beginning work.
The 6.7L Cummins holds 13 quarts of oil. Ensure drain pan has adequate capacity to prevent spills.
Diesel engine oil will be very dark even when fresh due to combustion byproducts. This is normal.
ℹ️Dispose of used oil and filter at an approved recycling facility.

Tools required

Oil drain pan (minimum 15 quart capacity)Essential
19mm socket or wrench for drain plugEssential
Oil filter wrench (large canister type)Essential
Torque wrench (10-150 Nm range)Essential
15mm socket for skid plate bolts
Jack and jack standsEssential
Funnel for oil fillEssential
Shop ragsEssential
Oil filter drain tool or catch container

Parts

  • Engine oil filter × 1 — Mopar 68197867AA or equivalent canister filter
  • Oil drain plug crush washer × 1 — Mopar 68080575AA copper washer

Fluids

  • Mopar 5W-20 Synthetic Blend — 13 qt

Preparation

  1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
  2. If engine is cold, start and run for 2-3 minutes to warm oil slightly for better drainage, then shut off and wait 5 minutes
  3. Raise front of vehicle using jack and support securely on jack stands
  4. Verify you have 13 quarts of correct Mopar 5W-20 oil available

Procedure

  1. 1
    Remove skid plate if equipped
    If your 2500 is equipped with a factory skid plate, remove the bolts securing it to the frame rails. There are typically 8-10 bolts around the perimeter. Set skid plate aside for reinstallation.
    Torque spec
    Skid Plate Bolts18 Nm (14 lb-ft)
  2. 2
    Position drain pan and remove drain plug
    Locate the oil drain plug on the driver's side of the oil pan toward the rear. Position drain pan under plug. Using a 19mm socket, loosen and remove the drain plug. Allow oil to drain completely, which may take 5-10 minutes due to the large capacity. Inspect the drain plug threads and sealing surface for damage.
    Oil will drain out rapidly at first. Keep hands clear of the stream to avoid hot oil contact.
    Torque spec
    Oil Drain Plug35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
  3. 3
    Remove and replace crush washer
    Remove the old copper crush washer from the drain plug. Discard the old washer. Install a new crush washer onto the drain plug, ensuring it seats properly in the recess.
  4. 4
    Reinstall drain plug
    Once oil has fully drained, wipe the drain plug area clean with a shop rag. Thread the drain plug in by hand to ensure proper thread engagement. Using a torque wrench and 19mm socket, tighten the drain plug to specification.
    Torque spec
    Oil Drain Plug35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
  5. 5
    Locate and prepare oil filter
    The oil filter is mounted on the driver's side of the engine block, toward the front. It is a large vertical canister-style filter. Position drain pan or rags beneath the filter as it will contain oil. Note the filter orientation for proper installation of the new filter.
  6. 6
    Remove old oil filter
    Using an oil filter wrench, loosen the old filter by turning counterclockwise. Once loose, unscrew by hand and allow remaining oil to drain into the pan. Be prepared for approximately 1-2 quarts of oil to drain from the filter and housing.
    Filter will be heavy and full of oil. Have drain pan positioned to catch spillage.
  7. 7
    Prepare and install new oil filter
    Verify the old filter gasket came off with the old filter and is not stuck to the engine block. Wipe the filter mounting surface clean. Apply a thin film of clean engine oil to the rubber gasket on the new filter. Thread the new filter onto the housing by hand, turning clockwise until the gasket contacts the mounting surface. Then turn an additional 3/4 turn by hand.
    Torque spec
    Oil Filter33 Nm (24 lb-ft)
  8. 8
    Reinstall skid plate if equipped
    If skid plate was removed, lift it back into position and install all bolts. Tighten bolts in a cross pattern to specification to ensure even seating.
    Torque spec
    Skid Plate Bolts18 Nm (14 lb-ft)
  9. 9
    Lower vehicle and add engine oil
    Lower vehicle from jack stands. Locate the oil filler cap on top of the engine (driver's side valve cover). Remove the filler cap. Using a funnel, add 12 quarts of Mopar 5W-20 oil initially. Install filler cap hand tight.
    Torque spec
    Oil Filler Cap9 Nm (7 lb-ft)
  10. 10
    Start engine and check for leaks
    Start the engine and allow it to idle for 2-3 minutes. Monitor oil pressure gauge to ensure it rises to normal operating pressure within 5-10 seconds. While engine is running, inspect underneath for any leaks at the drain plug and oil filter. Shut off engine.
  11. 11
    Check and adjust oil level
    Wait 5 minutes for oil to settle into the pan. Remove dipstick, wipe clean, reinsert fully, and remove again to check level. Oil should be between the MIN and MAX marks. Add remaining oil in small increments (0.5-1.0 quart at a time) until level reaches the MAX mark. Total capacity is 13 quarts including filter.

Reassembly

  1. Ensure oil filler cap is installed and hand tight
  2. Verify no tools or rags are left in engine compartment
  3. If skid plate was removed, confirm all bolts are torqued properly

Verification

  • Confirm oil level is at MAX mark on dipstick when checked on level ground
  • Verify no oil leaks present at drain plug or oil filter after test drive
  • Check that oil pressure gauge reads normal during idle and driving
  • Ensure oil filler cap and dipstick are properly seated
  • Confirm skid plate is secure if equipped

More procedures for this vehicle

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