I bought a used 2003 Dodge Ram 1500 with the 4.7-liter V-8 under the hood. I was going to save money by changing the oil myself, but I’m not sure what kind it takes. What oil type goes in the 2003 Dodge Ram 1500 4.7?
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A 2003 Dodge Ram 1500 4.7 uses six quarts of synthetic SAE 5W-30 oil to conduct a proper oil change. If you want to ensure that the 240-hp, 4.7-liter V-8 under the hood of your Dodge Ram 1500 runs smoothly, replace the oil about every 3,000 to 5,000 miles, depending on the mileage on the odometer. The higher the mileage, the more frequently you should replace the oil.
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The 2017 Dodge Ram 1500 combines a powerful engine and peak performance with a luxurious interior that makes you feel like you’re driving a luxury SUV instead of a truck. But to keep your Ram 1500 in top shape, you need to know about its engine oil capacity.
From regular maintenance and repair costs to insurance premiums, the expenses that come with owning a truck can add up quickly. Fortunately, Jerry can help you find ways to save money on maintenance and your car insurance.
Our super app has everything drivers need, including this guide to your Dodge Ram 1500’s oil capacity so you can cut regular maintenance costs by changing your own oil. We’ve even sprinkled in some tips to help save money on your car insurance premiums. Let’s get started!
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2017 Dodge Ram 1500 engine oil capacity
First things first – before heading to your nearest auto store and picking up some engine oil, you need to know exactly how much your 2017 Dodge Ram 1500 needs.
Your Dodge Ram needs 7 quarts of oil or a little over 6.6 liters. Most stores sell engine oil in 1-quart or 5-quart bottles, so make sure you get enough to completely fill your oil reservoir. You might have a little left over, but not adding enough oil back to your engine can cause some serious damage.
What kind of oil does a 2017 Dodge Ram 1500 need?
Next, you need to choose the best kind of oil for your Ram 1500. Different types will affect the performance of your truck, so it’s best to always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for the best results.
Dodge recommends an SAE 5W-20 engine oil for the Ram 1500. The letters and numbers tell you the oil’s viscosity – basically how thick or thin it is at different temperatures. A 5W oil remains thin even at extremely low temperatures, while the 20 means it can remain thin at fairly high temperatures as well.
You can choose a conventional, synthetic blend, or full synthetic oil for your engine depending on your budget. Conventional oil will get the job done, but if you want an oil that will better prevent rust and sludge, opt for a synthetic or synthetic blend.
If you still need a little guidance, check out these options:
How often to change oil on a 2017 Dodge Ram 1500
Now that you know what kind of oil your Ram 1500 needs and how much you need to purchase, you’ll need to figure out if your truck is due for an oil change.
Dodge recommends changing the oil every 3,000 to 5,000 miles if you’re using conventional oil. This keeps the oil clean and cuts down on sludge in your engine.
Synthetic blend and full synthetic oils can last a little longer between oil changes. You can go between 7,000 and 10,000 miles with synthetic oil before needing a change. But a good rule of thumb is to check your oil levels regularly and make sure your oil is clean to keep your engine performing well.
Sometimes your oil might need to be changed sooner than you think. If you notice any of the following signs, go ahead and change your oil:
Oil is a dark brown or black color. Clean oil is a light amber color, and it gets darker the dirtier it gets
Oil feels gritty or coarse if you rub it between your fingers
Engine is making weird noises
Smokey or burning smells coming from the engine
Vehicle performance changes
How to change your oil and oil filter
Once your vehicle is ready for an oil change, grab your 7 quarts of new engine oil, a new air filter, and the tools you need to get started. You’ll want to have a socket wrench, a pan to catch the old oil, and a filter wrench to get your old air filter off.
You’ll want to run your engine for a little while to warm the oil up. This will make draining it easier. Let the engine warm up for about five minutes then shut it off and follow these steps:
Find the oil fill cap and remove it
Position your pan under the vehicle and remove the oil drain bolt and washer
While the oil is draining, remove the old oil filter
Install the new filter
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Replace the oil drain bolt and washer once the old oil has drained completely
Refill the oil reservoir with new engine oil and replace the cap
Once your oil reservoir is filled up, run your engine again to cycle the new oil through and to watch for any leaks. Then you can clean up – just be sure you put your dirty engine oil in a sealed container and take it to a recycling facility. Don’t dump oil on the ground or throw it away in your trash can!
Don’t forget regular insurance policy maintenance
A lot of vehicle maintenance tasks are easy enough that you can do them yourself, which can save you some money! Doing some regular maintenance on your car insurance policy can help save you money too, and it’s easier than ever with the Jerry app.
In just under 45 seconds, you’ll have access to customized quotes from the nation’s top insurance providers. You can compare rates on great coverage to find the prices that fit your budget. Plus, when your policy is up for renewal, Jerry’s customer support team will automatically check for better rates to make sure you’re still getting the best deal.
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