Complete Oil Specifications
Your 2023 Ram 2500 6.4L HEMI requires full synthetic 0W-20 motor oil meeting Stellantis material standard MS-6395. (Note: DO NOT use 0W-40 in the 2023 6.4L truck engine—that is specific to the SRT/performance car variants!)
Quick Reference
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Viscosity | 0W-20 |
| API Rating | SP |
| ILSAC Rating | GF-6A |
| Capacity (with filter) | 7.4 quarts |
| Oil Filter | Mopar MO-339 |
| Normal Interval | 8000 miles |
Why 0W-20 is Critical for This Engine
The heavy-duty 6.4L HEMI V8 relies on precise oil pressure and flow to operate its Multi-Displacement System (MDS) smoothly, which deactivates cylinders to conserve fuel while cruising. The 0W-20 weight is required to activate these sophisticated hydraulic lifters at the exact intended millisecond, while simultaneously offering the highest fuel economy.
Using incorrect oil will:
- ❌ Prevent the Multi-Displacement System (MDS) from engaging or disengaging correctly, causing check engine lights
- ❌ Induce valvetrain ticking or lifter failure to which the HEMI architecture can be sensitive if lubrication is sluggish
- ❌ Void the manufacturer’s powertrain warranty
Ram-Approved Oil Brands
-
✅ Pennzoil Platinum Full Synthetic 0W-20
-
✅ Valvoline Advanced Full Synthetic 0W-20
-
✅ Mobil 1 Advanced Full Synthetic 0W-20
-
✅ Castrol EDGE 0W-20 Advanced Full Synthetic
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✅ Mopar Full Synthetic 0W-20
FCA/Stellantis heavily recommends Pennzoil products, but any API SP oil that carries explicitly the MS-6395 certification on the bottle’s rear label is fully approved.
Severe Service Check
You need the 4000-mile interval if you:
- Engage in frequent off-roading or dusty environment driving
- Idle extensively (such as fleet or construction site work)
- Haul maximum payloads or heavily tow in hilly, hot climates
- Drive short distances (under 5-10 miles) repeatedly in very cold weather
Installation Details
Drain Plug Torque: 20 ft-lbs
OEM Filter: Mopar MO-339
Aftermarket Filters:
-
Wix 57060
-
Mobil 1 M1-113A
-
K&N HP-1017
Pro Tip: HEMI engines can suffer from poor oil drainage during the change if the truck is improperly tilted. Try to drain on a flat level surface to ensure all 7.4 quarts are evacuated.
FAQs
What oil does a 2023 Ram 2500 6.4L take?
It requires 0W-20 full synthetic motor oil meeting API SP combined with the Chrysler MS-6395 standard.
How many quarts does it need?
7.4 quarts when completing a full drop of the oil alongside a new oil filter. Avoid older conversion errors reporting this as exactly 7 quarts.
Can I use the 0W-40 oil I see suggested for the 6.4L Scat Pack?
No! The SRT car versions of the 392/6.4L HEMI use 0W-40, but the heavy-duty truck configuration of the 6.4L specifically takes 0W-20. Never mix them up.
How often should I change the oil?
Never exceed 8000 miles, 12 months, or 350 hours of engine runtime, whichever comes first. Rely heavily on the truck’s Oil Life Indicator.
Last verified: 2026-03-17 | Source: 2023 Ram 2500 Heavy Duty Owner’s Manual