The air filter in a 2019 Ram 1500 sits inside a rectangular plastic air-filter housing in the engine bay, typically on the passenger side. Access it by unfastening the housing lid and swapping in a fresh filter.
Understanding the air-filter housing
The air-filter box is a large black plastic enclosure that connects to a wide intake hose leading toward the throttle body. On most Ram 1500 models, you’ll find this housing toward the passenger side of the engine bay, near the front fender. The lid is usually secured with metal clips or small screws.
Engine variants and potential minor differences
2019 Ram 1500s with a 3.6L Pentastar V6, 5.7L Hemi, or 3.0L EcoDiesel share a similar overall layout. While the exact ducting can differ by engine, the air-filter housing itself is typically in the same general location and uses the same basic replacement process.
Tools and materials you’ll need
Before you begin, gather the essentials so you can replace the filter quickly and properly.
- New air filter compatible with your Ram 1500 engine
- Gloves and a clean rag (optional, for wiping out the housing)
- Flat-head screwdriver or small Torx driver (if your housing uses screws)
- flashlight (optional, for better visibility inside the box)
Having the right items on hand helps ensure a smooth and clean replacement without letting debris fall into the intake box.
Steps to replace the air filter
Below is a straightforward, model-agnostic process to replace the air filter in a 2019 Ram 1500. If you encounter a different fastener type, adapt with the appropriate tool.
- Park on a level surface, engage the parking brake, and turn off the engine. Open the hood and locate the air-filter housing on the passenger side of the engine bay.
- Unclip or unscrew the housing lid to access the filter. Carefully lift the lid away from the box.
- Remove the old filter and inspect the inside of the housing for dirt or debris. Wipe or lightly vacuum out the interior if needed, taking care not to let debris fall into the duct.
- Install the new filter with the correct orientation. Most filters have an arrow showing the direction of airflow; align it as indicated.
- Re-seat the filter housing lid and secure the clips or screws firmly to seal the box.
- Reconnect any hoses or connections if you had to detatch them, and ensure the seal is tight. Start the engine and listen for any unusual intake sounds to confirm a proper seal.
Regular replacement intervals vary by driving conditions and manufacturer recommendations, but a typical rule of thumb is about every 15,000 to 30,000 miles. Always refer to your owner’s manual for the exact specification for your exact engine and model year.
Summary
In a 2019 Ram 1500, the air filter is housed in a rectangular plastic box in the engine bay, usually on the passenger side. Replace the filter by opening the housing, swapping in a correctly sized filter, and resecuring the lid. This routine maintenance helps ensure optimal engine performance and fuel efficiency.