The oil filter on a 2019 Ram 1500 with a 5.7 HEMI is mounted on the engine block on the passenger side, near the front of the engine and just above the oil pan. It is a spin‑on style filter that you typically access from underneath the truck once the front underbody shield is removed.
Understanding the exact spot helps you plan an oil change, especially if you’re working from the ground. While most 5.7 HEMI Rams use an exterior oil filter housing in this area, some early or market variations may employ a cartridge style inside a housing. This guide outlines the common exterior location and how to access it safely.
Where to look in the engine bay
To orient yourself, start by inspecting the passenger side of the engine bay. The filter sits near the front, above the oil pan, typically mounted vertically on the filter housing. If you don’t see a visible spin-on canister right away, you may need to look slightly farther rearward or remove some shielding to improve access. The exact appearance can vary by production date and trim, but the general location remains consistent on the 5.7 HEMI.
What you’ll typically encounter
Most 5.7 HEMIs use a spin-on canister filter that threads onto a housing on the passenger side of the engine. The housing is usually accessible from beneath the vehicle, with the filter oriented vertically. If your truck uses a cartridge-type filter, you’ll find a housing with a removable cap rather than a traditional canister, but it will still be located in the same general area.
How to access and replace the oil filter
Before you begin, plan on safely lifting the front of the truck and removing any undercar shielding to access the filter area. The following steps describe the typical exterior-filter setup and replacement process.
- Park on a level surface, apply the parking brake, and block the wheels. If needed, lift the front of the truck and support safely with jack stands.
- Remove the front underbody splash shield or skid plate to expose the engine bay area and the filter housing on the passenger side.
- Locate the oil filter housing. If it is a spin-on canister, you’ll see a cylindrical filter screwed into the housing. If it’s cartridge-style, locate the housing cap that holds the replacement cartridge.
- Place an oil drain pan underneath the filter to catch any oil. Using the appropriate filter wrench (strap wrench or cartridge filter tool), loosen the filter by turning it counterclockwise. If cartridge-style, remove the housing cap and pull out the old cartridge.
- Install the new filter or cartridge according to the service manual: for spin-on, install a new filter and tighten by hand an additional 3/4 to 1 full turn (or to the filter manufacturer’s torque spec). For cartridge, insert the new cartridge and reseal with the housing cap as directed.
- Reinstall the housing cap (if applicable), clean up any spilled oil, and reinstall the underbody shield. Refill the engine with the correct grade and amount of oil if you opened the fill cap during the process, then check for leaks after starting the engine and running briefly.
Once you’ve completed the replacement, it’s a good idea to check the oil level with the dipstick and run the engine to verify there are no leaks around the filter. If you notice anything unusual, stop the engine and recheck the filter’s seating and torque.
Tools and supplies you’ll need
Below is a list of common tools and materials for locating and replacing the oil filter on a 2019 Ram 1500 5.7 HEMI. Having these ready helps make the job smoother.
- New oil filter appropriate for the 5.7 HEMI (spin-on or cartridge, depending on your model)
- New engine oil as per the owner's manual (typical values are 5W-20 or 0W-20; check your build)
- Oil drain pan
- Appropriate filter wrench or cartridge filter tool (strap wrench or cap/torque tool as required)
- Socket wrench set, and possibly a Torx/Allen set if removing shield or hardware
- Flathead screwdriver or prying tool for shield removal if needed
- Rags or shop towels for cleanup
- Gloves for hand protection
- New drain plug washer (if applicable) and a torque wrench to verify bolt torque
Having the right tools and parts on hand helps ensure a clean, safe, and correct oil-change procedure for your RAM 1500. Always verify the correct filter type for your specific VIN and engine code in the owner's manual or Mopar service information.
Safety and maintenance notes
Always ensure the vehicle is securely supported and never work under a moving vehicle. Dispose of used oil and the old filter properly at a recycling facility. If you’re unsure about the filter type (spin-on vs cartridge) or the torque specifications, consult the official service manual or a certified technician.
Summary
For a 2019 Ram 1500 with a 5.7 HEMI, the oil filter is located on the passenger side of the engine block, near the front above the oil pan. Access is typically gained from underneath the vehicle after removing the front underbody shield. Whether you’re dealing with a spin-on filter or a cartridge-style housing, the general approach is the same: locate the housing, remove the old filter, install the new one, and recheck for leaks after refilling oil. Proper tools, fresh oil, and a careful step-by-step approach will help you complete the job efficiently and safely.
How many quarts of oil does a 2016 Ram 1500 take?
7 quarts
Oil Grade: SEO11
| Viscosity: | 5W-20 (All TEMPS) |
|---|---|
| Capacity: | 7 quarts (with filter). After refill check oil level. |
| Torque: | 25 ft/lbs (Oil Drain Plug) |
Where is the air filter on a 2019 Dodge Ram 1500?
Begin loosening the six 10 mm airbox cover mounting bolts in a counterclockwise. Direction keep in mind these are encased bolts. So they will only need to be loosened. And not removed.
What oil does a 2019 Dodge Ram 1500 5.7 HEMI take?
5W-20
For the 2019 RAM 1500, the oil type depends on your engine: the 3.6L V6 uses approximately 6 quarts of 0W-20 full synthetic oil, the 5.7L HEMI V8 uses 7 quarts of 5W-20 full synthetic oil, and the 3.0L EcoDiesel (Gen 2) uses approximately 10.5 quarts of 5W-40 full synthetic diesel oil meeting MS-10902/API CJ-4 ...
What is the torque on the oil drain plug on a 5.7 HEMI?
Once the oil is drained, reinstall the drain plug, threading it in a clockwise direction. Using a 13-millimeter socket and torque wrench, tighten the drain plug. In our case, we are tightening it to a 25 ft-lb torque specification.