The oil filter on a Ram 1500 5.7 Hemi sits on the engine block on the passenger side, near the oil pan, inside a cylindrical canister rather than a traditional spin-on filter. Access can require lifting the truck or removing shielding depending on year and trim.
What to know about variations across years
While the general location is consistent—on the engine block toward the passenger side near the oil pan—the exact access point can vary a bit by model year and whether your truck uses a top-cap canister or a slightly different canister design. Some generations allow easier access from above with minimal shielding removal, while others require partial underbelly access. Always refer to your specific owner’s or service manual for the exact procedure on your VIN.
Common placement and access notes
In most Ram 1500 5.7 Hemi installations, you’ll find the filter housing toward the front-right side of the engine bay. The filter element itself lives inside a cylindrical housing; the cap is removed to replace the element. Depending on your configuration, you may need to raise the vehicle and/or remove a splash shield or underbody panel to get a clear path to the housing.
How to locate and service the oil filter
The following steps outline a typical cartridge-style filter replacement on a Ram 1500 5.7 Hemi. If your year differs, minor steps may vary, but the general approach remains the same.
- Ensure the engine is cool to touch. Park safely, engage the parking brake, and if needed, raise and secure the vehicle with jack stands.
- If present, remove the front underbody shield or splash guard to gain access to the filter housing.
- Locate the cylindrical oil filter canister on the passenger side of the engine, near the oil pan. Confirm you’re looking at the filter housing cap.
- Prepare a drain pan beneath the filter housing area and place a rag handy for any incidental drips.
- Using the appropriate tool (often a hex or square drive on the cap, or a strap wrench), loosen the canister cap counterclockwise to relieve pressure and access the filter cartridge inside.
- Remove the cap and extract the old oil filter cartridge. Set aside for proper disposal.
- Remove and inspect the O-ring on the cap; replace it with a new O-ring if included in your kit. Lightly oil the new O-ring with fresh engine oil.
- Install the new filter cartridge into the canister. Reinstall the cap and tighten it securely, but avoid overtightening. Wipe away any residual oil from the housing.
- Reinstall any shielding or panels, lower the vehicle, and wipe down the area to remove any spilled oil.
- Refill the engine with the correct grade and amount of oil, then run the engine briefly and check for leaks around the filter housing. Recheck the oil level and top off if necessary.
After completing these steps, you should have a correctly serviced oil filter in place and a clean work area. If you notice leaks or the filter housing does not tighten properly, stop and recheck the cap and O-ring installation.
What you’ll need to perform the change
Having the right parts and tools on hand saves time and reduces mess.
- New oil filter cartridge compatible with your Ram 1500 5.7 Hemi
- New O-ring for the canister cap (often included with the filter kit)
- Correct grade engine oil for your vehicle (per owner’s manual)
- New drain pan to catch old oil
- Shop rags or paper towels
- Socket wrench or tool specified for the filter canister cap (and possibly a strap wrench or pliers)
- Jack and jack stands or a vehicle lift (if you need to access from underneath)
- Funnel and gloves for cleanliness
Preparing these items beforehand helps ensure a smooth, spill-free replacement and a quick check of the oil level afterward.
Tips and safety considerations
Always work with the engine cool to avoid burns from hot oil. Dispose of used oil and the old filter properly at a recycling facility. If you’re unsure about the exact location for your year, consult the service manual or a trusted mechanic to avoid damage to the filter housing or oil lines.
Summary
For the Ram 1500 with a 5.7 L Hemi, the oil filter is housed in a cylindrical canister mounted on the engine block near the passenger side by the oil pan. Access may require removing a splash shield or working from underneath, depending on the model year. Replacement involves removing the canister cap, swapping in a new filter cartridge and O-ring, reseating the cap, and then checking oil levels for leaks. Always verify exact instructions for your year and VIN in the official manuals, and dispose of old oil and filters responsibly.