2006 dodge ram 2500 5.9 oil capacity

Those who want more power than the standard 5.7L V-8 Dodge 2500 can choose to purchase the Dodge Ram Cummins instead. This turbo diesel pickup truck has 350hp with 600 lb-ft of torque. The Dodge is considered a heavy duty pickup truck, and as such must operate using the suitable oil to extend fuel economy and engine life. The ambient temperature in your location will also determine which type of oil you should purchase.

Oil Type

Purchase15W- 40 oil, which is suitable for most driving conditions. Ensure the oil has a dual rating of CF4/SH. 15W-40 oil can be found at your local auto parts store. If you choose to have a professional change your oil, they may have that brand in stock. If you reside in an environment that has a consistent temperature below 10°F, then use 10 W- 30 oil instead. Make sure it has an SF5/SG rating or better. For colder climates you can choose to purchase synthetic or synthetic blends, but know that once you switch to a synthetic oil you cannot go back to a conventional natural oil for your Dodge.

Oil Capacity

Depending on the year of your Dodge Cummins, it might be a slight difference in oil capacity. You can purchase more oil if you are short on the amount necessary for your Dodge. The 98-2000 Dodge Cummings requires an oil pan capacity of 2.5 gallons, which is 10 quarts or 9.46 L. Older model Dodge Cummins have 11-quart oil pan capacities. The 10-quart and 11-quart oil capacities also include an extra liter for your oil filter.

Oil Change Intervals

Dodge Cummins trucks that were manufactured between 1989 and 1998 with 12-valve engines should have the oil changed every 6,000 miles if driving under normal conditions, and changed every 3,000 miles if driving under heavy conditions. For vehicles 1998 and newer with 24-valve engines, the oil should be changed every 7,500 miles under normal driving conditions and every 3,750 miles under heavy, rigorous conditions.

References

• DodgeRam.org: Oil Change
• DodgeRam.org: Oil filter and change tips
• Edmunds: Dodge Ram

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Motor oil is the lifeblood of your engine, providing lubrication and cooling to a complex system of fast moving mechanical parts under significant load. Routine oil changes ensure that old, broken down engine oil is replaced before it loses its chemical and mechanical properties, thus maximizing protection against wear. Service intervals vary between 12v, 24v, and 24v common rail Cummins engines (see schedule below). Always follow the manufacturers suggested oil change interval and adhere to the alternative "severe duty" schedule if you meet 1 or more of the requirements.

5.9L Cummins Engine Oil

All 5.9L Cummins turbodiesels (6BT and ISB) feature a 12 quart oil capacity (with filter change) and share the same oil filter. Engine oil should be replaced per the oil change interval chart below using the appropriate viscosity listed in the applicable chart below. Overfilling or underfilling the crankcase may result in oil aeration and compromised oil pressure. Always verify oil level on dipstick after running engine and allowing to cool for 15 minutes (oil in the top of the engine must drain back into the crankcase before checking oil fill level). Neither Cummins nor Chrysler recommend the use of a supplemental oil additive in 5.9L diesel engines. A high quality, synthetic engine oil is recommended for all engines. Always fill the oil filter with roughly 1 quart of clean engine oil before installing, which will help prevent dry starts and ensure oil pressure builds quickly after changing the oil.

5.9L Cummins Oil Change Intervals

Severe service conditions include towing, hauling, driving in stop-and-go traffic, taking frequent short trips, operating in hot weather, operating in extremely cold weather, and frequent periods of excessive idling; always following the service interval that applies to your operating conditions. Most vehicles will fall under the severe service category, unless your truck is used for the sole purpose of commuting and your route sees limited city driving.

Model Years

Normal Service Interval

Severe Service Interval

1989 - 1998 (6BT, 5.9L Cummins 12v)

6,000 miles/6 months

3,000 miles/3 months

1998.5 - 2002 (ISB, 5.9L Cummins 24v)

7,500 miles/6 months

3,750 miles

2003 - 2007 (ISB, 5.9L Cummins 24v)

15,000 miles/6 months

7,500 miles/6 months

5.9L Cummins Oil Change Parts List

Fleetguard is Cummins' service parts brand and is the recommended replacement oil filter for all Cummins turbodiesels; avoid cheap aftermarket filters. Replace the engine oil pan drain plug when the edges of the head begin to show signs of wear or the gasket develops a leak. Replace the oil fill cap when it begins to show signs of degradation to prevent particles/pieces from dislodging and falling into the crankcase.

Description

Part Number

Engine oil filter

Fleetguard FL16035 (all 5.9L Cummins)

Oil pan drain plug

1989 - 1993

MOPAR 4293859

1994 - 2002

MOPAR 4778578

2003 - 2007

MOPAR 05080631AB

Engine oil fill cap

1989 - 1998

Cummins 4962608

1998.5 - 2007

Cummins 3973511

1989 - 1998 5.9L Cummins Oil Viscosity Chart (12 valve)

Ambient Temperature Range

Oil Viscosity

Greater than 10° F

SAE 15W-40

0 - 30° F (w/ out using engine block heater)

SAE 10W-30

Less than 0° F (must use engine block heater)

SAE 10W-30

Less than 0° F (w/ out using engine block heater)

SAE 5W-30

1998.5 - 2002 5.9L Cummins ISB Oil Viscosity Chart (24 valve)

Ambient Temperature Range

Oil Viscosity

Greater than 10° F

SAE 15W-40

0 to 30° F (w/ out using engine block heater)

SAE 10W-30

-10° F to 30° F (must use engine block heater)

SAE 10W-30

-10 to 0° F (must use engine block heater)

SAE 5W-30

2003 - 2007 5.9L Cummins ISB Oil Viscosity Chart (24 valve, common rail)

Ambient Temperature Range

Oil Viscosity

Greater than 0° F

SAE 15W-40

All temperatures

SAE 5W-40 full synthetic

5.9L Cummins Engine Oil Recommendations

Diesel Hub recommends the following Amsoil products for Dodge Ram models equipped with the 5.9L Cummins turbodiesel:

Amsoil Heavy Duty Series 15W-40 diesel oil
Superior engine oil for next-level engine protection

Amsoil Max Duty Signature Series 15W-40 diesel oil
Premium engine oil for maximum engine protection

Amsoil Max Duty Signature Series 5W-40 diesel oil
Premium cold weather oil for maximum engine protection

Amsoil synthetic engine oils offer:

• Superior protection against fuel dilution and oil consumption

• Superior resilience against thermal, mechanical, and chemical breakdown of engine oil

• Improved oil flow and engine protection in sub-zero temperatures and during cold starts

Amsoil is a leading manufacturer of synthetic oils and lubricants, including a line of engine oils engineered to meet the stringent demands specific to diesel engines.

Synthetic engine oil is superior in every way, shape, and form than conventional petroleum based engine oils. Synthetic motor oil features a significantly higher resistance to thermal breakdown, chemical breakdown (contamination from fuel dilution and exhaust soot), and mechanical breakdown (shear). It is backwards compatible with ALL engines regardless of age and type.

5.9L Cummins Engine Oil Change Procedures

Note: 1994-1998 model year Cummins 6BT featured in procedures below

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• Park the vehicle, set the parking brake, and allow the engine to cool for ~ 1 hour before changing the motor oil.

• Place a suitable drain pan (minimum 12 quart capacity) below the engine oil pan drain plug.

• Remove the drain plug and allow the oil to drain. When the engine oil has drained completely, reinstall the drain plug. Install drain plug snug; do not overtighten. If the drain plug seal is compromised it should be replaced.

• Reposition the drain pan below the oil filter, then remove the oil filter (passenger side of engine block behind thermostat housing).

• Fill the replacement oil filter with ~1 quart of fluid (slightly less than a quart is desirable as it will reduce the chances of spilling during installation).

• Lubricate the oil filter o-ring gasket with a liberal amount of clean engine oil.

• Reinstall the oil filter; tighten by hand only. There is no need to overtighten the oil filter, simply snug it up as tight as possible by hand.

• Add the remaining engine oil (12 quarts minus what was poured into the oil filter) to the crankcase through the engine fill tube located at the front of the timing cover.

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