For the 2012 Ram 4500 Pickup with the 6.7L 6-cylinder [L] ETJ L Diesel Turbo engine, the oil capacity is 12 quarts (including filter change). The recommended viscosity is 15W-40 for temperatures above -18°C, while 5W-40 synthetic oil is required for ambient temperatures below -18°C to prevent severe engine damage. AMSOIL recommends using Signature Series 5W-40 100% Synthetic Max-Duty Diesel Oil or Heavy-Duty 100% Synthetic Diesel Oil paired with a high-efficiency oil filter.
What oil does a 2012 Ram 4500 6.7L take?
The 2012 Ram 4500 with the 6.7L diesel engine requires specific oil viscosities based on ambient temperature. For temperatures above -18°C (0°F), use a 15W-40 viscosity. If operating in environments below -18°C, you must use SAE 5W-40 synthetic engine oil to avoid potential severe engine damage.
AMSOIL product recommendations
To ensure optimal performance and protection for your Ram Cummins diesel engine, AMSOIL provides several specialized lubrication and filtration options. Below are the recommended products based on your vehicle’s requirements.
Engine Oil Recommendations
| Product Name | Viscosity | Part Number |
|---|---|---|
| AMSOIL Signature Series 5W-40 100% Synthetic Max-Duty Diesel Oil | 5W-40 | DEOQT-EA |
| AMSOIL 5W-40 Heavy-Duty 100% Synthetic Diesel Oil | 5W-40 | ADOQT-EA |
Note: The AMSOIL lookup note references API CJ/CK-4 and Cummins CES 20081 standards for this application. Low ash diesel engine oil is required.
Oil Filter Recommendations
| Product Name | Part Number |
|---|---|
| AMSOIL Oil Filter | EAO80-EA |
| WIX XP Oil Filter | 57620XP-EA |
| WIX Oil Filter | 57620-EA |
Air Filter Recommendations
| Product Name | Part Number |
|---|---|
| WIX Air Filter | 46930-EA |
| Donaldson P-Series Heavy Duty Air Filters | P616743-EA |
Coolant Recommendation
| Product Name | Part Number |
|---|---|
| AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant | ANTPC1G-EA |
Engine Oil Specifications
| Parameter | Specification/Value |
|---|---|
| Oil Grade (AMSOIL lookup) | SEO39 |
| Viscosity (Above -18°C) | 15W-40 |
| Viscosity (Below -18°C) | 5W-40 |
| Required Oil Type | Low ash diesel engine oil |
The AMSOIL lookup note references API CJ/CK-4 and Cummins CES 20081 standards for this application.
How much oil does it take with a filter change?
A complete oil service for the 2012 Ram 4500 6.7L engine requires 12 quarts of oil when replacing the filter. To ensure accuracy during a change, run the engine to operating temperature, stop, and wait approximately 30 minutes to allow oil in the upper engine parts to drain back into the pan before checking the level.
Oil Service Details
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Capacity (with filter) | 12 quarts |
| Oil Drain Plug Torque | 37 ft/lbs |
Common diesel oil-related concerns and how AMSOIL products may help
Diesel engines operating in heavy-duty or commercial capacities face unique stresses. Using the correct high-quality synthetic lubricants can mitigate several common issues.
| Concern | Why it matters | AMSOIL product from this lookup | How it may help | Important limitation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Wear | High-pressure diesel combustion causes significant friction. | Signature Series 5W-40 | Delivers up to 6X more wear protection. | Requires proper service intervals. |
| Extreme Temperatures | Cold starts or high heat can degrade standard oils. | Heavy-Duty 5W-40 Synthetic | Excels in extreme temperatures and maintains viscosity. | Must match required viscosity for ambient temp. |
| Contaminant Loading | Small particles can cause abrasive wear. | AMSOIL Oil Filter | Provides 99% efficiency at 20 microns. | Filter must be replaced regularly. |
Diesel maintenance notes for this vehicle
- Oil Change Procedure: After changing the oil, start and run the engine to operating temperature. Stop the engine and wait approximately 30 minutes to allow oil in the upper parts of the engine to drain back into the pan. Check the level again and top off as needed.
- Temperature Warning: Failure to use SAE 5W-40 synthetic engine oil in ambient temperatures below 0°F (-18°C) could result in severe engine damage.
- Low Ash Requirement: This application requires low ash diesel engine oil.
Common maintenance concerns for this vehicle
Owners of the Ram 4500 heavy-duty series should prioritize several key areas to maintain engine longevity:
- Fuel System Cleanliness: Maintaining clean fuel is critical for high-pressure diesel injection systems.
- Turbocharger Health: Ensuring proper lubrication and air filtration helps protect the turbocharger.
- Cooling System Integrity: Heavy-duty hauling requires a robust cooling system to manage engine heat.
Recall, TSB, and manufacturer communication notes
NHTSA research indicates that there have been recalls for certain Ram vehicles in this era. For example, one recall (Campaign 21V398000) addressed incorrect manual information regarding lug nut torque which could lead to wheel stud breakage. Another recall (Campaign 17V821000) involved the Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) pin in vehicles with a column shifter. Always verify open recalls by checking your specific VIN through official manufacturer or NHTSA channels.
About this vehicle
The 2012 Ram 4500 belongs to the heavy-duty segment of the Ram truck lineup, managed by Stellantis North America (formerly Chrysler Group LLC and FCA US LLC). Unlike standard consumer pickups, the Ram 4500 is typically positioned within the commercial/chassis cab hierarchy, often designed for vocational use such as industrial applications or specialized chassis configurations.
At its heart is the 6.7L Cummins diesel engine, an inline-six configuration widely recognized in the industry for providing the high torque and durability required for heavy towing and commercial hauling. Because these vehicles are frequently used for significant payload capacities, maintenance schedules often prioritize fuel system cleanliness, turbocharger health, and heavy-duty cooling system integrity to ensure long-term reliability.
Owners of this class of vehicle should note that specific technical details regarding engine codes like ‘L Etj L’ may require verification against a dedicated service manual for precise alignment. Given the commercial nature of these trucks, rigorous diesel-specific maintenance is standard practice.
Common questions about this vehicle’s diesel oil and maintenance
What is the oil capacity for my 2012 Ram 4500 6.7L?
The engine requires 12 quarts of oil when performing an oil change that includes a new filter.
Can I use 15W-40 in the winter?
If ambient temperatures are below 0°F (-18°C), you should use SAE 5W-40 synthetic engine oil to avoid potential severe engine damage.
What oil specification does my Cummins engine need?
The AMSOIL lookup note references API CJ/CK-4 and Cummins CES 20081 standards for this application. Low ash diesel engine oil is required.
How much should I torque the oil drain plug?
The oil drain plug should be torqued to 37 ft/lbs.
Does AMSOIL offer a high-efficiency filter for this truck?
Yes, the AMSOIL Oil Filter (EAO80-EA) provides 99% filtering efficiency at 20 microns and is designed to reduce engine wear.
How do I ensure my oil level is correct after a change?
After changing the oil, run the engine to operating temperature, then wait 30 minutes for the oil to drain back into the pan before performing your final check and top-off.
Disclaimer: This information is derived from provided source data. Always verify specific maintenance requirements, capacities, and torque specifications using your vehicle’s owner’s manual or a professional service database before performing any maintenance.