For the 2012 Ram 2500 Pickup with the 6.7L 6-Cylinder Diesel Turbo (Engine Code L ETJ L), the engine oil capacity is 12 quarts with a filter change. The recommended viscosity is 15W-40 for temperatures above -18°C, or 5W-40 synthetic oil for ambient temperatures below -18°C (0°F). AMSOIL recommends using the Signature Series 5W-40 Max-Duty Diesel Oil for superior protection.
What oil does a 2012 Ram 2500 6.7L Diesel take?
Your vehicle requires an oil grade of SEO39. For temperatures above -18°C (0°F), use a 15W-40 viscosity. If you are operating in ambient temperatures below -18°C, you must use SAE 5W-40 synthetic engine oil to avoid severe engine damage.
AMSOIL product recommendations
Based on the AMSOIL lookup for your 6.7L Cummins diesel engine, here are the recommended fluids and filters to maintain peak performance and longevity.
Engine Oil Options
| Product Name | Viscosity | Code |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
Oil Specification Note: The AMSOIL lookup note requires API CJ/CK-4 oil meeting MS-10902 standards. Oil meeting Cummins CES 20081 standards may also be used. Low ash diesel engine oil is required.
Filter Recommendations
| Product Name | Code |
|---|---|
| AMSOIL Oil Filter | EAO80-EA |
| WIX XP Oil Filter | 57620XP-EA |
| WIX Oil Filter | 57620-EA |
Air & Coolant Filters
| Product Name | Code |
|---|---|
| WIX Air Filter | 46930-EA |
| Donaldson P-Series Heavy Duty Air Filter | P616743-EA |
Coolant: AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant (ANTPC1G-EA) is listed for this application.
Engine Oil Specifications
- Viscosity (Warm): 15W-40
- Viscosity (Cold): 5W-40 (Required below -18°C)
- API Specification: CJ/CK-4
- OEM Standards: MS-10902 or Cummins CES 20081
- Requirement: Low ash diesel engine oil is required.
How much oil does it take with a filter change?
The total capacity for the 6.7L engine is 12 quarts when including the oil 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 Change Specifications
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Capacity | 12 Quarts (with filter) |
| Oil Drain Plug Torque | 37 ft/lbs |
Common diesel oil-related concerns and how AMSOIL products may help
Diesel engines face unique stresses such as high soot loading and extreme temperature fluctuations. The following table outlines how specific AMSOIL products can support your maintenance needs.
| Concern | Why it matters | AMSOIL Product | How it may help | Limitation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Extreme Temperatures | Cold starts or high heat can cause wear. | DEOQT-EA | Excels in extreme temperatures. | Not a repair for damage. |
| Engine Wear | Heavy duty towing increases friction. | DEOQT-EA | Delivers 6X more wear protection. | Requires proper service intervals. |
| Contaminants | Small particles can cause engine damage. | EAO80-EA | 99% efficiency at 20 microns. | Filter must be replaced regularly. |
Diesel maintenance notes for this vehicle
- Oil Drainage: After an oil change, wait 30 minutes after running the engine to allow all oil to drain back into the pan before a final level check.
- Low Ash Requirement: Always ensure you are using low ash diesel engine oil as specified for this Cummins application.
- Temperature Warning: Failure to use 5W-40 synthetic oil in temperatures below -18°C (0°F) could result in severe engine damage.
Common maintenance concerns for this vehicle
Based on owner reports and research, owners of the 2012 Ram 2500 should monitor several key areas:
- Fuel System Integrity: Some owners have reported issues with fuel tank components or injector-related engine knocking.
- Electrical Systems: Reports indicate concerns regarding headlight wiring and various electrical system components.
- Steering & Suspension: This is a common area of interest for heavy-duty truck maintenance and owner complaints.
Recall, TSB, and manufacturer communication notes
NHTSA research indicates several recalls for this vehicle generation. Always verify your specific VIN with a dealer to check for open recalls.
- Air Bag Deployment: A recall (Campaign 15V459000) was issued regarding steering wheel wiring harnesses that could rub against the air bag module retainer, potentially causing unexpected deployment.
- Transmission Shift Interlock: A recall (Campaign 17V821000) addressed a concern where the Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) pin might stick, potentially allowing the vehicle to be shifted out of PARK without the brake pedal being pressed.
About this vehicle
The 2012 Ram 2500 is a heavy-duty pickup truck part of the Ram Trucks division of Stellantis (formerly Dodge). This model is built for high-capacity towing and hauling, sitting above the light-duty Ram 1500 in terms of payload and work capability. It features the 6.7L Cummins diesel engine, a powertrain developed by Cummins Inc., which is widely recognized for its durability in commercial and heavy-duty applications.
Because these engines are engineered to handle significant stress, they are frequently used for agricultural work, heavy towing, or long-distance hauling. Given the complexity of diesel turbocharger systems, fuel injection, and emission control components inherent to this engine family, maintenance is a critical aspect of vehicle longevity. Owners often research topics such as fuel system integrity, turbocharger health, and specific heavy-duty fluid requirements to manage the life of their Cummins engine.
Note: While this profile provides general background, technical details like exact horsepower or torque ratings should be verified through a dedicated service manual for your specific engine code.
Common questions about this vehicle’s diesel oil and maintenance
What is the correct oil viscosity for my 2012 Ram 2500?
The AMSOIL lookup recommends 15W-40 for temperatures above -18°C. For ambient temperatures below -18°C (0°F), you must use SAE 5W-40 synthetic engine oil to prevent severe engine damage.
How many quarts of oil does the 6.7L Cummins take?
It requires 12 quarts of oil, which includes the capacity used by the oil filter during a standard change.
Can I use any diesel oil in my Ram 2500?
No. The AMSOIL lookup note specifies using API CJ/CK-4 oil that meets MS-10902 standards, or oil meeting Cummins CES 20081 standards. Low ash diesel engine oil is required.
What is the torque spec for my oil drain plug?
The oil drain plug should be torqued to 37 ft/lbs.
How often should I change my air filter?
While specific intervals depend on your environment, using premium media filters like the WIX Air Filter (46930-EA) can help reduce engine wear and maintain OEM service intervals.
How do I check my oil level correctly after a change?
After changing the oil, run the engine to operating temperature, stop it, and wait approximately 30 minutes. This allows the oil in the upper parts of the engine to drain back into the pan before you perform your final check.
Disclaimer: This information is derived from provided source data. Always consult your owner’s manual or a certified mechanic for specific maintenance requirements and to verify vehicle-specific details.