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2012–2015 Ram C/V

2012-2015 Ram C/V — Engine Oil and Filter Change

By Tom Becker ✓ Certified Mechanic · Published Sep 24, 2026 · Updated Oct 14, 2026

🔧 Easy 30-45 minutes $46 DIY

Save $128 by doing it yourself! Shop cost: $174

Quick answer: Engine Oil and Filter Change on a 2012–2015 Ram C/V is rated Easy and takes about 30-45 minutes. You'll need 8 tools for this job, and parts cost about $46. This guide walks you through the full job step by step, including the mistakes to avoid.

Quick Video Tutorial

Parts You Need

Total Cost
$46.00
Oil spec 3.6L V6
Capacity 6.0 qt with filter Viscosity 5W-30, 5W-20 Spec MS-6395
Part Name Part Number Price Buy
5W-30 or 5W-20 motor oil (6 quarts for 3.6L Pentastar) — $35.00
Oil filter cartridge (2012-2015 Ram C/V 3.6L) — $11.00
Oil filter housing O-ring (usually included with filter) — —

About prices: shown prices are typical retail averages and change frequently; cheaper alternatives may be available. Confirm the current price before buying.

💡 Pro tip: Order all parts at once to save on shipping

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps carefully

1

Prepare the Van

Park the C/V (3.6L Pentastar V6, commercial Grand Caravan variant) on level ground and set the parking brake. The procedure is identical to the Grand Caravan. Gather 6 quarts of 5W-30, a cartridge filter, and a drain pan.

2

Warm Up and Locate Components

Warm the engine 2–3 minutes, then shut it off. Raise the front on jack stands if needed. The drain plug is on the oil pan; the cartridge filter housing is on top of the engine — a black plastic cap.

3

Drain Oil and Access Filter

Position the drain pan under the plug and remove it to drain the old oil. While it drains, remove the filter housing cap on top of the engine. Pull out the old cartridge filter and the O-ring.

🔧 Mechanic's note — Tom Becker

In my experience, Never reuse that O-ring. A flattened O-ring on the Pentastar housing seeps oil down the back of the engine, and you'll be chasing the leak for weeks.

4

Install New Filter and Plug

Fit the new lightly-oiled O-ring onto the filter cap, then insert the cartridge filter. Thread the cap on by hand and torque to 25 Nm / 18 ft-lb — over-tightening cracks the plastic housing. Reinstall and torque the drain plug.

🔧 Mechanic's note — Tom Becker

From my bay, That plastic housing cracks if you lean on it — 18 ft-lb is all it needs. Hand-tighten the cap, then snug it with a wrench and walk away.

5

Refill with Fresh Oil

Lower the van if raised. Pour 6 quarts of 5W-30 oil into the engine through the filler cap. Wait a minute for it to settle, then check the dipstick to verify the level is at the full mark.

6

Verify and Reset

Start the engine, check for leaks around the filter housing and drain plug, and verify oil pressure. Shut off, recheck the dipstick after a minute, and top off if needed. Reset the oil change reminder and recycle the used oil.

All Done!

Test your repair before closing everything up. If something doesn't work right, double-check your steps.

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • • Using the wrong oil weight; the 3.6L Pentastar requires 5W-30.
  • • Over-tightening the plastic oil filter housing cap, cracking it.
  • • Spilling oil on the serpentine belt, causing slippage and noise.