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2020 Ram 1500 Maintenance Schedule
- Generation
- DT (5th gen)
- Engine
- 3.6L Pentastar V6 / 5.7L HEMI V8 / 3.0L EcoDiesel V6
- Intervals
- 15
The 2020 Ram 1500 DT represents FCA's modern full-size truck platform with three distinct powertrains—each requiring tailored maintenance. This schedule addresses the 3.6L Pentastar V6, 5.7L HEMI V8, and 3.0L EcoDiesel V6 configurations, accounting for the 8-speed automatic transmission and available 4WD systems that demand additional fluid service intervals.
Service Intervals
Where is your 1500 right now?
Type the odometer and the table below re-sorts by what's closest. It works from the reading alone — it can't see what you've already had done.
Est. costs are US-typical, in USD.
| Service | Interval | Est. Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Engine Oil & FilterSafety itemPentastar 3.6L uses 0W-20 synthetic; HEMI 5.7L uses 5W-20; EcoDiesel 3.0L uses 5W-40 meeting API CK-4 / MS-12991. | 10,000 mi / 12 mo | $60-$120 |
| Tire RotationSafety itemRam recommends every 8,000 miles to prevent uneven wear on heavy-duty truck tires and maintain traction. | 8,000 mi | $35-$60 |
| Cabin Air FilterReplace more frequently in dusty conditions or if HVAC airflow diminishes noticeably. | 20,000 mi / 24 mo | $20-$45 |
| Engine Air FilterInspect at every oil change; replace sooner if operating in dusty or off-road environments common with truck use. | 30,000 mi | $25-$50 |
| Brake Fluid FlushSafety itemDOT 3 or DOT 4 fluid absorbs moisture over time; flushing prevents internal corrosion in ABS components and maintains pedal feel. | 48,000 mi / 48 mo | $90-$150 |
| Brake Pad Inspection & ReplacementSafety itemInspect annually; replacement typically needed at 40,000-60,000 miles depending on towing frequency and driving style. | 12 mo | $180-$400 |
| Coolant Flush (OAT)Factory-fill Mopar OAT coolant is rated for roughly 10 years/100,000-150,000 miles; protects aluminum engine components and prevents overheating under load. | 100,000 mi / 120 mo | $120-$200 |
| Transmission Fluid & FilterSafety itemZF 8HP transmission requires ATF+4 or equivalent; service interval critical for towing or severe-duty use to prevent shift issues. | 60,000 mi | $250-$400 |
| Spark Plugs — 5.7L HEMI V8The 5.7L HEMI runs 16 copper-core plugs (two per cylinder) on a short ~30,000-mile replacement interval. | 30,000 mi | $200-$400 |
| Spark Plugs — 3.6L Pentastar V6Pentastar iridium plugs are rated to 100,000 miles. EcoDiesel has no spark plugs but uses glow plugs, inspected if hard starting occurs. | 100,000 mi | $180-$320 |
| Differential Fluid (Rear/Front if 4WD)Rear differential service at 50,000 miles; front differential on 4WD models also requires service to prevent gear wear and noise. | 50,000 mi | $100-$180 |
| Transfer Case Fluid (4WD models)Applies to part-time and full-time 4WD systems; neglect causes binding, difficult shifting, and eventual transfer case failure. | 60,000 mi | $90-$150 |
| EcoDiesel DEF System & DPF ServiceSafety itemEcoDiesel only: keep DEF topped off; DPF regeneration occurs automatically but may require forced regen if frequent short trips prevent completion. | As needed | $50-$200 |
| Battery Inspection & ReplacementTest annually after 3 years; typical lifespan 4-6 years in moderate climates, less in extreme heat or cold. | 48 mo | $150-$280 |
| Serpentine Belt InspectionInspect for cracks or glazing at every oil change; replacement typically needed around 100,000 miles to prevent sudden failure. | 100,000 mi | $80-$150 |
2020 Ram 1500 Oil Change Interval
The 2020 Ram 1500 oil change interval is every 10,000 mi or 12 months, whichever comes first (estimated cost $60-$120). Pentastar 3.6L uses 0W-20 synthetic; HEMI 5.7L uses 5W-20; EcoDiesel 3.0L uses 5W-40 meeting API CK-4 / MS-12991.
What Happens If You Skip It
- Neglecting 8-speed transmission fluid changes leads to harsh shifting, slipping, and premature valve body failure—a $3,000+ repair on the ZF 8HP unit.
- Skipping differential service on 4WD models causes gear whine, metal shavings in fluid, and eventual axle bearing or ring-and-pinion failure requiring complete differential rebuild.
- Ignoring EcoDiesel DPF regeneration warnings results in clogged particulate filter, limp mode activation, and $2,500+ DPF replacement if forced regen cannot clear blockage.
- Deferred brake fluid flushes allow moisture contamination that corrodes ABS module internals, leading to expensive electronic brake system repairs and compromised stopping power.
- Running the HEMI V8 beyond oil change intervals, or on the wrong viscosity instead of the specified 5W-20, is associated with MDS lifter failure—a known weak point resulting in ticking noise and $2,000-$4,000 engine repairs.
- Skipping transfer case fluid service on 4WD models leads to chain stretch, bearing failure, and complete transfer case replacement costing $2,500-$4,000 in parts and labor.
Common Issues at Higher Mileage — 2020 Ram 1500
HEMI V8 MDS lifter tick or failure, often requiring lifter replacement and camshaft inspection if oil changes were delayed or low-quality oil used.
8-speed transmission shudder or delayed engagement, typically resolved with fluid/filter service or software update if caught early.
EcoDiesel EGR cooler clogging leading to check engine light, reduced power, and potential coolant intrusion if not addressed promptly.
Front differential pinion seal leaks on 4WD models, causing fluid loss and potential bearing damage if not monitored and repaired.
Rear coil spring suspension bushing and multi-link joint wear on heavily loaded or towing-duty trucks, resulting in clunking noises and degraded ride quality.
Water pump weep hole seepage on all engines, signaling impending bearing failure and requiring replacement to prevent overheating.
Common questions about the 2020 Ram 1500
How often does a 2020 Ram 1500 need an oil change?
The 2020 Ram 1500 oil change interval is every 10,000 mi or 12 months, whichever comes first (estimated cost $60-$120). Pentastar 3.6L uses 0W-20 synthetic; HEMI 5.7L uses 5W-20; EcoDiesel 3.0L uses 5W-40 meeting API CK-4 / MS-12991.
What maintenance does a 2020 Ram 1500 need?
The services not to skip on a 2020 Ram 1500: engine oil & filter every 10,000 mi / 12 mo; tire rotation every 8,000 mi; brake fluid flush every 48,000 mi / 48 mo; brake pad inspection & replacement every 12 mo; transmission fluid & filter every 60,000 mi. The table above lists every service with its interval and an estimated cost.
What goes wrong on a Ram 1500 at higher mileage?
What owners report as the miles add up — 60,000+ mi: HEMI V8 MDS lifter tick or failure, often requiring lifter replacement and camshaft inspection if oil changes were delayed or low-quality oil used. 80,000+ mi: 8-speed transmission shudder or delayed engagement, typically resolved with fluid/filter service or software update if caught early. 100,000+ mi: EcoDiesel EGR cooler clogging leading to check engine light, reduced power, and potential coolant intrusion if not addressed promptly. 70,000+ mi: Front differential pinion seal leaks on 4WD models, causing fluid loss and potential bearing damage if not monitored and repaired. 90,000+ mi: Rear coil spring suspension bushing and multi-link joint wear on heavily loaded or towing-duty trucks, resulting in clunking noises and degraded ride quality. 120,000+ mi: Water pump weep hole seepage on all engines, signaling impending bearing failure and requiring replacement to prevent overheating.
