2004 Dodge Ram 1500: Oil Type and Capacity

Catrina C
Feb 11, 2021

Black 2004 Dodge Ram 1500 From Front-Driver Side

If you’re looking at buying, or already own, a 2004 Dodge Ram, you may be searching, “2004 Dodge Ram 1500 what is the oil type and capacity” into your search engine.

Having an older vehicle is great, because lots of answers will come up.

The 2004 Dodge Ram: what is the oil type and capacity?  

The 2004 Dodge Ram has three available engines. These include the Next Generation 3.7L (225.8 ci) V6, the Next Generation 4.7L (286.7 ci) V8 and the 5.7L (345 ci) Hemi Magnum V8. Each takes between 5-7 quarts of oil. 

Sound confusing? Fortunately, we’re here to help. In this article, you’ll learn more about the 2004 Dodge Ram and the specific oil type and capacity that the model you’re working with will have.

Oil Type and Capacity for the 2004 Dodge Ram

Taking care of your vehicle is essential, and using the right motor oil is the right way to do that. Motor oil lubricates the inside of your vehicle’s system, so your engine can run longer and harder without too much friction building up.

The American Petroleum Institute sets different oils into categories by viscosity. You may be familiar with the three main categories for vehicles, including full synthetic, conventional and synthetic blends.

Some vehicles use only conventional oils. Others use full synthetic. Many use synthetic blends.

On top of this, each vehicle has a specific amount of oil it can carry, called its “oil capacity.” This is the level that you should fill the oil to, so your vehicle has enough when it’s running.

The 2004 Dodge Ram’s Engines, Oil Capacity and Required Oil Types

Mechanic Checking Car Oil Level

When it comes to your 2004 Dodge Ram’s oil type and capacity, you first need to see which engine you have. The three engines you may have include the:

  • 3.7L V6
  • 4.7L V8
  • 5.7L V8

The 3.7L V6 engine takes 5 quarts of oil. It also uses SAE 5W30 oil (synthetic). Comparatively, the 4.7L engine requires 6 quarts of oil, and the 5.7L engine requires 7 quarts. Simply put, the larger your engine becomes, the more oil you’re likely to need.

The good news is that most of the engines do take synthetic oil, but larger engines, like the rarer 8.8L, may require a different type than the smaller engines.

2004 Dodge Ram Recalls, Consumer Reviews

The 2004 Dodge Ram did have several recalls from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, though none specifically focused on the engine or oil.

However, several consumers did make complaints about oil issues in their Dodge Rams that year. One consumer complaint stated that their Ram 1500 LX with a 5.7L engine suddenly lost all oil pressure.

Another with the same vehicle, but not the LX version, also saw the truck’s oil pressure drop to zero.

A third consumer with the Ram 1500 SLT 4.7L V8 engine also reported the oil gauge dropping to zero, but it returned to normal when they started and restarted the vehicle again.

Want to Buy a 2004 Dodge Ram?

The 2004 Dodge Ram could be the right truck for you, but before you buy, check out its Vehicle History. You can find more information about the truck and which features may make or break your decision to buy.

avatar Catrina C
Catrina C. is a former auto auction block clerk and current freelance automotive industry writer. She enjoys writing, taking long trips in her Ford and providing solid automotive advice.
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