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5.9 Cummins Oil Capacity by Year

Most Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 trucks with the 5.9L Cummins use 12.0 qt with filter. Exact oil category depends on model year and emissions equipment. Use the table and finder below to match the exact year and application before refilling.

Typical fill

12 qt

1998-2002

Range

12 qt

with filter

Recommended oil

API diesel oil category listed in owner manual

check owner manual

Capacity Finder

Check your year and truck series

Oil capacity with filter

12qt11.4 L

The 5.9L common-rail trucks normally use 12 qt with a new filter. Confirm the oil category against the exact model-year manual.

Oil Capacity by Year and Application

All numbers below are with a new oil filter.

1998-2002Dodge Ram 2500 / 3500 with 5.9L Cummins 24-valve12 qt11.4 LAPI diesel oil category listed in owner manual
2003-2007Dodge Ram 2500 / 3500 with 5.9L Cummins common-rail12 qt11.4 LAPI CI-4 / CJ-4 diesel oil as applicable

Who This Covers

This page is for Dodge Ram 2500 / 3500 with 5.9L Cummins 24-valve, Dodge Ram 2500 / 3500 with 5.9L Cummins common-rail and similar vehicles using the same engine family. Before adding oil, match the exact year and application in the table below.

Why Your Number May Differ

5.9 Cummins oil capacity is not always one fixed number. It can change by model year, vehicle setup, and oil-pan configuration, so use the row that matches your vehicle before refilling.

warningBefore You Fill
Add about 0.5 qt less than the listed capacity first, start the engine briefly, wait a few minutes, then verify with the dipstick and top off gradually. Do not rely on a generic engine answer if your vehicle is a different series, chassis-cab, medium-duty, or special-package configuration.

Common Questions

How many quarts does a 5.9 Cummins take?

5.9 Cummins takes 12 qt with a new oil filter. For many applications, 12 qt is the starting point for 1998-2002 Dodge Ram 2500 / 3500 with 5.9L Cummins 24-valve.

Does 5.9 Cummins oil capacity include the filter?

Yes. The capacity values on this page include a new oil filter, which is the number normally used during a full oil change.

What oil does a 5.9 Cummins use?

5.9 Cummins commonly uses 15W-40 normal service; 5W-40 synthetic for cold service. Match the recommended oil shown for your exact row and confirm it against your owner manual or oil cap.

Why do 5.9 Cummins oil capacity numbers differ?

Oil capacity can change by model year, vehicle application, oil pan, emissions package, and whether the source is listing a with-filter service fill.

Browse by Year

2007 5.9 Cummins Oil Capacityarrow_forward2006 5.9 Cummins Oil Capacityarrow_forward2005 5.9 Cummins Oil Capacityarrow_forward2003 5.9 Cummins Oil Capacityarrow_forward2001 5.9 Cummins Oil Capacityarrow_forward

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Based on Dodge/Ram owner manual capacity tables for 5.9L Cummins diesel applications and Cummins diesel oil service-category guidance.. Check your owner manual before service to confirm the exact vehicle setup.