2020 RAM 2500

Vehicle Specs & Maintenance Data

Engine
6.4L V8
Oil Type & Capacity
0W-40 Full Synthetic (7 qts)
Transmission
Automatic 8-spd
Wheel Torque
130
ft-lbs

The 2020 RAM 2500 maintenance specs on this page cover the key fluids, torque values, and wear items you need for routine service. Use these numbers as a quick reference when performing oil changes, tire rotations, brake jobs, and other scheduled maintenance on your RAM 2500.

For oil changes, the 2020 RAM 2500 takes 0W-40 Full Synthetic motor oil with a capacity of 7 quarts. Brake fluid type is DOT 3, the recommended coolant is Mopar OAT (Purple/Violet), and transmission fluid is ATF+4. Always use the manufacturer-recommended fluids to maintain warranty coverage and engine longevity.

When mounting wheels on the RAM 2500, torque the lug nuts to 130 ft-lbs using a calibrated torque wrench. Over- or under-torquing can lead to warped brake rotors or loose wheels. Re-torque after 50 to 100 miles on newly installed wheels.

Owners of the 2020 RAM 2500 have reported 5 common issues including "Steering Column Intermediate Shaft Noise", "6.7L Cummins DEF System Freezing and Derating" and "6.7L Cummins Heater Grid Relay Electrical Short". Scroll down to the Diagnostics tab for detailed descriptions, solutions, and estimated repair costs.

There are 10 NHTSA safety recalls on file for the 2020 RAM 2500. Check the Recalls tab below for full details.

Specifications on this page are compiled from multiple publicly available sources including manufacturer documentation, NHTSA data, and automotive databases. Always cross-reference with your owner's manual or official factory documentation before purchasing parts or performing any service.

The 2020 RAM 2500 uses 0W-40 Full Synthetic motor oil (7 qt capacity), requires lug nuts torqued to 130 ft-lbs, takes DOT 3 brake fluid.

2020 RAM 2500 Specifications
Motor Oil0W-40 Full Synthetic
Oil Capacity7 qt
Lug Nut Torque130 ft-lbs
Brake FluidDOT 3
CoolantMopar OAT (Purple/Violet)
Transmission FluidATF+4
Transmission Fluid
Fluid Type
ATF+4
Shop
Coolant
Fluid Type
Mopar OAT (Purple/Violet)
Shop
Brake Fluid
Fluid Type
DOT 3
Shop
Washer Fluid
Windshield
Shop

Manufacturer-recommended maintenance schedule for the 2020 RAM 2500. Always verify intervals against your owner's manual.

Service Item
Interval
Engine Oil & Filter
8,000 mi / 12 mo
5W-20 (6.4L HEMI gas) or 15W-40 (6.7L Cummins diesel), 12 qt (Cummins)
Tire Rotation
8,000 mi / 6 mo
Rotate every oil change
Cabin Air Filter
20,000 mi / 24 mo
Replace more often in dusty conditions
Engine Air Filter
30,000 mi / 36 mo
Inspect every 15,000 mi
Brake Fluid
40,000 mi / 36 mo
DOT 4; heavy-duty brakes
Transmission Fluid
60,000 mi
AISIN 6-speed (diesel) or ZF 8-speed (gas); use manufacturer-approved fluid
Transfer Case Fluid
60,000 mi
4WD models; Mopar transfer case fluid
Coolant
100,000 mi
Mopar OAT coolant; then every 50,000 mi
Spark Plugs
30,000 mi
Gas engine only; HEMI uses copper core plugs at 30,000 mi
Serpentine Belt
100,000 mi
Inspect at 60,000 mi
Battery
60 mo
Dual battery on diesel; check annually
DTC Code Lookup

Enter a diagnostic trouble code to see causes, symptoms, and fixes for the 2020 RAM 2500.

Common problems reported by 2020 RAM 2500 owners, with recommended fixes and estimated repair costs.

1

Steering Column Intermediate Shaft Noise

A clicking, popping, or creaking noise emanating from the steering column when turning the steering wheel is a widespread complaint. The noise is most noticeable at low speeds during parking maneuvers and U-turns. The cause is insufficient lubrication of the steering column intermediate shaft splines and universal joints.

Solution

Lubricate or replace the steering column intermediate shaft. TSB 19-005-22 addresses the clicking/creaking noise. Some vehicles require the entire intermediate shaft assembly replacement with an updated part that has improved sealing to retain lubrication.

Est. Cost: $200 - $700
2

6.7L Cummins DEF System Freezing and Derating

In cold climates, the Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) system freezes, triggering the truck to enter a reduced power (limp) mode or even fail to start. The DEF heater element and sensor can malfunction, causing false 'low DEF quality' warnings. Repeated derating events prevent the truck from being used reliably for work in winter.

Solution

Replace the DEF heater element and quality sensor. TSB 18-015-22 addresses DEF system cold-weather diagnostics. Ensure the DEF tank heater circuit is functioning. Use only API-certified DEF fluid. Park in a heated garage when temperatures are below 12 degrees F.

Est. Cost: $300 - $1,200
3

6.7L Cummins Heater Grid Relay Electrical Short

An electrical short in the heater grid relay on vehicles equipped with the 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel can result in an engine compartment fire, even with the ignition off. The relay may overheat and melt surrounding components. This is a critical safety issue that can cause vehicle fires while the truck is parked and unattended.

Solution

NHTSA Recall 22V-541 requires inspection and replacement of the heater grid relay and associated wiring. Dealers will install an updated relay with improved thermal protection. Do not park in an enclosed structure until the recall is completed.

Est. Cost: Covered under recall
4

Transmission Erratic Shifting (Aisin AS69RC)

The Aisin AS69RC 6-speed automatic transmission exhibits erratic shifting patterns, hard shifts between gears, lack of acceleration response, and occasional slipping. Some owners report the transmission failing completely and requiring replacement, particularly under heavy towing loads. Transmission temperature warnings may appear.

Solution

Perform a transmission fluid and filter service using only Mopar AS69RC-approved fluid. TSB 21-020-22 addresses transmission adaptive learning resets. Reflash the TCM with updated calibration software. For severe cases, valve body or complete transmission replacement may be required.

Est. Cost: $300 - $6,000
5

Infotainment Screen Blank and Battery Drain

The Uconnect infotainment screen goes completely blank while the backup camera continues to function normally. The system may cause parasitic battery drain, leading to a dead battery after the vehicle sits for a day or two. Radio presets and vehicle settings reset when the issue occurs.

Solution

Update the Uconnect software and check for parasitic draw from the radio module. TSB 08-055-22 covers blank screen diagnostics. If the head unit is not entering sleep mode properly, it will drain the battery. Replace the radio module if the issue persists after software updates.

Est. Cost: $0 - $1,500

10 NHTSA safety recalls for the 2020 RAM 2500. Check your VIN at NHTSA.gov

1

AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN:INFLATOR

Campaign: 25V010000 Date: 16/01/2025

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Ram 3500, Ram 1500, 2016-2020 Ram 2500, and 2016 Ram 3500 Cab Chassis vehicles. The right and left side curtain air bag inflators may rupture due to a manufacturing defect.

Consequence

An inflator rupture may result in sharp metal fragments striking occupants, resulting in injury.

Remedy

Dealers will replace one or both side curtain air bags, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 13, 2025. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's numbers for this recall are 05C, 09C, and 10C.

2

STRUCTURE:BODY:TAILGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS

Campaign: 22V904000 Date: 08/12/2022

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500 pickup trucks. The tailgate may not latch properly due to misaligned tailgate strikers, which could result in the tailgate opening while driving.

Consequence

An unintended tailgate opening while driving may result in a loss of unsecured cargo, possibly creating a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect the tailgate striker alignment to the box latch and adjust, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 22, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is ZB8.

3

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

Campaign: 22V835000 Date: 10/11/2022

FCA US, LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Ram 2500 and 2020-2022 Ram 3500 vehicles. A build-up of pressure and heat inside the transmission may result in a transmission fluid leak from the dipstick tube.

Consequence

Leaking transmission fluid may contact an ignition source within the engine compartment, increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the transmission dipstick and transmission vent assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 29, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is ZA3.

4

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

Campaign: 22V140000 Date: 10/03/2022

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Ram 2500 and 2021-2022 Dodge Durango vehicles, and 2019-2022 3500 cab chassis with GVWR less than 10,000 lbs. The ABS control module software may prevent the electronic stability control (ESC) malfunction indicator light from illuminating during certain conditions. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems."

Consequence

An ESC malfunction indicator light that fails to illuminate during an electronic stability control problem can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will update the ABS control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 29, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Z20.

5

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:LINKAGES

Campaign: 22V035000 Date: 27/01/2022

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ram 2500 and Ram 3500 vehicles, Ram 3500 Cab Chassis, 4500 Cab Chassis, 5500 Cab Chassis and 3500 Cab Chassis with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of less than 10,000 lbs. The windshield wiper arms may loosen, possibly causing the wipers to function improperly and reduce the driver's visibility in certain weather conditions.

Consequence

Reduced visibility increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will tighten the wiper nuts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 15, 2022. This recall is an expansion of recall number 20V-208. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Z08.

6

FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Campaign: 21V880000 Date: 12/11/2021

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ram 2500, 3500 pickup trucks, and Ram 3500, 4500, and 5500 cab chassis vehicles equipped with Cummins 6.7L Turbo Diesel engines. The High Pressure Fuel Pump (HPFP) may fail, resulting in a sudden engine stall without warning.

Consequence

An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the HPFP, update the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software, and inspect and replace additional fuel system components as necessary, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters to inform owners of the safety recall were mailed on January 4, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 17, 2022. Phase 2 owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on March 2, 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Y78.

7

VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES:EXTERIOR

Campaign: 20V622000 Date: 08/10/2020

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2020 Ram 2500 and 1500 vehicles. The driver side mirror glass can detach from the backing plate and no longer provide a reflective surface. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Consequence

Missing driver side mirror glass reduces visibility and increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver side mirror glass, free of charge. The recall began November 5, 2020. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is W70.

8

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

Campaign: 20V191000 Date: 10/09/2020

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2020 Jeep Gladiator and Jeep Cherokee, 2019-2020 Ram 1500 Pickup, Ram 2500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Pickup, Chrysler Pacifica, Dodge Durango, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Wrangler, and Jeep Renegade and 2019 Dodge Challenger vehicles equipped with 8.4" or 12" radio displays. A software error can cause the rearview camera image to remain displayed after the vehicle has been shifted out of reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rearview Mirrors."

Consequence

The lingering rearview image can distract the driver, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Chrysler has notified owners, and dealers will update the radio display software, free of charge. Optionally, owners can choose to remotely update their software via an Over-The-Air (OTA) update available as of May 1, 2020. The recall began April 27, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is W30-W37.

9

STRUCTURE

Campaign: 20V207000 Date: 09/04/2020

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ram 2500 and Ram 3500 Pick-up trucks equipped with an accessory bed step. In certain side loading conditions, the bed step may unexpectedly fail while in use.

Consequence

A bed step that unexpectedly fails while in use increases the risk of injury to the user.

Remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the bed step support brace, free of charge. The recall began on July 9, 2020 (RAM 2500) and began on October 6, 2020 (Ram 3500). Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's numbers for this recall are W24 and W44.

10

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

Campaign: 20V043000 Date: 24/01/2020

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ram 2500 and 3500 Pickup vehicles equipped with six-speed automatic (68RFE) transmissions. A build up of pressure and heat inside the transmission may result in a transmission fluid leak from the dipstick tube.

Consequence

The leaking transmission fluid may contact the turbocharger or another ignition source within the engine compartment, increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the transmission valve body separator plate and reprogram the powertrain control module. The recall began March 2, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is W03.

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2500 — Other Model Years
2026202520242023202220212019201820172016
See Also
2020 RAM 2500 Lug Nut TorqueBest Oil for 2020 RAM 2500All Vehicles Using 0W-40 Full Synthetic OilAll Vehicles Using DOT 3Oil Change Guide: 2020 RAM 2500Wiper Replacement: 2020 RAM 2500