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DP platform

2012 Ram RAM 4500, 5500 Cab Chassis

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2012 RAM 4500, 5500 Cab Chassis.

The 2012 Ram RAM 4500, 5500 Cab Chassis. It takes 12 qt w/ filter of 5W-40 engine oil.

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity12 qt w/ filterOEM · verified

Engine oil type5W-40 API CJ-4OEM · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 94R · 730 CCA battery, OE oil filter 05083285AA. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI 94R · 730 CCAOEM · verified

OE service part numbers OEM · verified

Engine oil filter	05083285AA
Engine air filter	53034051AB
Fuel filter	68065608AB
Battery	BLH7F001AA alt BBH7F001AA
Front wiper blades	55277446AB
Serpentine belt	53041138AE alt 53041139AE
Thermostat	68067109AB alt 05086740AA

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length	226 in
Overall width	79.1 in
Overall height	74 in
Wheelbase	140.2 in
Curb weight	5060 lb
Track (front / rear)	69.3 / 68.1 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)	57/43

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 12 qt w/ filter of 5W-40 API CJ-4 engine oil, SYNTHETIC · 75W-140 · GL-5 in the differential. Note the cylinder-head bolts finish on a torque angle (torque-to-yield) — they stretch permanently and should be replaced, not reused, during any head service.

Lubricants & capacities

Automatic Transmission Fluid	ATF
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity	7.2
Differential Gear Oil	SYNTHETIC · 80W-90 · GL-5
Differential Gear Oil Capacity	2 Pints,
Differential Gear Oil	80W-90 · GL-5
Differential Gear Oil Capacity	4.8 Pints
Differential Gear Oil	SYNTHETIC · 75W-140 · GL-5
Differential Gear Oil Capacity	4.4 Pints,

Engine torques

Engine Flywheel Bolts

100 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Leaf Spring to Axle (U-bolts)	360.0 ft-lbs
Leaf Spring to Chassis Bracket	360.0 ft-lbs
Leaf Spring to Rear Shackle	160.0 ft-lbs
Leaf Spring Rear Shackle to Chassis Bracket	317.0 ft-lbs

Battery & A/C

Refrigerant	R134a
Refrigerant Capacity	1.18-1.38 lbs
Oil Group	PAG
Oil Type	46
Oil Capacity	6.00 oz
Standard BCI Group Number	94R
Standard BCI Cranking Performance	730 cca

Service checks

Pressure Test	15, Pressure should not exceed 20 psi.
Radiator Cap Pressure Relief	14-18 psi
Thermostat Opening Temperature	190 °F
Engine Compression	350

Brakes

Torque Caliper to Bracket	98 ft-lbs
Torque to Knuckle	400 ft-lbs
Minimum Pad Thickness	Front: 0.040; Rear: 0.040 in
Rotor Max Parallel Variation	0.0004 in
Rotor Runout Limit	0.005 in
Rotor Nominal Thickness From	1.535 in
Rotor Nominal Thickness To	1.535 in
Rotor Minimum Machining	1.472 in

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages

22 ft. lbs., Step 2: 44 ft. lbs., Step 3: 60

22 ft. lbs

Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 5 stages

1	52 ft. lbs.	52 ft. lbs
2	back off 1 turn
3	77 ft. lbs.	77 ft. lbs
4	recheck torque	77 ft. lbs
5	90 degrees; Lightly lubricate new cylinder head bolt, threads and flanges with engine oil.	90 degrees

Main Bearings — tightening sequence 5 stages

Prep If using old bolts, use the following procedure:

1	44 ft. lbs.	44 ft. lbs
2	59 ft. lbs.	59 ft. lbs
3	90 degrees; If using new bolts, use the following procedure:	90 degrees
1	89 ft. lbs.	89 ft. lbs
2	Loosen all bolts 360 degrees	360 degrees
3	44 ft. lbs.	44 ft. lbs
4	63 ft. lbs.	63 ft. lbs
5	120 degrees	120 degrees

Oil Pump to Cylinder BLock Bolts/Studs — tightening sequence 1 stages

6 ft. lbs., Step 2: 21

6 ft. lbs

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the engine oil and filter every 7,500 mi.

Every 7,500 mi	Diesel Emissions Fluid (inspect fluid level) · Driveshaft Slip Yoke (lubricate) · Engine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace) · Tie Rod (lubricate) · Tire & Wheel Assembly (rotate)
Every 15,000 mi	Fuel Filter (replace)
Every 16,000 mi	Suspension System (inspect)
Every 22,500 mi	Accessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Brake Linings (inspect) · Parking Brake System (inspect)
Every 24,000 mi	Differential (inspect fluid level)
At 30,000 mi	Transfer Case Assembly (inspect fluid level) · Transmission Assembly (drain & refill)
Every 30,000 mi	Wheel Bearing (inspect)
Every 32,000 mi	Engine Air Filter Element (replace)
Every 60,000 mi	Transfer Case Assembly (drain & refill) · Transfer Case Assembly (inspect fluid level) · Transmission Assembly (inspect fluid level) · Transmission Assembly (drain & refill) · Transmission Fluid & Filter (replace)

Owner how-tos

Condensed service procedures for routine maintenance. Procedures that require dealer diagnostic equipment are identified and summarized only.

Common procedures

Key fob — remote (RKE) programming programming new fob buttons Dealer tool OEM · verified

Tool required	DRBIII scan tool (dealer / locksmith)
Why	Transmitter codes are written into the receiver in the passenger door module

Anti-theft (SKIS) — module initialization after immobilizer module replacement Dealer tool OEM · verified

When needed	After Sentry Key Immobilizer Module (SKIM) replacement
Tool required	DRBIII scan tool
Also required	The vehicle's four-digit PIN code

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420

Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1

P0300

Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected

P0171

System too lean — Bank 1

P0455

Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak

P0128

Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature

P0442

Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN

Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific RAM 4500, 5500 Cab Chassis. OEM

Build data

Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.

Recalls

Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Group 94R battery Vehicles taking 12 qt w/ filter DP-platform vehicles Engine oil filter 05083285AA Engine air filter 53034051AB Fuel filter 68065608AB Battery BLH7F001AA

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

OBD-II trouble codes Torque specifications Maintenance schedules Fluid capacities & specs

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 2012 RAM 4500, 5500 Cab Chassis take?

12 qt w/ filter of SYNTHETIC 5W-40 API CJ-4 MEETING CHRYSLER SPECIFICATION MS-10902, per the factory manual.