RamRAM 4500, 5500 Cab Chassis2013Overview/ram/ram-4500-5500-cab-chassis/2013/base/
DP platform

2013 Ram RAM 4500, 5500 Cab Chassis

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2013 RAM 4500, 5500 Cab Chassis.

The 2013 Ram 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis rides on the DP platform and demands a substantial 12.0 quarts of 5W-40 API CJ-4 oil, reflecting its heavy-duty calibration. With only three total owner complaints recorded — the engine emerging as the leading concern — and nine recalls issued, this model year presents a mixed reliability picture that warrants careful scrutiny by researchers evaluating fleet longevity.

Model year201320122011

Quick specs

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

Engine oil capacity12.0 qtOEM · 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 filter05083285AA
Engine air filter53034051AB
Fuel filter68157291AA alt 68197867AB
BatteryBBH7F001AA
Front wiper blades55277446AB
Serpentine belt04627751AA alt 04627589AA
Thermostat68534176AA alt 05086740AA

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length226 in
Overall width79.1 in
Overall height74 in
Wheelbase140.2 in
Curb weight4978 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 12.0 qt 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 FluidATF+4
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity7.2
Differential Gear OilSYNTHETIC · 75W-140 · GL-5
Differential Gear Oil Capacity4.4 Pints,
Engine OilSYNTHETIC · 5W-40 · API · MS-10902
Engine Oil Capacity12.0 qt
Manual Transmission FluidATF +4
Manual Transmission Fluid Capacity9.9

Engine torques

Engine Flywheel Bolts100 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Leaf Spring to Axle (U-bolts)360.0 ft-lbs
Leaf Spring to Chassis Bracket360.0 ft-lbs
Leaf Spring to Rear Shackle160.0 ft-lbs
Leaf Spring Rear Shackle to Chassis Bracket317.0 ft-lbs

Battery & A/C

RefrigerantR134a
Refrigerant Capacity1.81-1.40 lbs
Oil GroupPAG
Oil Type46
Oil Capacity6.0 oz
RefrigerantR134a
Refrigerant Capacity1.18-1.38 lbs
Oil GroupPAG

Service checks

Pressure Test15, Pressure should not exceed 20 psi.
Radiator Cap Pressure Relief14-18 psi
Thermostat Opening Temperature190 °F
Engine Compression350

Brakes

Torque Caliper to Bracket98 ft-lbs
Torque to Knuckle400 ft-lbs
Minimum Pad ThicknessFront: 0.040; Rear: 0.040 in
Rotor Max Parallel Variation0.0004 in
Rotor Runout Limit0.005 in
Rotor Nominal Thickness From1.535 in
Rotor Nominal Thickness To1.535 in
Rotor Minimum Machining1.472 in

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
122 ft. lbs., Step 2: 44 ft. lbs., Step 3: 6022 ft. lbs
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 5 stages
152 ft. lbs.52 ft. lbs
2back off 1 turn
377 ft. lbs.77 ft. lbs
4recheck torque77 ft. lbs
590 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:

144 ft. lbs.44 ft. lbs
259 ft. lbs.59 ft. lbs
390 degrees; If using new bolts, use the following procedure:90 degrees
189 ft. lbs.89 ft. lbs
2Loosen all bolts 360 degrees360 degrees
344 ft. lbs.44 ft. lbs
463 ft. lbs.63 ft. lbs
5120 degrees120 degrees
Oil Pump to Cylinder BLock Bolts/Studs — tightening sequence 1 stages
16 ft. lbs., Step 2: 216 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 12,500 mi; coolant every 15,000 mi. The big-interval services (every 15,000 mi for coolant, and the transmission fluid) are the ones owners most often skip — on a lower-mileage example, assume the original fluids are still in it and check them first.

Every 7,500 miDiesel Emissions Fluid (inspect fluid level) · Driveshaft (inspect) · Tie Rod (lubricate) · Tire & Wheel Assembly (rotate)
Every 10,000 miTransmission Assembly (inspect fluid level)
Every 12,500 miEngine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace)
Every 15,000 miBattery (inspect) · Brake System (inspect) · Differential (inspect fluid level) · Engine Coolant System (inspect fluid level) · Engine Coolant System Hoses (inspect) · Engine Oil (drain & refill)
Every 22,500 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Brake Linings (inspect) · Parking Brake System (inspect)
At 30,000 miTransfer Case Assembly (inspect fluid level)
Every 30,000 miCV Joint Boot (inspect) · Driveshaft U-Joint (inspect) · Engine Air Filter Element (replace) · Wheel Bearing (inspect)
Every 60,000 miTransfer Case Assembly (drain & refill) · Transfer Case Assembly (inspect fluid level)
Every 67,500 miCrankcase Oil Separator 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 requiredDRBIII scan tool (dealer / locksmith)
WhyTransmitter 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 neededAfter Sentry Key Immobilizer Module (SKIM) replacement
Tool requiredDRBIII scan tool
Also requiredThe vehicle's four-digit PIN code

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

Owner complaints about the 2013 Ram RAM 4500, 5500 Cab Chassis dominate in one area — the engine, 1 of 3 reports (33%), well ahead of the next concern. None of this vehicle's 9 recall campaigns target the engine, so those reports read as owner-reported wear-and-tear rather than an acknowledged defect. 0 of the reports describe a crash and 0 a fire — a small share of the total, but worth weighing against the engine pattern above. These are tallies of what owners actually reported to the federal government, not an editorial score — and higher-selling models naturally rack up more reports.

9
Open recalls
NHTSA campaigns
417
Service bulletins
Manufacturer communications
2
ODI investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
3
Owner complaints
0 involved a crash · 0 a fire

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 3 complaints on record, top 3 components.

Engine1
Engine,Visibility/Wiper1
Suspension,Service Brakes1

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 9 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

21V398000Wheels:Lugs/Nuts/Bolts/StudsReported 27/05/2021

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2012-2021 RAM 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis, 4500 Cab Chassis, and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles. Incorrect information in the Service and Owner's Manuals may cause the flanged lug nuts… Remedy: Dealers will update the torque specification in the owner's manual and other published service documents. Dealers will also inspect the vehicle's wheel studs, replacing them if…

17V824000EquipmentReported 21/12/2017

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling various Dodge, Chrysler, and RAM vehicles equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers. A list of the affected trailer models is available at… Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners instructing them to contact Kidde for a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began February 14, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 417 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

BulletinDateComponentSummary
S1203000003 REV.A2026-06-26Service BrakesTrac-Rite Operation Diagnosis, Chatter, Shudder, Moving From A Stop And Turning
1129062026-06-17EngineBEARING - CRANKSHAFT THRUST and KIT
1129062026-06-17EngineBEARING - CRANKSHAFT THRUST and KIT
S1623000028 Rev. K2026-06-12Electrical SystemOutside Power Fold Rearview Mirror Noise Or Loose At Pivot. Mirror Contacts Door Window…
S1623000028 REV.J2026-06-05StructureOutside Power Fold Rearview Mirror Noise Or Loose At Pivot. Mirror Contacts Door Window…

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.

Reference guides

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

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 2013 RAM 4500, 5500 Cab Chassis take?

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

Does the 2013 RAM 4500, 5500 Cab Chassis have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 9 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.