Proper lubrication is the backbone of reliability for the 2016 Ram Promaster 2500. This heavy-duty work vehicle, powered by the 3.6L Pentastar V-6 engine, demands fluids that can withstand the rigors of commercial use, from stop-and-go city driving to long highway hauls. Using the correct viscosity and quality lubricants ensures optimal engine protection, maintains fuel efficiency, and extends the service life of critical components. For this model, AMSOIL synthetic formulations provide superior performance compared to conventional oils, particularly regarding wear reduction and thermal stability.
Recommended AMSOIL Products
- AMSOIL Signature Series 5W-20 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – Offers unparalleled engine protection against horsepower loss and wear, with guaranteed intervals up to 25,000 miles or one year.
- AMSOIL Extended-Life 5W-20 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – Delivers 37% more cleaning power than the OE version, helping the engine run smoother for up to 20,000 miles between changes.
- AMSOIL OE 5W-20 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – A cost-effective choice that fights sludge and deposits with 100% synthetic formulation, outperforming conventional oils at the original equipment mileage.
- AMSOIL 5W-20 100% Synthetic High-Mileage Motor Oil – Designed for vehicles with over 75,000 miles, this oil features boosted detergents to reduce sludge and protect engines in need of extra care.
- AMSOIL Oil Filter – Provides 99% filtering efficiency at 20 microns, offering greater capacity for contaminants than competing filters to help reduce engine wear.
- WIX Oil Filter – A premium aftermarket filter that offers improvements over original equipment manufacturer-branded filters, recommended for use with OE and High-Mileage oils.
- AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant – An ethylene glycol 50/50 pre-mix that exceeds OEM requirements and protects cooling system metals, gaskets, and hoses for up to 150,000 miles.
- AMSOIL Propylene Glycol Antifreeze and Engine Coolant – A concentrated non-toxic option that provides protection up to 150,000 miles or 5 years, with greatly surpassing standards for metallic corrosion resistance.
- AMSOIL Signature Series Multi-Vehicle 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid – Withstands heavy towing, elevated temperatures, and challenging terrain while remaining fluid in sub-zero conditions.
- AMSOIL OE Multi-Vehicle 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid – Protects against wear and sludge with excellent cold-weather performance, promoting smooth, shudder-free shifts.
- AMSOIL DOT 3 and DOT 4 100% Synthetic Brake Fluid – Ensures excellent ABS and traction-control responsiveness with a stable viscosity across a wide temperature range.
- AMSOIL 100% Synthetic Multi-Vehicle Power Steering Fluid – Reduces friction, keeps seals soft to prevent leaks, and offers strong anti-wear protection for long fluid life.
- AMSOIL P.i. Performance Improver Gasoline Additive – Restores up to 14% horsepower and GDI fuel injectors to 100% flow rate while improving fuel economy and preventing carbon buildup.
Engine Oil and Filtration Specifications
The 2016 Ram Promaster 2500 with the 3.6L V-6 engine (Engine Code G ERB G Flex) requires a 5W-20 viscosity oil that meets GM dexos1 Gen 2 specifications. The total system capacity, including the filter, is 5.9 quarts. It is crucial to verify the oil level after refilling. When installing the new oil, the torque specification for the oil drain plug is 20 ft/lbs, and a new washer should always be used on the drain bolt. For vehicles operating on E85 or M85 fuels, the appropriate viscosity should be selected, and extended drain intervals should only be pursued through oil analysis to ensure safety.
AMSOIL Signature Series 5W-20 100% Synthetic Motor Oil is the premier choice for this engine, providing up to 25,000 miles of protection. It offers 75% more engine protection against horsepower loss and wear compared to industry standards. The AMSOIL OE 5W-20 option is also an excellent choice for those seeking OEM-mileage protection at a value price, fighting sludge effectively. For high-mileage engines exceeding 75,000 miles, the AMSOIL 5W-20 High-Mileage formulation contains boosted detergents and enhanced anti-wear additives to reduce sludge by 67% and help the engine last longer.
Filtration is equally critical. The recommended AMSOIL Oil Filter (EA15K19) provides 99% efficiency at 20 microns, allowing for lower restriction to keep engine parts lubricated. It offers greater capacity for small, wear-causing contaminants than competing filters. If a WIX replacement is preferred, the WIX Oil Filter (WL10010) features premium media that offers improvements over OEM-branded filters, particularly when paired with OE or High-Mileage AMSOIL motor oils.
Transmission and Cooling Systems
The 2016 Ram Promaster 2500 is equipped with a 62TE six-speed automatic transmission. Proper fluid selection is vital to prevent wear, sludge, and temperature-related failures, especially when the vehicle is used for towing or hauling. The total fill capacity for the 62TE transmission is 9 quarts, with an initial fill capacity of 5.5 quarts. AMSOIL Signature Series Multi-Vehicle 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid is designed to withstand the rigors of heavy towing and elevated temperatures while remaining fluid in sub-zero conditions. For those prioritizing value, the AMSOIL OE Multi-Vehicle 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid offers excellent cold-weather performance and promotes smooth, shudder-free shifts.
The cooling system capacity for the 3.6L engine is 10.6 quarts. Maintaining the correct AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant mixture is essential to protect all cooling system metals, gaskets, and hoses. This ethylene glycol 50/50 pre-mix exceeds OEM requirements. It is compatible with all other antifreeze colors and is free of phosphates, nitrates, and nitrites, ensuring long-term protection for up to 150,000 miles or five years. For those who prefer a concentrated formula, AMSOIL Propylene Glycol Antifreeze and Engine Coolant offers non-toxic protection that can be mixed with distilled water for use in both passenger cars and heavy-duty applications.
Other Essential Fluids and Maintenance
Beyond the engine and transmission, several other fluid systems require attention to ensure the safety and reliability of the 2016 Ram Promaster 2500. For the brake system, the vehicle requires MOPAR DOT 4 fluid. AMSOIL DOT 3 and DOT 4 100% Synthetic Brake Fluid provides excellent ABS and traction-control responsiveness with a stable viscosity over a wide temperature range. The power steering system benefits from AMSOIL 100% Synthetic Multi-Vehicle Power Steering Fluid, which reduces friction, prevents leaks by keeping seals soft, and offers strong anti-wear protection.
For vehicle owners who store their Promaster seasonally or use them for light equipment duties, AMSOIL Gasoline Stabilizer helps keep fuel fresh for up to 12 months, protecting against varnish and gum buildup. During storage, AMSOIL Engine Fogging Oil provides a highly effective rust preventive for internal engine components. To maintain peak performance, AMSOIL P.i. Performance Improver Gasoline Additive should be used to restore fuel injectors to 100% flow rate and improve fuel economy. Additionally, the AMSOIL Upper Cylinder Lubricant Corrosion Inhibitor helps lubricate the fuel system and upper cylinders, compatible with capless fuel systems.
Vehicle Background
The 2016 Ram ProMaster 2500 is a robust commercial vehicle built on the Fiat Ducato platform, designed primarily for fleet and delivery operations. This model features a 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine, which is known for its reliability and smooth power delivery. The ProMaster line, including the 2500 variant, is celebrated for its van-like cargo capacity, low load floor, and wide rear doors that facilitate easy loading and unloading of goods. It occupies a unique space in the market as a front-engine, front-wheel-drive van that offers a turning radius comparable to many smaller vehicles despite its larger footprint.
Owners of the 2016 ProMaster 2500 often appreciate its practicality and ease of use. The vehicle is typically equipped with a 6-speed automatic transmission, providing smooth shifting even under heavy loads. The interior is functional, designed to withstand the wear and tear of daily commercial use while offering sufficient comfort for drivers on the road. The ProMaster series is often chosen by businesses requiring a reliable workhorse for moving goods, as its design prioritizes cargo volume and accessibility. Its reputation for durability and versatility has made it a staple for delivery services, contractors, and other trade professionals.
The 2016 model year represents a mature version of this platform, benefiting from the integration of the 3.6L Pentastar engine which replaced earlier engine options. This engine configuration provides a balance of power and fuel efficiency suitable for urban and highway driving. The vehicle’s chassis and suspension are tuned to handle the stresses of frequent starting and stopping, as well as the vibrations associated with road work. Proper maintenance, particularly of the fluid systems discussed earlier, ensures that this capable vehicle continues to serve its owners effectively for many years.