The 2018 Ram Promaster 3500, equipped with the 3.6L V-6 engine (code G/ERB G Flex), relies heavily on precise lubrication to maintain the reliability that commercial and personal fleet owners expect. This vehicle is designed for demanding tasks, ranging from heavy cargo hauling to extended highway commutes. To ensure optimal performance and longevity, using the correct viscosity and specification is critical. The engine requires 5W-20 motor oil, with a total capacity of 5.9 quarts including the filter change. Choosing the right synthetic fluids not only extends the service intervals but also provides superior protection against the high temperatures and stress associated with heavy loads.
Recommended AMSOIL Products
- AMSOIL Signature Series 5W-20 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – Offers up to 25,000 miles of protection with 75% more engine resistance against horsepower loss and wear compared to industry standards. Ideal for the 3.6L ERB G Flex engine.
- AMSOIL Extended-Life 5W-20 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – Provides 37% more cleaning power to keep the engine running smoother and lasts up to 20,000 miles between changes.
- AMSOIL OE 5W-20 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – A cost-effective 100% synthetic option that fights sludge and deposits, delivering reliable protection for up to 15,000 miles or one year.
- AMSOIL 5W-20 100% Synthetic High-Mileage Motor Oil – Specifically formulated for vehicles with over 75,000 miles to reduce oil consumption and sludge while maintaining engine performance.
- AMSOIL Oil Filter EA15K19 – Delivers 99% filtration efficiency at 20 microns and offers extended service life to match synthetic oil intervals.
- WIX Oil Filter WL10010 – A premium aftermarket alternative with improved media over original equipment manufacturer (OEM) filters.
- AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant – A 50/50 pre-mix formulation protecting the cooling system for up to 150,000 miles or five years, compatible with all other coolant colors.
- AMSOIL Propylene Glycol Antifreeze and Engine Coolant – A concentrated formula that offers extended protection up to 150,000 miles or five years and 1,000,000 miles in heavy-duty applications.
- 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 – Resists harmful sludge and promotes smooth, shudder-free shifts for the 62TE transmission.
- AMSOIL DOT 3 and DOT 4 100% Synthetic Brake Fluid – Provides a stable viscosity over a wide temperature range for excellent ABS and traction-control responsiveness.
- AMSOIL 100% Synthetic Multi-Vehicle Power Steering Fluid – Reduces friction and helps seals remain soft to prevent leaks while offering excellent high-temperature protection.
- AMSOIL Gasoline Stabilizer – Keeps fuel fresh for up to 12 months, protecting against varnish and gum buildup in the fuel system.
- AMSOIL P.i. Performance Improver – Restores up to 14% horsepower and cleans GDI fuel injectors to restore full flow rate.
Proper lubrication extends the service life of your vehicle’s critical components. For the 2018 Ram Promaster 3500, the engine operates under significant thermal stress, particularly when hauling cargo. Using a high-quality 5W-20 synthetic motor oil ensures that metal surfaces remain separated by a durable lubricating film, even during prolonged idling or heavy acceleration. The recommended AMSOIL oils contain advanced additive packages designed to prevent sludge and deposit formation, which can clog oil passages and lead to premature engine wear. The accompanying oil filter, such as the AMSOIL Oil Filter, works in tandem with the synthetic oil to capture microscopic contaminants that conventional filters might allow to circulate.
The cooling system also requires attention to prevent overheating. The 3.6L engine is compatible with either AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant or the Propylene Glycol Antifreeze. The former comes as a ready-to-use 50/50 pre-mix, offering immediate protection against freezing and boiling over, while the concentrated option allows for custom mixing to maximize cooling efficiency and cost savings. Both formulations are phosphate- and nitrate-free, ensuring compatibility with aluminum cooling components and extended service intervals up to five years or 150,000 miles.
Transmission health is vital for a heavy-duty work vehicle. The 62TE automatic transmission benefits from AMSOIL Signature Series Multi-Vehicle Automatic Transmission Fluid. This fluid is engineered to resist oxidation and thermal breakdown, ensuring smooth shifts and preventing the shudder issues that can occur in older transmissions. Whether you choose the Signature Series for maximum performance under heavy towing or the AMSOIL OE Multi-Vehicle Automatic Transmission Fluid for a balanced performance profile, both options protect the transmission from wear and sludge accumulation. Maintaining the correct fluid levels is essential; the total fill for the 6-speed 62TE transmission is 9 quarts, though initial fill is approximately 5.5 quarts. Additionally, the brake and power steering systems require fluids that maintain viscosity across extreme temperature ranges. The AMSOIL DOT 3 and DOT 4 100% Synthetic Brake Fluid and AMSOIL 100% Synthetic Multi-Vehicle Power Steering Fluid provide the necessary protection to keep stopping distances short and steering response precise.
Vehicle Maintenance and Fluid Capacities
Maintaining your 2018 Ram Promaster 3500 requires adherence to specific fluid capacities and torque specifications. For the engine oil change, the system holds 5.9 quarts including the filter. It is crucial to torque the oil drain plug to 20 ft/lbs and install a new washer on the drain bolt to prevent leaks. If you are using E85 or M85 fuels, note that oil analysis is required to extend drain intervals beyond standard recommendations.
The transmission fluid service involves a total fill of 9 quarts for the 6-speed 62TE transmission. Properly flushing and refilling this system can rejuvenate shifting performance and prevent costly repairs. For the cooling system, the capacity is 10.6 quarts. Regularly checking these levels ensures that your vehicle operates within its designed thermal limits, preventing overheating during summer months or freezing during winter. The use of AMSOIL Antifreeze & Coolant in these systems allows for extended intervals between changes, reducing maintenance costs and vehicle downtime over the life of the truck.
About the Vehicle
The 2018 Ram Promaster 3500 is a cornerstone of the heavy-duty light truck market, built on a platform that prioritizes utility, cargo capacity, and versatility. Derived from the Fiat Ducato design, this vehicle represents a blend of European engineering and American commercial vehicle standards. Known for its spacious interior and high roof options, the Promaster 3500 is a favorite among small business owners, delivery fleets, and custom conversion specialists who turn the van into mobile workshops or recreational vehicles. The 3.6L Pentastar V-6 engine provides a robust power output, delivering sufficient torque for urban driving while maintaining fuel economy for longer hauls.
Owners of the Promaster 3500 often praise the vehicle’s interior ergonomics, particularly the wide-opening doors and high ceiling, which facilitate easy loading and unloading of heavy cargo. The flat-floor design maximizes usable volume, making it a preferred choice for those who require a reliable workhorse. However, like any vehicle subjected to hard work, the Promaster 3500 faces specific challenges that can affect its longevity if not addressed with high-quality lubricants.
One of the common issues encountered by owners is sludge buildup in the engine, especially when the vehicle is used for stop-and-go delivery routes with frequent idling. Prolonged idling can cause fuel dilution and soot accumulation, which degrades the oil’s protective properties. Using a high-detergent synthetic oil like AMSOIL Signature Series 5W-20 100% Synthetic Motor Oil can mitigate this problem by keeping the engine internals clean and preventing deposit formation. Another prevalent concern is transmission shuddering or rough shifting, a known characteristic in some 62TE transmissions as they age. High-performance synthetic transmission fluids help maintain the fluid’s frictional properties, ensuring smooth shifts and extending the life of the clutches.
Heating and cooling system failures are also a significant concern, often stemming from coolant degradation or clogged passages. The high operating temperatures of the 3.6L engine can cause standard coolants to break down, leading to corrosion and overheating. AMSOIL Antifreeze and Engine Coolant formulations are designed to resist this degradation, providing superior corrosion protection for the aluminum heads and radiators. Finally, brake fluid hygroscopicity—the absorption of moisture from the air—can lead to reduced braking performance and rust in the brake lines. AMSOIL Brake Fluid resists moisture absorption, maintaining a high boiling point and ensuring consistent braking power even after extended periods of use. By addressing these common problems with the right lubricants, owners can significantly extend the service life of their 2018 Ram Promaster 3500.
Additional Protection and Care
Beyond the essential engine and transmission fluids, there are several other AMSOIL products that can enhance the performance and appearance of your Ram Promaster 3500. For vehicles that are stored during off-seasons or periods of low usage, AMSOIL Gasoline Stabilizer helps preserve fuel quality, preventing gum and varnish buildup that can clog injectors. Similarly, AMSOIL Engine Fogging Oil is an excellent addition to storage maintenance, protecting internal engine components from rust and corrosion during long periods of inactivity.
For those looking to maximize fuel economy and engine performance, AMSOIL P.i. Performance Improver is a highly effective gasoline additive. It cleans carbon deposits from the fuel injectors and combustion chamber, restoring horsepower and improving throttle response. The addition of AMSOIL Upper Cylinder Lubricant further protects the fuel system and upper cylinders, reducing friction and wear in critical areas. Regular use of these additives ensures that your engine runs as efficiently as the day it left the factory.
Exterior and interior care products from AMSOIL also offer valuable benefits. The Miracle Wash Waterless Wash and Wax Spray allows for quick cleaning without the need for a hose, leaving a protective layer that repels dust and dirt. For more thorough cleaning, the Heavy-Duty Degreaser effectively removes grease, tar, and grime from engine bays and undercarriages. The AMSOIL Silicone Spray is ideal for maintaining rubber seals and preventing them from drying out or cracking, which is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the vehicle’s weatherproofing. By incorporating these additional products into your maintenance routine, you can ensure that your 2018 Ram Promaster 3500 remains in peak condition inside and out.
Ultimately, the reliability of your vehicle depends on the quality of the fluids you use. AMSOIL’s comprehensive range of synthetic lubricants, filters, and additives provides the superior protection needed to handle the demands of modern commercial driving. Whether you are navigating city streets or traversing highways under heavy loads, these products offer peace of mind and confidence in your vehicle’s performance. By choosing the right AMSOIL products for your 2018 Ram Promaster 3500, you are investing in the longevity and reliability of one of the most capable vehicles on the road.