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Modern trucks can be frustrating due to complicated tech that makes it impossible to work on things themselves. However, the Ram 1500 has decided to make things a little more convenient yet potentially frustrating by removing its dipstick to replace it with tech. 

Here’s why the 2025 Ram 1500 doesn’t come with a dipstick 

The dipstick is an essential truck part that people have relied on for decades to quickly and easily check their oil levels. 

But the 2025 Ram 1500 took this tool away and replaced it with an oil level sensor that will display the oil level and oil life on the dash. 

According to Pickup Truck Talk, the Ram engineering team made this decision with the new hurricane engine to enhance performance, fuel economy, engine operation, and customer convenience. 

Instead of having to pop your hood and get out to insert a dipstick, you can sit in the cab and read the oil level on your dash. This could save you a whole three minutes. 

The 2025 Ram 1500 on the road
2025 Ram 1500 | Ram

Plus, the oil sensor can measure rising temperature levels to compensate for volume changes. But it can’t detect other issues such as antifreeze in the oil from a cracked head gasket. 

Through an algorithm with various metrics for engine and vehicle usage, the life of the oil is calculated. It’s not picked up by the sensor, but similar formulas have been used in other engine applications. 

If the sensor breaks, the Ram 1500 can still be driven. An error message will display in the digital gauge cluster and list the reason for failure. At least you will know why it broke. However, replacing a dipstick seems easier than replacing a sensor. 

It’s unclear if you can actually replace the sensor yourself even though it’s located at the bottom of the oil pan or if you’ll have to visit the dealership. Also, is the sensor included in the warranty? It could cause headaches in the long run. 

Also, the Ram Hurricane engine is a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 unit with two output levels. The standard option provides 420 hp and 469 lb-ft of torque. The High Output variant cranks out 540 hp and 521 lb-ft of torque.

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Allison Barfield

Allison Barfield joined MotorBiscuit in 2020 and covers all things trucks, SUVs, and Jeeps. Having grown up on a farm in Rock Hill, South Carolina, she’s no stranger to the “Best in Class” truck and SUV debates; people in her hometown were always gathering to help work on vehicles together, and deliberation would naturally arise.

Allison graduated from the University of South Carolina with a degree in Media Arts. She has helped bring awareness to issues Women In Trucking face and has promoted Truckers Against Trafficking, an anti-trafficking NGO.

A fan of creatively dark literature, Allison appreciates the works of Shirley Jackson and Emily Dickenson. She lives in a mountainous area of the country and enjoys off-roading and camping. Her dog, Bruce, often joins her in testing trucks and SUVs for our site.