2020 Jeep Gladiator Coolant Capacity & Type Guide

The 2020 Jeep Gladiator with the 3.6L V6 engine holds approximately 14 quarts (13.25 liters) of coolant.

Quick Answer

• Total Cooling System Capacity: Approximately 14 quarts (13.25 liters)
• OEM Coolant Specification: Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant 10 Year/150,000 Mile (Purple in color, OAT - Organic Additive Technology, Mopar MS-90032 and MS-12106 compliant)
• Mix Ratio: 50/50 Prediluted or concentrate mixed with distilled water.

Capacity by Engine Option

For the 2020 Jeep Gladiator, the primary engine offered is the 3.6L V6.

Flush Interval

Following the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule is crucial for the longevity of your cooling system. For the 2020 Jeep Gladiator, the recommended coolant flush interval is:

• Normal Duty: Every 10 years or 150,000 miles, whichever comes first.
• Severe Duty: If operating under severe conditions (e.g., heavy towing, extreme temperatures, off-roading), it's wise to consider more frequent checks and potentially flushing around 5 years or 75,000 miles.

Regularly check your coolant level and condition, regardless of mileage, and address any signs of contamination or low levels promptly.

How to Refill & Bleed

Properly refilling and bleeding the cooling system after a flush or repair is critical to prevent air pockets, which can lead to overheating. Here's a general procedure for the 2020 Jeep Gladiator:

1. Preparation: Ensure the engine is cool. Position the vehicle on level ground. You may want to raise the front of the vehicle slightly to help air escape.
2. Drain (if flushing): Open the radiator drain cock and remove the radiator cap (and reservoir cap) to allow the system to drain completely. Collect old coolant in an appropriate container for disposal.
3. Flush (if required): If flushing, close the drain cock, refill with distilled water, run the engine with the heater on high until warm, then drain again. Repeat until the water runs clear. For best results, consider a chemical flush product designed for OAT coolants.
4. Refill: Close the radiator drain cock. Slowly fill the radiator through the filler neck with the recommended 50/50 Mopar OAT coolant mixture. Fill the coolant reservoir to the "MIN" mark.
5. Bleeding:
   • Start the engine with the heater on high (fan speed low). Leave the radiator cap off.
   • As the engine warms up, the thermostat will open, and coolant will begin to circulate. You will likely see air bubbles rise to the surface in the radiator filler neck.
   • Maintain the coolant level by adding more 50/50 mixture as needed until no more bubbles appear.
   • Some Gladiators may have a bleeder screw on one of the upper radiator hoses or near the thermostat housing. If present, open this screw slightly to release trapped air until a steady stream of coolant emerges, then close it.
   • Carefully squeeze the upper and lower radiator hoses a few times to help dislodge air bubbles.
   • Once the engine reaches operating temperature and the fan cycles on, install the radiator cap. Check the coolant level in the reservoir and adjust as necessary.
6. Post-Procedure: Drive the vehicle and monitor the temperature gauge. After the engine cools completely, recheck the coolant level in the reservoir and top off if needed. Repeat this check for the next few driving cycles.

Common Cooling System Issues for this Generation

Owners of the 2020 Jeep Gladiator (and its JL Wrangler sibling) may experience some common cooling system issues:

• Radiator Leaks: The radiators in these vehicles can be prone to developing leaks, sometimes at the seams or from impacts during off-road use. Keep an eye out for pinkish-purple residue under the vehicle or around the radiator.
• Thermostat Housing Leaks: The plastic thermostat housing can sometimes crack or warp, leading to coolant leaks. This often presents as a drip down the front of the engine.
• Water Pump Failure: While not excessively common on newer models, water pump issues can occur, leading to leaks or improper coolant circulation. A failing water pump might create a grinding noise or cause the engine to overheat.
• Heater Core Issues: In some cases, owners have reported issues with the heater core, leading to poor heating inside the cabin or a sweet smell from the vents.
• Air Pockets: Due to the design of the cooling system, it can sometimes be difficult to thoroughly bleed all the air out. Persistent air pockets can lead to erratic temperature readings or localized overheating.

Regularly inspecting your cooling system components and addressing any leaks or unusual temperature fluctuations promptly can help prevent more significant problems down the road.

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