2024 Ram 1500 — Coolant Capacity & Type

The 2024 Ram 1500 holds roughly 12–18 quarts (11.4–17.0 liters) of coolant in the engine cooling system, depending on the engine (3.6L V6, 5.7L HEMI V8, or TRX 6.2L supercharged).

Quick answer

• Total capacity: 12–18 qt (11.4–17.0 L), see engine-by-engine details below. A routine drain-and-fill typically removes less than total capacity; expect 7–12 qt unless vacuum-filled or block drains are used.
• OEM coolant spec: Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant 10 Year/150,000 Mile OAT (purple), Organic Acid Technology (OAT), meeting FCA Material Standard MS-12106. Do not mix with older HOAT/IAT or “universal” coolants.
• Mix ratio: 50/50 with distilled water (or use Mopar premix). In extreme cold, up to 60% concentrate / 40% water is acceptable; do not exceed 70% concentrate.

Capacity by engine option

Notes:

• Actual refill quantity varies with how thoroughly you drain and how the system is refilled. Vacuum filling or opening block drains will get you closest to the totals above.
• Always confirm with the underhood decal/owner’s manual if available; capacities can vary slightly with options (towing package, heavy‑duty cooling, auxiliary heaters).

Flush interval

• Normal service: Replace coolant at 10 years or 150,000 miles (240,000 km), whichever comes first, using Mopar OAT MS‑12106. Top off only with the same OAT coolant.
• Severe duty (frequent towing, high ambient heat, dusty/off‑road, extended idling): Inspect annually and consider service around 5 years/100,000 miles, or sooner if tests show depletion/contamination. Replace immediately if mixed with non‑OAT coolant or if oil/corrosion is present.

How to refill & bleed

1. Start with a cool engine. Safely raise the front if possible to help air migrate to the surge tank.
2. Drain: Open the radiator petcock (if equipped) or remove the lower radiator hose. Catch and recycle used coolant. Many trucks do not fully drain without vacuum tools or block drains.
3. Close drains and install clamps. If using concentrate, premix to 50/50 with distilled water before pouring.
4. Fill the surge (degas) tank slowly to the COLD line. On some 3.6L/5.7L/6.2L applications, a small bleeder is located near the thermostat housing or upper hose; open it during fill until a steady, bubble‑free stream appears, then close snugly.
5. Set the cabin heat to HOT, fan low. Start the engine and let it idle; raise engine speed to ~1,500–2,000 rpm in short intervals to purge air. Watch for the thermostat opening and radiator fan cycling.
6. Top off to the COLD mark as the level settles. Fit the pressure cap and bring the engine to full operating temperature.
7. Cool down completely and recheck the level next morning; add to the COLD mark if needed. Verify both heater hoses are hot (after warm‑up) and that there’s strong cabin heat—signs the system is air‑free.

Tips:

• A professional vacuum fill tool is strongly recommended on these trucks to prevent trapped air and to approach total capacity on refill.
• TRX owners: The supercharger’s low‑temperature intercooler circuit is separate; service it per the dedicated procedure/spec. Do not confuse its reservoir with the engine surge tank.

Common cooling system issues on this generation (2019–2024 Ram 1500)

• Water pump seep/leak: Occasional weeping from the pump weep hole on 3.6L and 5.7L engines. Look for pink/purple residue and bearing noise; replace the pump and renew coolant.
• Thermostat housing or gasket leaks: Composite housings can warp or gaskets flatten with age/heat cycles.
• Radiator side‑tank seam seepage: More common on high‑mileage/towing trucks; look for crusted coolant along plastic‑to‑aluminum seams.
• Degas bottle cap losing pressure: A weak cap can trigger boil‑over and coolant odor. Replace the cap if pressure tests fail.
• Heater performance complaints: Mixing non‑OAT coolant or using stop‑leak can form deposits that restrict the heater core. A thorough flush and correct OAT refill usually restores heat.
• Electric fan or debris issues: Fan fault or condenser/radiator face packed with bugs can cause idle/traffic overheating—clean the stack and verify fan operation.
• Hose chafe/clip concerns on eTorque models: Inspect routing and clamps near the front accessory drive for wear.

Dispose of used coolant responsibly; it’s toxic to pets and wildlife.

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