2020 Ram 2500 A/C Refrigerant and Oil Guide

Quick Answer

• Refrigerant Type: R-1234yf
• System Charge: 26.0 oz (737 g)
• PAG Oil Type: PAG 46 (Mopar Part #68224112AA)
• Total System Oil Capacity: 6.1 oz (180 mL)
• Low-Side Port Location: Near the firewall, on the passenger side of the engine bay.
• High-Side Port Location: In front of the passenger side shock tower, behind the coolant reservoir.

Why R-1234yf Matters

Starting around 2014, automakers began transitioning from R-134a to the more environmentally friendly R-1234yf refrigerant. Your 2020 Ram 2500 uses this newer R-1234yf. Here's what you need to know:

• Cost: R-1234yf is significantly more expensive per pound than R-134a. This makes a full system recharge more costly and leak prevention critical.
• EPA Regulations: R-1234yf has a much lower Global Warming Potential (GWP) than R-134a, which is why the EPA mandated the switch. It is illegal to vent this (or any) refrigerant into the atmosphere.
• Specialized Equipment: Servicing R-1234yf systems requires a dedicated recovery and recharge machine. Shops cannot use their older R-134a machines due to contamination risks and different operating pressures. The service fittings are also a different size to prevent cross-contamination.

Recharge Procedure

A proper A/C service is not just "topping off" the system. To ensure longevity and performance, the system must be recharged by weight, not just by pressure readings.

1. Recovery: A certified technician will use a specialized machine to safely recover all existing R-1234yf from the system.
2. Evacuation: The system is placed under a deep vacuum for at least 30-45 minutes. This boils off any moisture that may have contaminated the system. Moisture is the enemy of A/C systems, as it can mix with refrigerant and oil to create corrosive acids.
3. Leak Testing: While under vacuum, the system is monitored to ensure it holds a vacuum, indicating there are no leaks.
4. Recharge: The exact-specified weight of R-1234yf (26.0 oz / 737 g) and the correct amount of PAG 46 oil are injected back into the system.

Using cheap DIY recharge cans is not recommended. They are based on inaccurate pressure readings and can easily lead to an undercharged or, more dangerously, an overcharged system, which can cause compressor damage.

Common A/C Problems for 2019+ Ram HD Trucks

While generally reliable, this generation of Ram HD trucks has a few known A/C weak points:

• Condenser Leaks: The A/C condenser sits in front of the radiator and is susceptible to damage from road debris. Even small impacts can cause pinhole leaks.
• Compressor Clutch/Coil Failure: In some cases, the electromagnetic coil on the compressor clutch can fail, preventing the compressor from engaging. The compressor itself may be fine, but the clutch must be replaced.
• Evaporator Core Leaks: Though less common, a leaking evaporator core inside the dashboard is a significant and labor-intensive repair. A musty smell or refrigerant dye visible at the HVAC drain tube are potential signs.

When to Call a Pro

Due to the specialized equipment required for R-1234yf, the high cost of the refrigerant, and the environmental regulations involved, A/C service on a 2020 Ram 2500 is best left to a professional shop. A technician with EPA 609 certification can legally and safely handle the refrigerant and accurately diagnose the system.

Disclaimer: You must be EPA 609 certified to legally purchase and handle refrigerants. Always wear safety glasses and gloves when working near A/C components, as refrigerant can cause frostbite.

Find a certified A/C shop on Repairius.