2020 Ram 2500 Coolant Capacity & Type

Your 2020 Ram 2500 holds approximately 16.5 to 20 quarts (15.6 to 18.9 liters) of coolant, depending on the engine.

Quick Answer

• Total Cooling System Capacity:
  • 6.4L HEMI V8: 16.5 quarts (15.6 Liters)
  • 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel: 20 quarts (18.9 Liters)
• OEM Coolant Spec: Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant 10 Year/150,000 Mile Formula OAT (Organic Additive Technology) - Purple in color, meeting Chrysler Material Standard MS-12106.
• Mix Ratio: 50/50 prediluted coolant or a 50/50 mix of concentrate with distilled water.

Capacity by Engine Option

Flush Interval

The recommended coolant flush interval for your 2020 Ram 2500 is every 10 years or 150,000 miles, whichever comes first, under normal operating conditions. If your truck is subjected to severe duty conditions, such as heavy towing, frequent off-road use, or extreme temperatures, it's advisable to consider more frequent inspections and potentially earlier flushes.

How to Refill & Bleed

Properly refilling and bleeding the cooling system in your 2020 Ram 2500 is crucial to prevent air pockets that can lead to overheating. Here's a general procedure:

1. Safety First: Ensure the engine is completely cool before starting. Wear appropriate safety gear, including gloves and eye protection.
2. Drain System: Open the radiator drain cock (petcock) located at the bottom of the radiator and remove the radiator cap to allow the coolant to drain completely into a suitable container. If performing a flush, follow the flushing product instructions.
3. Close Drain & Fill: Once drained, close the radiator drain cock. Slowly fill the cooling system with the specified Mopar OAT coolant (50/50 mix) through the radiator fill neck until it reaches the top.
4. Engine Start & Bleed: Leave the radiator cap off. Start the engine and let it run with the heater on high (fan speed low) until it reaches operating temperature. As the thermostat opens, the coolant level will likely drop. Continue to add coolant as needed to maintain the level at the top of the radiator.
5. Look for Air Bubbles: Watch for air bubbles escaping from the radiator fill neck. Gently squeeze the upper and lower radiator hoses to help dislodge any trapped air.
6. Bleed Screws (if applicable): Some engines may have air bleed screws (often on the thermostat housing or upper radiator hose). If present, gently open them one at a time until a steady stream of coolant, free of air bubbles, emerges, then close them.
7. Final Fill & Cap: Once the air is purged and the coolant level stabilizes, install the radiator cap. Fill the coolant reservoir to the "FULL COLD" mark.
8. Monitor: Drive the vehicle and monitor the temperature gauge. Check the coolant level in the reservoir after a few drive cycles, adding if necessary.

Note on Vacuum Fill: For the most thorough and effective bleed, especially on complex cooling systems, a vacuum-fill tool is highly recommended. This tool evacuates all air from the system before refilling, virtually eliminating air pockets.

Common Cooling System Issues for This Generation (2019-Present)

Owners of 2020 Ram 2500 trucks may encounter some common cooling system issues, though many are preventative with proper maintenance:

• Coolant Leaks: Hoses, radiator, water pump, and thermostat housing are common leak points. The purple OAT coolant can leave a distinct residue making leaks easier to spot.
• Water Pump Failure: While generally robust, water pumps can fail over time, leading to leaks, noise, or overheating. Listen for grinding noises or observe coolant dripping from the pump weep hole.
• Thermostat Issues: A failing thermostat can cause the engine to run too hot or too cold. Symptoms include erratic temperature gauge readings or prolonged warm-up times.
• Radiator Obstruction/Damage: Debris (leaves, bugs) can clog external radiator fins, reducing cooling efficiency. Internal clogs can occur from neglected coolant flushes or mixing incompatible coolant types.
• EGR Cooler Issues (Diesel): On 6.7L Cummins diesel engines, issues with the Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) cooler can lead to coolant loss or contamination of the exhaust system. This often presents as white smoke from the exhaust or a sweet smell.
• Improper Coolant Type: Using the incorrect type of coolant (e.g., IAT or HOAT instead of OAT) can lead to chemical reactions, gel formation, and severe damage to cooling system components and seals.

Find a trusted shop on Repairius.