2017 Ram 3500 Coolant Capacity & Type

The 2017 Ram 3500 holds approximately 17-18 quarts (16-17 liters) of coolant in its cooling system, depending on the engine. Properly maintaining your Ram 3500's cooling system is crucial for its longevity and performance, especially given its heavy-duty capabilities. This guide covers everything you need to know about your truck's coolant capacity, type, maintenance, and common issues.

<h2>Quick Answer</h2>

• Total Cooling System Capacity: Approximately 17-18 quarts (16-17 liters)
• OEM Coolant Specification: Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant 10 Year/150,000 Mile (Purple in color, OAT - Organic Additive Technology, meeting Chrysler Material Standard MS-12106). Do NOT mix with other coolant types (e.g., HOAT, IAT).
• Mix Ratio: 50/50 prediluted or mix 50% concentrate with 50% distilled water.

<h2>Capacity by Engine Option</h2>

Your Ram 3500's coolant capacity can vary slightly based on the engine. For accurate figures, always consult your owner's manual. Below are the approximate capacities:

Engine Type	Approximate Coolant Capacity (Quarts)	Approximate Coolant Capacity (Liters)
5.7L HEMI V8	17	16.1
6.4L HEMI V8	17.5	16.6
6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel	18	17

<h2>Flush Interval</h2>

Adhering to the recommended flush interval is vital for maintaining the effectiveness of your coolant and preventing corrosion within the cooling system.

• Normal Duty: Replace coolant every 10 years or 150,000 miles, whichever comes first, when using the specified Mopar OAT coolant.
• Severe Duty (e.g., heavy towing, off-road, extreme temperatures): Consider inspecting your coolant annually and potentially flushing more frequently, around 5 years or 75,000 miles, especially if you notice any discoloration or contamination. Always refer to your owner's manual for specific severe duty recommendations.

<h2>How to Refill & Bleed</h2>

Refilling and properly bleeding the cooling system is critical to prevent air pockets, which can cause localized overheating and damage. Always perform this procedure on a cool engine.

1. Drain: Completely drain the old coolant from the radiator and engine block drain plugs (if accessible). Dispose of used coolant responsibly.
2. Flush (Optional but Recommended): For a thorough flush, refill with distilled water, run the engine to operating temperature with the heater on high, then drain again. Repeat until the drained water is clear. You can also use a reputable cooling system flush product if desired, following its instructions carefully.
3. Refill: Close all drain plugs. Fill the cooling system through the radiator cap opening (or dedicated fill point) with the specified 50/50 Mopar OAT coolant mix. Leave the radiator cap off.
4. Bleed Air: Start the engine and let it run at idle. Turn the heater to its highest setting (fan speed low). As the engine warms, the thermostat will open, and coolant will begin to circulate. Watch for bubbles escaping from the radiator fill neck. You may need to gently squeeze the upper and lower radiator hoses to help dislodge air pockets. Maintain the coolant level by adding more as needed.
5. Specific Bleed Notes: For the 6.7L Cummins, there may be a specific bleed screw on the thermostat housing or upper hose. Consult your service manual for its exact location and procedure. For all engines, a vacuum-fill tool can significantly reduce the risk of air pockets and is highly recommended.
6. Top Off & Test: Once no more bubbles appear, install the radiator cap. Drive the vehicle, monitoring the temperature gauge. Allow the engine to cool completely, then recheck the coolant level in the expansion tank and top off if necessary.

<h2>Common Cooling System Issues for this Generation (2017 Ram 3500)</h2>

While robust, the 2017 Ram 3500 can experience certain cooling system issues, especially with age or lack of maintenance:

• Coolant Leaks: Often from hoses, radiator plastic end tanks, water pump seals, or the heater core. Check for visible puddles, drops, or a sweet smell.
• Thermostat Failure: Can lead to the engine running too hot or too cold. Symptoms include erratic temperature gauge readings or engine warning lights.
• Water Pump Failure: Indicated by a growling noise from the front of the engine, coolant leaks from the pump's weep hole, or engine overheating.
• Radiator Clogs: Can be caused by neglecting coolant flushes, leading to inhibited coolant flow and reduced cooling efficiency, especially under heavy loads.
• Degraded Coolant: The purple OAT coolant, while long-lasting, will eventually break down. Mixing it with other coolant types can cause rapid degradation, gelling, or corrosion due to chemical incompatibility. Always use the correct Mopar OAT coolant.

Regular inspection and timely fluid changes are your best defense against costly cooling system repairs.

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