2024 Ram 3500 Coolant Capacity & Type

The 2024 Ram 3500 holds approximately 19-22 quarts (18-20.8 liters) of coolant, depending on the engine and optional equipment.

Quick Answer

• Total Cooling System Capacity: 19-22 quarts (18-20.8 liters)
• OEM Coolant Spec: Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant 10 Year/150,000 Mile Formula (Purple OAT, MS-90032)
• Mix Ratio: 50/50 Pre-mixed or concentrate mixed with distilled water

Capacity by Engine Option

The cooling system capacity for your 2024 Ram 3500 can vary slightly based on the engine option:

• 6.4L HEMI V8: Approximately 19 quarts (18 liters)
• 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel (Standard Output): Approximately 20.5 quarts (19.4 liters)
• 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel (High Output): Approximately 22 quarts (20.8 liters)

These figures include the coolant in the radiator, engine block, heater core, and overflow reservoir. Always consult your owner's manual for the most accurate and up-to-date specifications for your specific vehicle configuration.

Flush Interval

Maintaining your cooling system is crucial for the longevity of your Ram 3500. The recommended flush interval for the Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant 10 Year/150,000 Mile Formula (Purple OAT) is:

• Normal Duty: Every 10 years or 150,000 miles, whichever comes first.
• Severe Duty (e.g., heavy towing, extreme temperatures, dusty conditions): Consider more frequent inspections and potentially earlier flushing. While the coolant is long-life, severe conditions can put additional stress on the cooling system components.

Regularly check your coolant level and condition. If the coolant appears discolored or contaminated, it's best to have it flushed and refilled, regardless of the mileage or time interval.

How to Refill & Bleed

Properly refilling and bleeding the cooling system after a drain or component replacement is essential to prevent air pockets, which can lead to overheating. Here's a general procedure for your Ram 3500:

1. Safety First: Ensure the engine is cool before starting any work on the cooling system. Wear appropriate safety glasses and gloves.
2. Drain (if applicable): If performing a full flush, open the radiator drain cock and remove the radiator cap to allow all coolant to drain. Dispose of old coolant responsibly.
3. Refill: Close the radiator drain cock. Slowly add the specified Mopar OAT coolant (50/50 mix with distilled water if using concentrate) to the radiator until full. Fill the overflow reservoir to the "COLD FILL" mark.
4. Bleeding (Gasoline Engines): Start the engine with the heater on full blast (hot). Allow the engine to reach operating temperature. As the engine warms, the thermostat will open, and the coolant level in the radiator will likely drop. Continue to add coolant incrementally to the radiator until it maintains a consistent level. Squeeze the upper and lower radiator hoses several times to help dislodge any trapped air. Some Ram 3500 models may have a small bleed screw on the thermostat housing or an upper hose; consult your service manual for exact locations.
5. Bleeding (Diesel Engines): The Cummins engine often has self-bleeding characteristics, but it's still important to monitor the coolant level. Run the engine with the heater on high until it reaches operating temperature. Keep a close eye on the coolant level in the overflow reservoir and top off as needed. Diesel engines can sometimes be more prone to air pockets, so a vacuum fill tool is highly recommended for a thorough and efficient refill on diesel models, especially after major cooling system work.
6. Final Check: Once the engine is cool, recheck the coolant level in the overflow reservoir and top it off if necessary. Drive the vehicle and monitor the temperature gauge. Recheck the level again after the first few drive cycles.

Common Cooling System Issues

While the Ram 3500 is a robust truck, certain cooling system issues can arise, particularly as the vehicle ages or with inadequate maintenance:

• Water Pump Leaks: A common wear item, especially on higher-mileage vehicles. Look for coolant puddles under the front of the truck or drips from the water pump pulley area.
• Radiator Leaks: Over time, road debris or corrosion can cause leaks in the radiator core or plastic end tanks. White or colored residue around fins is a sign of a small leak.
• Thermostat Failure: A stuck-open thermostat can lead to the engine taking too long to warm up (or never reaching optimal temperature), reducing fuel efficiency. A stuck-closed thermostat is more severe, causing rapid overheating.
• Hose Leaks/Failures: Radiator and heater hoses can degrade over time, becoming brittle, soft, or developing cracks, leading to leaks. Always check for bulging or soft spots.
• Coolant Contamination: Mixing different types of coolants (e.g., OAT with HOAT or IAT) can lead to chemical reactions, gelling, and corrosion, severely damaging the cooling system.
• EGR Cooler Issues (Diesel): On diesel models, the EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) cooler can be a source of coolant leaks into the exhaust or intake system, which can be challenging to diagnose. Symptoms might include coolant loss without external leaks, white smoke from the exhaust, or coolant in the oil.

Regular inspections and adherence to the recommended maintenance schedule will help you catch and address these issues before they become major problems.

Find a trusted shop on Repairius.