Does Dodge use orange coolant?
Yes, in most modern Dodge vehicles, the coolant is orange, typically Mopar Extended Life Coolant (ELC), an organic-acid-based, long-life formula. However, some older or specialty models may use different coolant formulations. Always verify the exact specification in your owner's manual or on the under-hood label before refilling.
Current Dodge coolant standard
Color is a helpful hint, but the best way to know what to use is the official Dodge specification. For most recent Dodges, the recommended coolant is Mopar Extended Life Coolant (ELC), an orange, OAT-based formula designed for long service intervals. The orange hue helps distinguish it from older green or blue formulations, but mixing different chemistries can cause cooling-system problems. Here’s a concise guide to what you should know.
Key facts about the coolant Dodge typically uses today:
- Mopar Extended Life Coolant (ELC) is commonly used on modern Dodge, Chrysler, and Jeep models and is orange in color.
- Many Dodge vehicles are sold with a 50/50 premixed coolant, though concentrated versions are available when mixed according to the manual.
- Do not mix Mopar ELC with other brands or with non-OAT (older green) formulations unless the manual explicitly allows it; mixing can lead to deposits or reduced protection.
- Typical replacement interval for Mopar ELC is about 5 years or 150,000 miles, depending on model and driving conditions.
- The orange, OAT-based chemistry is designed to protect modern aluminum engines and radiators from corrosion while enabling extended service intervals.
- Color alone isn’t a definitive indicator of chemistry—always confirm the exact specification from the owner’s manual or a Dodge service bulletin.
In practice, if you own a modern Dodge, you’re most likely looking at orange coolant from Mopar’s Extended Life line. Always confirm with the official documentation for your specific vehicle year and model.
Model-specific notes
There are important exceptions based on era and engine type. Here’s how it breaks down by general period and guidance for owners.
Modern Dodge engines (2010s–present)
Most contemporary Dodge engines, including the 3.6L Pentastar and other common powertrains, use Mopar Extended Life Coolant (ELC), which is orange and OAT-based. Follow the 5-year/150,000-mile interval and avoid mixing with Dex-Cool (GM) or green HOAT formulations unless your manual specifically allows it.
Older or pre-2000s Dodge models
Older Dodges often used conventional green coolant (green HOAT or other traditional formulations). If you’re restoring or maintaining a vintage Dodge, don’t assume orange is correct—check the service manual or the original fill information and use the coolant type specified for that era.
How to identify the right coolant for your Dodge
Start with the official sources and then verify by inspection. The steps below help you avoid common pitfalls when refilling or flushing the system.
- Consult the owner’s manual or the under-hood coolant label to confirm the exact specification (brand, type, and color) required for your model.
- Use Mopar Extended Life Coolant or an approved equivalent that matches the vehicle’s specification; avoid substituting green HOAT or GM Dex-Cool unless explicitly allowed.
- When in doubt, consult a Dodge dealership or qualified mechanic to confirm compatibility for your VIN and engine family.
Conclusion: For most modern Dodges, orange coolant from Mopar’s Extended Life line is the standard. Always follow the exact specification for your vehicle to maintain cooling efficiency and engine protection.
Summary
Across the Dodge lineup, orange coolant is the norm for contemporary models—Mopar Extended Life Coolant (ELC) with OAT chemistry is favored for its long-life performance. However, older Dodges or non-standard models may use different formulations, and color alone isn’t a reliable indicator of compatibility. Check the owner’s manual or service labels, and use only the coolant specified for your vehicle. When in doubt, enlist a Dodge service professional to ensure proper type and interval are followed.
What vehicles use orange coolant?
Vehicles that typically use orange coolant include General Motors (GM) models from 1995 and newer, most Ford vehicles from 2011–2018, and most Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep/Ram vehicles from 2013 and newer. This coolant is a type of Organic Acid Technology (OAT) and is specifically formulated for use in these vehicles to provide extended life and protection.
General Motors
- Models: All GM vehicles, including GMC, Chevrolet, Buick, Cadillac, Pontiac, Saturn, Oldsmobile, and Hummer, from 1995 and newer.
- Technology: This coolant is often referred to as Dex-Cool.
Ford
- Models: Most Ford vehicles from 2011–2018, including hybrid models, as well as Lincoln and Mercury vehicles from the same period.
- Note: Ford has since updated its specifications, and some newer models may require a different color coolant, such as yellow.
Chrysler
- Models: Most Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram vehicles from 2013 and newer.
- Note: Some Chrysler vehicles before 2013 used a different orange coolant.
What color is Mopar antifreeze coolant?
Mopar coolant is typically purple, but it can sometimes appear pink or orange, especially as it ages or degrades. The purple color is a key identifier for the newer Organic Additive Technology (OAT) coolant used in many Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep vehicles. Always verify compatibility with your vehicle's owner's manual before adding any coolant, as simply matching the color can be misleading.
Key points about Mopar coolant color:
- Original color: The factory-fill and Mopar-branded OAT coolant is purple.
- Appearance change: Over time, the coolant can degrade and change color to a pink or reddish-orange hue.
- Other colors: While purple is standard, other Mopar coolants may have different colors, such as green for specific models like the Fiat 124 Spider.
- Compatibility is crucial: Never assume any two coolants are compatible just because they are the same color. Always check the bottle's specifications and your owner's manual to ensure you use the correct coolant for your vehicle to avoid damage.
What type of coolant does Dodge use?
Dodge uses different coolant types depending on the model year: HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) coolant (often yellow/orange) is used in models from roughly 2000 to 2012, while OAT (Organic Acid Technology) coolant (often purple or pink) is used in newer models from around 2013 and later. It is crucial to use the specific coolant recommended in your owner's manual or the one with the correct specification number, such as MS-90032 for many newer models, to avoid engine damage.
Coolant types by year
- 2000–2012: HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) coolant, often yellow or orange.
- 2013 and newer: OAT (Organic Acid Technology) coolant, typically purple or pink.
- Specific specification: Newer Ram and Dodge trucks and SUVs (like the ProMaster) often require the OAT coolant that meets specification MS-90032.
- Older models: Older vehicles may have used different specifications, so always check the owner's manual for the correct type.
Important considerations
- Do not mix coolant types: Mixing HOAT and OAT coolants can lead to engine damage and corrosion.
- Check the owner's manual: Always refer to your vehicle's owner's manual for the exact specification and recommended type of coolant.
- Follow the specification: Use a coolant that explicitly states it meets the required specification (e.g., MS-90032) for the best protection, rather than relying solely on color.
- Avoid universal coolants: Do not use generic or universal coolants in your Dodge vehicle, especially a Ram truck, as they are not formulated for the specific requirements of these engines.
Does Dodge take orange antifreeze?
What color coolant does Dodge use? It's vital to understand that color doesn't matter. While most Organic Acid Technology (OAT) coolants are frequently orange, yellow, red or purple, Hybrid Organic Acid Technology (HOAT) coolants are orange and yellow. So evidently, there's quite a bit of overlap.
