How much antifreeze does a Dodge Durango take?
Most Dodge Durango models require roughly 12 to 16 quarts of coolant for a full cooling-system fill, though the exact amount depends on the year and engine. For a precise figure, check your owner's manual or the factory service information for your specific model.
Why the capacity varies by year and engine
The Durango line has used several engines over the years, and each configuration has a different cooling-system size. Knowing your exact engine helps you determine the correct total coolant capacity and how much you’ll need for a drain-and-fill or a complete flush.
Common ranges by engine configuration (these are approximate total cooling-system capacities, including the radiator, engine block, heater core, and hoses):
- 3.6L Pentastar V6: about 11–12 quarts (approximately 10.5–11.5 liters).
- 5.7L Hemi V8: about 15–16 quarts (approximately 14–15 liters).
- 6.4L Hemi (SRT/Performance variants): about 18–19 quarts (approximately 17–18 liters).
Note: These figures are approximate and can vary with model year and options. Always verify the exact capacity for your specific Durango using the manual or service data for your VIN.
How to check, drain, and refill coolant
Follow these general steps to drain the old coolant and refill with the correct amount. If you’re unsure, have a professional perform the service to avoid under- or overfilling.
- Ensure the engine is completely cool. Place a drain pan underneath and open the drain valve or remove the lower radiator hose to drain the old coolant.
- Optionally flush the cooling system according to service instructions, then reinstall the drain hardware.
- Prepare the new coolant. For most Durangos, use a 50/50 premixed coolant unless the manual specifies otherwise; if using concentrate, mix with distilled water to the correct ratio.
- Pour the coolant into the radiator or reservoir as directed, usually starting with the radiator (or the highest point in the cooling system) and then topping up the overflow reservoir to the recommended level with the engine off and cool.
- Start the engine with the heater set to hot and allow the thermostat to open. Check for air pockets and add coolant as needed until the system stays at the proper level with the engine at normal operating temperature, then recheck after it cools.
- Dispose of discarded coolant and any rags or containers responsibly at a recycling facility or service center.
These steps ensure the coolant reaches all parts of the cooling system and that the level remains correct after the engine reaches operating temperature.
What type of coolant should you use
Use the recommended coolant type and mix as specified by the manufacturer. For Durangos, this typically means:
- FMO: Dex-Cool or Mopar HOAT (orange/orange-tinted) coolant, used in a 50/50 premixed formulation or as a concentrate diluted with distilled water per the label.
- Avoid mixing incompatible coolants (e.g., traditional green IAT with Dex-Cool) unless the service data explicitly allows it.
- Distilled water should be used if you’re mixing concentrates; never use tap water, which can introduce minerals and reduce cooling efficiency.
Always confirm the exact specification for your VIN in the owner’s manual, the under-hood labeling, or via a Mopar Parts or dealership service representative.
Where to find the exact capacity for your Durango
The best source for your precise coolant capacity is your vehicle’s official documentation and identifiers tied to your VIN. Look for:
- Owner’s manual cooling-system section.
- Service or repair manuals published for your model year.
- Under-hood radiator cap or engine bay labels listing capacities.
- Dealer or Mopar customer service with your VIN.
If you’re unsure, a quick call to a Dodge dealership or a trusted automotive shop can confirm the exact capacity for your Durango’s engine and year before you begin the service.
Summary
The Dodge Durango’s antifreeze capacity varies with engine and year, but most models fall in the 12–16 quart range for a full fill. For a precise figure, consult the owner’s manual or service documentation for your exact VIN. Use the recommended Dex-Cool/Mopar HOAT coolant in a 50/50 premixed ratio or as directed, properly flushing and bleeding the system, and disposing of old coolant safely.
How many gallons of antifreeze do I need?
You will likely need 1.5 to 3 gallons of total coolant mixture, but the exact amount depends on your vehicle's cooling system capacity, so you should check your owner's manual for the specific figure. For a complete flush, you will typically need a 50/50 mix of antifreeze and distilled water, but remember that some old coolant will remain in the system, so purchase an appropriate amount of 100% concentrated antifreeze to mix yourself.
Before you begin
- Check your owner's manual: This is the most accurate source for your vehicle's specific cooling system capacity.
- Plan your purchase: Most vehicles need around 1.5 to 3 gallons of 50/50 mixed coolant, but some may require more.
- Buy the right type: Purchase a 100% concentrated antifreeze product, as you will need to mix it with distilled water to achieve the correct 50/50 ratio.
- Do not use tap water: The chemicals in tap water can cause corrosion in your engine's cooling system.
How to calculate
- Determine your capacity: Find your vehicle's total cooling system capacity in your owner's manual (e.g., 10 quarts).
- Determine the amount of 50/50 mix you need: For a 10-quart capacity, you'll need about 10 quarts of the 50/50 mix. This is approximately 2.5 gallons.
- Account for leftover coolant: You cannot drain every drop of old coolant. A general rule of thumb is to have enough concentrated antifreeze on hand to create your 50/50 mixture once you refill the system. For example, if your system capacity is 10 quarts and you estimate you can drain about 7 quarts, you will need to refill with 10 quarts of 50/50 mix. This requires 5 quarts of concentrated antifreeze and 5 quarts of distilled water.
Tips for adding coolant
- Wear safety glasses: Always protect your eyes when working with coolant.
- Drain and flush the system: Before adding the new coolant, you'll need to drain the old coolant and flush the system, preferably with distilled water.
- Pour slowly: Pour the 50/50 mixture in slowly to avoid creating air pockets.
- Bleed the system: Run the engine with the radiator cap off until the thermostat opens and the air bubbles stop coming out.
- Top off as needed: Once the system is cool, top off the coolant reservoir to the "COLD" mark.
What kind of antifreeze does a Dodge Durango use?
Prestone – MAX Original Equipment Antifreeze + Coolant: Euro Blue, 50/50 Ready-to-Use, 1 Gallon (Part No. AF6110)
How much coolant does a 2014 Dodge Durango take?
Engine Speed 6,400 rpm (electronically limited) Fuel Requirement Unleaded regular, 87 octane (R + M)/2 Oil Capacity 5.7 litres (6.0 qt.) Coolant Capacity 13.25 litres (14.0 qt.)
How much coolant does a Dodge Durango hold?
A Dodge Durango holds approximately 10.4 quarts (9.9 liters) of coolant without the trailer tow package, or 15.4 quarts (14.6 liters) for models with a larger engine and without the trailer tow package. The exact capacity varies by model year, engine size, and whether the vehicle has a trailer tow package, so it is best to consult the owner's manual for the precise amount.
- For a 2021 model with a 5.7L V8 engine: 10.4 quarts (9.9 liters) without trailer tow, or 11 quarts (10.4 liters) with trailer tow.
- For a 2019 model with a larger engine: 15.4 quarts (14.6 liters) without trailer tow, or 16 quarts (15.2 liters) with trailer tow.
- Older models: Capacity can be different, for example, some 4.7L engines require 13.3 quarts (14.1 liters).
