What coolant does a Dodge Ram use?
Most modern Dodge Ram pickups rely on a long-life ethylene glycol coolant that meets Mopar’s Type 2 specification, typically supplied as a 50/50 premixed mix. Always verify the exact coolant type for your model year and engine in the owner’s manual or with a Ram dealer, since specifications can vary by engine family and generation.
Overview: how Ram coolant specs vary by engine
Ram’s lineup includes gasoline-powered trucks and diesel-powered heavy-duty models. While both groups use durable, long-life coolant, the precise specification can differ between engines. The guidance below reflects common practice for current Ram vehicles and how to confirm your exact requirement.
Gasoline Ram models: what to use
Here are the typical product and usage guidelines for gasoline-powered Rams (for example, 3.6 Pentastar or 5.7 Hemi). Always confirm with your manual or dealer for your exact year and trim.
- Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant Type 2 (long-life ethylene glycol coolant) that meets Chrysler/FCA Type 2 specification
- 50/50 premixed coolant or concentrate to be mixed with distilled water per the product label
- Avoid mixing with Dex-Cool or other brands not explicitly listed as compatible with Mopar Type 2
- Avoid using plain tap water; use distilled water when mixing or topping off if a premixed product isn’t available
- Follow the service procedure for flushing and refilling in the owner’s manual, ensuring the system is properly bled of air
For gasoline Rams, using a Mopar Type 2 coolant and sticking to a 50/50 mix helps maintain cooling-system protection and warranty coverage.
Diesel Ram models: coolant requirements for Cummins engines
Diesel Ram pickups (notably the 2500/3500 with the 6.7L Cummins) often require a diesel-optimized coolant that meets Cummins CES 20081 specifications, or an equivalent OEM-approved formulation. While Mopar Type 2 coolants are common in many Ram vehicles, diesel applications rely on a diesel-certified product to protect the engine and aftertreatment components. Always verify with the manual or a Cummins/Mopar service source for your exact year and engine.
- Coolant that meets Cummins CES 20081 specification (diesel-optimized, long-life ethylene glycol coolant)
- 50/50 premixed coolant with distilled water, or concentrate mixed as directed by the product label
- Do not use non-Cummins-approved coolants or standard passenger-car formulas unless explicitly approved for CES 20081
- Follow Cummins/Mopar recommended service intervals for coolant replacement or flushing
- Use Cummins-approved flush products if performing a coolant flush, then refill with CES 20081-compliant coolant
Diesel Rams require attention to diesel-specific coolant standards to protect aluminum components and the aftertreatment system. Using an out-of-spec coolant can compromise protection and warranty coverage.
How to verify the exact specification for your Ram
The precise coolant specification can change between model years and engine platforms. Use these verification steps to be sure you’re using the correct product for your truck.
- Consult the owner’s manual: look for the coolant specification or “Type 2” designation for Chrysler/DCA vehicles or for Cummins CES 20081 where applicable
- Check the packaging of any coolant you buy to confirm it explicitly states compatibility with Mopar Type 2 (Chrysler/DCA) or Cummins CES 20081
- Ask a Ram dealership service advisor or a trusted ASE-certified technician to confirm the correct coolant for your engine/year
- When in doubt, purchase a Mopar Type 2 coolant or a Cummins CES 20081-compliant product and follow the label directions precisely
Confirming the exact specification is essential, since using the wrong coolant can affect cooling performance, corrosion protection, and warranty eligibility.
Maintenance and practical tips
Beyond choosing the right product, following proper maintenance practices helps keep the cooling system reliable across Ram models.
- Use only OEM-approved coolant or a product clearly labeled as compatible with Mopar Type 2 or Cummins CES 20081
- Avoid mixing different coolant families unless the manufacturer explicitly allows it; when in doubt, flush and restart with a single, correct formulation
- Inspect coolant level when the engine is cold and top up with the same specification coolant if needed
- Be mindful of replacement intervals: many long-life coolants are rated for several years or hundreds of thousands of miles, but always follow the manual
- If you notice overheating, coolant leaks, or sweet/strange odors, have the system inspected promptly by a qualified technician
Proper selection and routine maintenance of the correct coolant help ensure long-term protection for both gasoline and diesel Ram engines.
Summary
In short, contemporary Dodge Ram trucks use a long-life ethylene glycol coolant that meets OEM specifications. Gasoline Ram engines typically use Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant Type 2 with a 50/50 mix, while Cummins-diesel Rams rely on a CES 20081-compliant coolant or an equivalent Mopar-approved product. Always verify the exact specification for your year and engine, avoid mixing coolant types, and follow the manufacturer’s recommended replacement intervals. When in doubt, consult the owner's manual or your local Ram dealer to ensure you’re using the correct coolant for your specific truck.
