A Ram 3500 typically uses Mopar Extended Life Coolant (ELC), an ethylene glycol–based long-life coolant designed for Chrysler/FCA engines. The exact formulation you should use depends on whether your truck has the Cummins diesel or a gasoline engine; always verify with the owner's manual or a dealer.
Engine-specific coolant requirements
Ram 3500 trucks can be equipped with a Cummins 6.7L diesel or with gasoline V8 options. In both cases, FCA/Mopar recommends a long-life coolant designed for Chrysler engines. Use a coolant that explicitly states compatibility with FCA engines, and avoid mixing with non-compatible brands.
Diesel Ram 3500 — 6.7L Cummins
Diesel-equipped Ram 3500s typically require Mopar Extended Life Coolant designed for heavy-duty diesel applications. This coolant is ethylene glycol–based and is available in premixed 50/50 form or as concentrate to mix with distilled water. Follow the label instructions for dilution and replacement intervals, and never mix with non-compatible coolants.
What to look for on the label: coolant labeled Mopar Extended Life Coolant or coolant that meets FCA/Chrysler heavy-duty engine specifications. The label should indicate compatibility with Cummins-powered Ram trucks or heavy-duty FCA engines.
These engines benefit from the long-life formulation and protective additives that control corrosion and scale in the cooling system. Follow the service schedule in your owner's manual for coolant replacement intervals.
Gasoline Ram 3500 — Hemi or other V8
Gasoline Ram 3500 models generally use Mopar Extended Life Coolant or an equivalent coolant that meets Chrysler/FCA specifications for gasoline engines. Ensure the product is ethylene glycol–based and explicitly listed as compatible with FCA engines. Premixed or concentrated forms are common; follow the bottle’s directions for mixing and service intervals.
Like the diesel version, do not mix with non-compatible coolants and follow the manufacturer’s dilution and maintenance guidelines as listed in the owner’s manual.
Important note: The Ram 3500’s coolant requirement can vary by year and market. Always confirm the exact specification for your vehicle by checking the owner’s manual, asking a Ram dealer, or consulting Mopar parts.
What to look for on the coolant label
Before purchasing, verify that the bottle or container meets FCA/Chrysler engine specifications and is suitable for Ram heavy-duty cooling systems. The label should indicate Mopar Extended Life Coolant or a direct FCA/Chrysler specification for your engine type.
These points help ensure you’re selecting a coolant that provides proper corrosion protection, long service life, and compatibility with the Ram’s cooling-system metals and gaskets.
- Indicates Mopar Extended Life Coolant (ELC) or FCA/Chrysler heavy-duty engine compatibility.
- Ethylene glycol-based formulation (not propylene glycol unless specified as approved).
- Available as premixed 50/50 or concentrated to mix with distilled water per label directions.
- Not Dex-Cool or Dex-Cool-based formulas unless explicitly approved for FCA engines.
Using a coolant that matches these criteria helps ensure optimal cooling performance and protection for your Ram 3500’s engine and cooling system.
How to add or replace the coolant
If you’re performing a coolant change, follow these steps to ensure a proper mix and system bleed. Always wear eye protection and follow lockout/tagout procedures when working on your vehicle.
- Ensure the engine is cool before opening the cooling system. Locate the radiator cap and coolant reservoir.
- Drain the existing coolant from the radiator and engine block via the drain plugs and the drain valve (if equipped).
- Flush the cooling system with distilled water or an approved coolant flush product if desired, then drain again.
- Refill with the correct pre-diluted 50/50 Mopar ELC or mix concentrate with distilled water as per label directions.
- Run the engine with the heater on high to move coolant through the system and check for air pockets; top off as needed.
- Check coolant level after the engine cools and recheck for leaks or pressure loss in the radiator cap and hoses.
- Dispose of used coolant per local environmental regulations and replace any overflow reservoir cap if required.
Concluding the steps: Following these steps helps ensure the cooling system is properly filled, bled of air, and protected against corrosion with the correct long-life coolant.
Summary
In short, a Ram 3500 typically takes Mopar Extended Life Coolant (ELC) that is ethylene glycol–based and compatible with FCA engines. Diesel models (such as the 6.7L Cummins) and gasoline versions both use a long-life coolant labeled for FCA/Mopar compatibility. Always verify your exact year and engine, use the correct premixed or concentrate form, and follow the manufacturer’s dilution and maintenance guidance. When in doubt, consult your Ram dealer or the owner's manual for the exact specification.