How to change the coolant 2009-2018 Dodge Ram 1500
To How to change the Coolant on your Ram 1500 just follow the steps. You will be asked to open the hood, open the coolant expansion tank, bleed the cooling system as well as carry out a few other steps. You can carry out this tutorial of 13 chapters in 90 minutes. Take your fluid container and your plastic tube and let’s get started!
Duration
90 minutes
Number of steps
13
Difficulty out of 5
3
Average savings
$100
Parts You Will Need
Tools You Will Need
Step-by-Step Installation
Chapter 1:
Open the hood
Step 1/1
Turn off your vehicle’s ignition, set the parking brake, pull the hood release handle and open the hood.
Chapter 2:
Open the coolant expansion tank
Step 1/2
To carry out a complete bleed of your cooling system, we advise you to do it with the engine cold and with the cabin ventilation and heating systems running so that you can also drain the heating system radiator, which is part of the circuit.
Chapter 2:
Step 2/2
To facilitate the flow of liquid while draining, open the radiator cap.
Chapter 3:
Bleed the cooling system
Step 1/4
Get a fluid collection container to collect the coolant that will flow out.
Chapter 3:
Step 2/4
On this vehicle, the radiator is equipped with a bleed screw, which you access from the underside of the vehicle, on the driver side.
Chapter 3:
Step 3/4
Connect a plastic tube to the bleed port to collect the coolant directly in the collection container.
Chapter 3:
Step 4/4
You can then unscrew the bleed screw using a ratchet and a 10 mm Allen socket to let the coolant flow.
Chapter 4:
Informations
Step 1/2
On this vehicle, to carry out a complete bleed of the cooling circuit, we advise you to remove the thermostat, which blocks the flow of part of the circuit, by unscrewing the 2 thermostat retaining bolts using a ratchet and a 10 mm socket.
Chapter 4:
Step 2/2
You can use special compressed air tools to effectively bleed your circuit.
Chapter 5:
Clean the cooling system
Step 1/1
You can also rinse it thoroughly with water to clean the grime from the radiator and the cooling system.
Chapter 6:
Put the components back in place
Step 1/4
Close the bleed screw.
Chapter 6:
Step 2/4
Remove the plastic tube.
Chapter 6:
Step 3/4
Reinstall the thermostat, then screw it back on.
Chapter 6:
Step 4/4
Finish tightening using a torque wrench.
Chapter 7:
Tips
Step 1/1
We advise you to check the general condition of the cooling hoses to make sure there are no cracks or leaks.
Chapter 8:
Add fluid in the cooling system
Step 1/3
After the cooling system has been cleaned, you need to fill the system with coolant.
Chapter 8:
Step 2/3
Then, start by completely filling the radiator.
Chapter 8:
Step 3/3
Close the radiator cap.
Chapter 9:
Warm up to operating temperature
Step 1/5
Start your vehicle and let the engine run until it warms up to operating temperature.
Chapter 9:
Step 2/5
Then, alternate between a 30-second acceleration to 3500 rpm and a 30-second idle sequence.
Chapter 9:
Step 3/5
As the engine temperature rises, the thermostat will open, which will allow the entire system to fill properly.
Chapter 9:
Step 4/5
When the hose coming out of the thermostat gets hot, that means the thermostat is in the open position.
Chapter 9:
Step 5/5
You can also take the opportunity to turn on the climate control system by setting the ventilation and heating systems to their maximum levels.
Chapter 10:
Bleed the air from the cooling system
Step 1/5
Turn off the engine.
Chapter 10:
Step 2/5
Open the radiator cap.
Chapter 10:
Step 3/5
Squeeze the coolant hose several times to help expel air bubbles from the cooling system.
Chapter 10:
Step 4/5
Be careful not to burn yourself as the system is still hot.
Chapter 10:
Step 5/5
Close the cap.
Chapter 11:
Repeat the same process
Step 1/4
Restart your vehicle and let the engine run until it warms up to operating temperature.
Chapter 11:
Step 2/4
Repeat the acceleration and idling steps.
Chapter 11:
Step 3/4
If the radiator supply and outlet tubes are hot, this is a good indicator that all air has been purged from the cooling system.
Chapter 11:
Step 4/4
You can also check that hot air is coming out of the ventilation system.
Chapter 12:
Readjust the coolant
Step 1/1
You can then turn off your engine and readjust the coolant level if necessary.
Chapter 13:
Tips
Step 1/3
During the first few miles of driving, pay special attention to your coolant level, which will have to be readjusted if necessary.
Chapter 13:
Step 2/3
Also check for leaks.
Chapter 13:
Step 3/3
Operation complete.