16 Ram 3 Way coolant Valve issues

[Nickmigues12]

Hi all, I have a 2016 1500 with the 3.6. Back in 2022 I had the coolant bypass valve stuck open (I think it was open maybe it was closed I don’t remember lol) code, check my circuits and what not and diagnosed that it was the valve itself. At the time all I could get affordably was a Gates brand from Oreillys. First one lasted about a month, and then I got an open circuit code, did all my checks again and then warrantied it out. I don’t know the exact time line, but Atleast once in 2023 and atleast once in 2024 I had the valve start leaking coolant where it’s bolted together in the center, both times warrantied it again. Finally this last time a few months ago I persuaded the oreillys to warranty it out and exchange it for a Murray brand that was more expensive hoping it would fix my issues, guy at oreillys was convinced I have a head gasket issue causing pressure to cause this leak, but I have no other symptoms other than the valve leaks. Now just a few months later I now have an open circuit code once again today. Seems unlikely I have an issue with the truck Altho I haven’t done anything to check this yet as I’m traveling but it seems unlikely at this point. I’m looking for some opinions on the fix to this- are mopar parts the best option, another parts option that takes care of this or something else? I have no driveability issues, no heating issues, good temp on trans etc etc, haven’t popped the hood to see if it’s leaking or not yet but wouldn’t be surprised if it is again either. Just a check engine light. Other opinions on why I keep having this problem other than poorly made parts? Truck has 196K miles and counting. Thanks.

 

[SitKneelBend]

Hi all, I have a 2016 1500 with the 3.6. Back in 2022 I had the coolant bypass valve stuck open (I think it was open maybe it was closed I don’t remember lol) code, check my circuits and what not and diagnosed that it was the valve itself. At the time all I could get affordably was a Gates brand from Oreillys. First one lasted about a month, and then I got an open circuit code, did all my checks again and then warrantied it out. I don’t know the exact time line, but Atleast once in 2023 and atleast once in 2024 I had the valve start leaking coolant where it’s bolted together in the center, both times warrantied it again. Finally this last time a few months ago I persuaded the oreillys to warranty it out and exchange it for a Murray brand that was more expensive hoping it would fix my issues, guy at oreillys was convinced I have a head gasket issue causing pressure to cause this leak, but I have no other symptoms other than the valve leaks. Now just a few months later I now have an open circuit code once again today. Seems unlikely I have an issue with the truck Altho I haven’t done anything to check this yet as I’m traveling but it seems unlikely at this point. I’m looking for some opinions on the fix to this- are mopar parts the best option, another parts option that takes care of this or something else? I have no driveability issues, no heating issues, good temp on trans etc etc, haven’t popped the hood to see if it’s leaking or not yet but wouldn’t be surprised if it is again either. Just a check engine light. Other opinions on why I keep having this problem other than poorly made parts? Truck has 196K miles and counting. Thanks.

On this in particular, I'd go Mopar. Mine failed too but was fixed under warranty on my 2014.

 

[Atcer2018]

+1 what SitKneelBend said. My 2018 was replaced in 2021 with a OEM Mopar and no problems since.

 

[GTyankee]

2015 Ram truck 3 way coolant valve removal and replacement

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[Nickmigues12]

That’s what I was thinking probably just mopar and hopefully not have any more issues. I’ll do my checks to make sure I don’t happen to have any circuit problems but seems like just more junk parts. Never had good luck with electrical parts from oreillys anyways, and the head gasket theory seemed pretty far fetched to have a head gasket issue and the only symptom be the three way valve leaking

 

[Dusty]

2015 Ram truck 3 way coolant valve removal and replacement

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Notice he used a new Mopar OEM part for replacement. I wonder if he's been down the aftermarket route before?

Regards,
Dusty
2019 Ram 1500 Billet Silver Laramie Quad Cab 2WD, 5.7 Hemi, 8HP75, 3.21 axle, 33-gallon fuel tank, 18” wheels. Build Date: 3 June 2018. Now at 123560 miles.

 

[akvanden]

my temps have been running low as colder whether has started. Attached pic was after driving for 30 minutes. I had the three way valve go bad on my ‘15 where I noticed the trans wouldn’t warm up. But would the three way cause my coolant and tranny to stay low?

Edit: pic not working.

Coolant temp: 190
Transmission: 175
Oil Temp: 188

Outside temp: 14

 

[Daw14]

my temps have been running low as colder whether has started. Attached pic was after driving for 30 minutes. I had the three way valve go bad on my ‘15 where I noticed the trans wouldn’t warm up. But would the three way cause my coolant and tranny to stay low?

Edit: pic not working.

Coolant temp: 190
Transmission: 175
Oil Temp: 188

Outside temp: 14

It’s 14* where your at , then you are traveling at 50 mph. ?
Your temps are normal.

 

[akvanden]

It’s 14* where your at , then you are traveling at 50 mph. ?
Your temps are normal.

It takes 30 minutes to warm to those temps, and even then those are lower than normal. Coolant/oil usually hover around 215, tranny 185. I can’t believe it’s normal to take 30 minutes to warm up to 175 degrees on tranny. Makes me wonder if 3 way bypass is stuck open.

 

[SitKneelBend]

It takes 30 minutes to warm to those temps, and even then those are lower than normal. Coolant/oil usually hover around 215, tranny 185. I can’t believe it’s normal to take 30 minutes to warm up to 175 degrees on tranny. Makes me wonder if 3 way bypass is stuck open.

I don't think those temps look abnormal for that low temperature. The bypass should throw a code if stuck. My transmission which normally runs 185 to 190 has consistently been running 175 with temperatures below freezing. I also put a PPE pan on so it's not unusual for it to take 30 minutes to get to temp too.

 

[Lee Peterson]

It takes 30 minutes to warm to those temps, and even then those are lower than normal. Coolant/oil usually hover around 215, tranny 185. I can’t believe it’s normal to take 30 minutes to warm up to 175 degrees on tranny. Makes me wonder if 3 way bypass is stuck open.

It's could be the thermostat is not fully closing. But you have to remember these have aluminum blocks and heads that pull away heat pretty good.

Never mind thought you had a 3.6 V6 too.

 

[Wild one]

It's could be the thermostat is not fully closing. But you have to remember these have aluminum blocks and heads that pull away heat pretty good.

The 5.7 is still a cast iron block,all production Gen 3 Hemi's use a cast iron block.

 

[crash68]

I had the three way valve go bad on my ‘15 where I noticed the trans wouldn’t warm up. But would the three way cause my coolant and tranny to stay low?

The three way valve just redirects coolant to the transmission if the cab HVAC isn't needing heat. If the engine is running cold it's thermostat not functioning correctly.

 

[Daw14]

Keep in mind you are also running the heat which is aiding in keeping the temps low.

You could always drop a higher temp t-stat in ,however you would be taking a chance that the new one does not operate properly.

 

[SitKneelBend]

The three way valve just redirects coolant to the transmission if the cab HVAC isn't needing heat. If the engine is running cold it's thermostat not functioning correctly.

Keep in mind you are also running the heat which is aiding in keeping the temps low.

You could always drop a higher temp t-stat in ,however you would be taking a chance that the new one does not operate properly.

Great points, I forgot about this too. The transmission line to the 3-way will not recieve coolant if heat is called for. So if you are running heat the coolant won't be aiding in warm-up. Personally I wish my transmission ran this cold year round...

 

[akvanden]

Thanks, appreciate all the feedback.

I’m also trying to track down a coolant leak. When I first start the truck I hear coolant rushing behind the dash. I pressure tested and no leaks. Brought it to a shop and they tested, no leaks. I also had cylinder 1 misfire. I asked about head gasket, but they said no, especially after holding pressure for several hours. They replaced the plug, no issues since which has been several thousand miles. Runs great, oil not milky, no milky oil cap, doesn’t smoke. Yet, still a slow leak somewhere. Any thoughts?

 

[SitKneelBend]

Thanks, appreciate all the feedback.

I’m also trying to track down a coolant leak. When I first start the truck I hear coolant rushing behind the dash. I pressure tested and no leaks. Brought it to a shop and they tested, no leaks. I also had cylinder 1 misfire. I asked about head gasket, but they said no, especially after holding pressure for several hours. They replaced the plug, no issues since which has been several thousand miles. Runs great, oil not milky, no milky oil cap, doesn’t smoke. Yet, still a slow leak somewhere. Any thoughts?

Radiator cap? They use their own for the pressure test right? Also, you "hear" it but is the coolant going lower?

 

[akvanden]

Radiator cap? They use their own for the pressure test right? Also, you "hear" it but is the coolant going lower?

I’ve swapped caps. They used their own tester. I’m adding to the overflow tank every few weeks. Not a lot, but wherever the leak is, it’s slow. Never overheated, only noticed coolant was low after I started hearing coolant rushing behind passenger side dash.

 

[SitKneelBend]

I’ve swapped caps. They used their own tester. I’m adding to the overflow tank every few weeks. Not a lot, but wherever the leak is, it’s slow. Never overheated, only noticed coolant was low after I started hearing coolant rushing behind passenger side dash.

Heater core compromised? Have you cranked up the heat lately? As the leak grows, your vents will start to smoke if it's coming from the heater core. It's also noticeable as needing to use your defroster more frequently.

Also check the passenger footwell for moisture.

 

[akvanden]

Heater core compromised? Have you cranked up the heat lately? As the leak grows, your vents will start to smoke if it's coming from the heater core. It's also noticeable as needing to use your defroster more frequently.

Also check the passenger footwell for moisture.

Maybe? The pressure test should have found any leaks in heater core though. Not wet, doesn’t smell like antifreeze inside truck. Heat works.