Transmission Fluid Change

This procedure drains and refills the automatic transmission fluid and replaces the filter on the 47RE/48RE transmission paired with the 5.9L Cummins diesel engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Transmission filter kit (includes filter and O-ring) × 1 — Mopar 5013470AA or equivalent
• Transmission pan gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Transmission drain plug crush washer (if equipped) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• Mopar ATF+4 — 6 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and apply parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Start engine and allow transmission to reach operating temperature, then shut off
4. Allow transmission to cool for at least 30 minutes
5. Raise front of vehicle with floor jack and support securely on jack stands
6. Position drain pan beneath transmission pan

Procedure

1. 1

   Drain transmission fluid
   If equipped with a drain plug, If equipped with a drain plug, remove the drain plug with the appropriate socket (verify size, typically found on aftermarket pans only) and allow fluid to drain completely into the drain pan. If no drain plug is present, carefully loosen all transmission pan bolts approximately 2-3 turns, then loosen the rear bolts completely while supporting the pan. Tilt the pan rearward to drain fluid. Once flow slows, remove remaining bolts and lower the pan carefully. and allow fluid to drain completely into the drain pan. If no drain plug is present, carefully loosen all transmission pan bolts approximately 2-3 turns, then loosen the rear bolts completely while supporting the pan. Tilt the pan rearward to drain fluid. Once flow slows, remove remaining bolts and lower the pan carefully.
2. 2

   Remove transmission pan
   If not already removed, take out all remaining pan bolts and lower the transmission pan. Some fluid will remain in the pan. Tilt and empty remaining fluid into the drain pan. Inspect the pan for metal shavings or debris—small amounts are normal, but excessive material may indicate internal wear.
   ℹ️The presence of a small amount of fine metallic debris is normal. Large chunks or excessive material requires further investigation.
3. 3

   Remove old transmission filter
   Locate the transmission filter inside the valve body area. The filter is held by bolts or a press-fit design. If bolted, remove the filter bolts with a 10mm socket. If press-fit, grasp the filter neck firmly and pull straight down with a twisting motion to break the seal. Remove the old filter O-ring from the valve body and discard.
   Torque spec

   Transmission Filter Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Clean transmission pan and magnet
   Use a plastic gasket scraper to remove all old gasket material from both the pan mating surface and the transmission case surface. Clean the pan thoroughly with brake cleaner. Wipe down the magnetic drain plug (located inside the pan) to remove accumulated metal particles. Inspect the pan for damage or warping—replace if bent or cracked.
   ⚠Do not use metal scrapers on the transmission case mating surface as this can cause scratches leading to leaks.
5. 5

   Install new transmission filter
   Lubricate the new filter O-ring with clean ATF+4 fluid. Position the new filter into the valve body, ensuring the O-ring seats properly in its groove. If bolted type, install filter bolts finger-tight, then torque in a criss-cross pattern. If press-fit type, push firmly upward until the filter seats completely with an audible click.
   Torque spec

   Transmission Filter Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Install new pan gasket
   Position the new transmission pan gasket onto the clean pan surface. Some gaskets are adhesive-backed and will stick to the pan; others may require careful alignment during installation. Ensure all bolt holes align properly and the gasket sits flat with no wrinkles or folds.
7. 7

   Reinstall transmission pan
   Lift the transmission pan with gasket into position against the transmission case. Thread all pan bolts by hand to prevent cross-threading. Once all bolts are started, tighten them in a criss-cross pattern starting from the center and working outward. Use a torque wrench to torque all bolts evenly.
   ⚠Over-tightening pan bolts will warp the pan and cause leaks. Use a criss-cross tightening pattern and do not exceed specified torque.
   Torque spec

   Transmission Pan Bolts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Reinstall drain plug if equipped
   If the transmission has a drain plug, install a new crush washer onto the drain plug. Thread the plug into the transmission pan by hand, then torque to specification using the appropriate socket for the drain plug (verify size).
   Torque spec

   Drain Plug34 Nm (25 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Refill transmission with ATF+4
   Lower the vehicle to the ground. Locate the transmission dipstick tube on the passenger side of the transmission. Insert a long-neck funnel into the dipstick tube. Add 5 quarts of Mopar ATF+4 initially. Start the engine and allow it to idle in Park. With your foot on the brake, shift through all gear ranges (P-R-N-D-2-1) pausing 2-3 seconds in each position, then return to Park. Use Mopar ATF+4 transmission fluid (supersedes the original ATF+3 / Mopar 7176 spec on earlier models). Other fluids including Dexron/Mercon are NOT compatible and will cause damage.
   ⚠Only use Mopar ATF+4 transmission fluid. Other fluids including Dexron/Mercon are NOT compatible and will cause damage.
10. 10

    Check and adjust fluid level
    With the engine running and transmission in Park, check the fluid level on the dipstick. The fluid should be in the 'Cold' range. Add additional fluid in 1/2 quart increments as needed to bring the level to the full mark on the cold range. Do not overfill. After driving the vehicle and warming the transmission to operating temperature, recheck the level—it should be in the 'Hot' range between the hash marks.
    ℹ️Transmission fluid level must be checked with engine running and transmission in Park on level ground. Check both cold (after fill) and hot (after test drive) levels.

Reassembly

1. Install drain pan drain plug with new crush washer if equipped
2. Ensure all pan bolts are torqued in proper sequence
3. Verify no tools or rags are left in work area before lowering vehicle

Verification

• Start engine and check for leaks around transmission pan and drain plug
• With engine running, verify fluid level is in the appropriate range (cold or hot) on dipstick
• Test drive vehicle through all gear ranges to verify proper shifting
• After test drive, recheck fluid level with transmission at operating temperature—should be in 'Hot' range
• Inspect under vehicle for any signs of leakage after test drive
• Monitor transmission temperature gauge during initial drives to ensure normal operation

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