The 2013 Ram 3500 with the 6.7L Cummins is a capable workhorse, but the 68RFE automatic transmission is its Achilles heel—expect multiple solenoid failures, cooler line leaks, and potentially a full rebuild if neglected or towed heavy regularly.
Symptoms: harsh or delayed shifting between gears, check engine light with P0871 or P0868 codes, limp mode or stuck in third gear, slipping during acceleration under load
Fix: Dropping the pan to replace individual solenoids takes 3-4 hours; many techs replace the entire solenoid pack while in there to prevent comebacks. Transmission filter and fluid service is mandatory during this job.
Estimated cost: $800-1,800
Transmission Oil Cooler and Cooler Line Leaks
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 100,000-180,000 mi
Symptoms: transmission fluid pooling under the front of the truck, low fluid warnings or burnt smell, overheating transmission especially when towing, corroded or weeping hard lines at frame rail
Fix: Cooler lines rust out at mounting clips; replacing both lines takes 2-3 hours. If the external cooler itself is leaking or clogged, figure 3-4 hours total for cooler and lines. Flush system after replacement to clear debris.
Estimated cost: $600-1,400
Torque Converter Shudder and Lockup Clutch Failure
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 120,000-200,000 mi
Symptoms: vibration or shudder at 40-50 mph during light acceleration, slipping feel when cruise is engaged uphill, metallic debris in transmission pan during fluid changes, overheating transmission with burnt fluid smell
Fix: Torque converter replacement requires full transmission removal—8-10 hours of labor. Often discovered during a rebuild when metal shavings are found. High-performance aftermarket units are common upgrades for trucks that tow regularly.
Estimated cost: $2,200-3,800
Complete 68RFE Transmission Rebuild
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 150,000-250,000 mi
Symptoms: multiple solenoid failures within short intervals, slipping in multiple gears or won't move, metal shavings in fluid or pan, burnt transmission fluid that's dark brown or black, history of heavy towing or neglected fluid changes
Fix: Full rebuild involves removing transmission, replacing clutch packs, bands, bearings, seals, and torque converter—typically 12-16 hours. Many owners opt for upgraded aftermarket clutch packs and billet torque converters at this point.
Estimated cost: $3,500-6,000
Transmission Mount Failure
Common · low severity
Typical onset: 80,000-140,000 mi
Symptoms: clunk or thud when shifting from park to drive, excessive vibration at idle in gear, visible tearing or separation of rubber mount, transmission sitting lower than normal when inspected on lift
Fix: Rear transmission crossmember mount wears out from engine torque and weight. Replacement takes 1-1.5 hours with a transmission jack to support the tail. Polyurethane aftermarket mounts last longer but transmit more NVH.
Estimated cost: $250-500
Transmission Shift Cable Binding or Detachment
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 90,000-160,000 mi
Symptoms: shifter feels loose or disconnected, can't shift out of park even with brake applied, gear indicator doesn't match actual gear, cable frayed or broken at transmission linkage
Fix: Cable routing under the truck exposes it to road salt and debris. Replacement involves new cable and bushing at both ends—2-3 hours. Adjustment is critical to ensure proper park pawl engagement.
Symptoms: loss of power under load or uphill, hard starting after sitting overnight, rough idle or surging, fuel filter housing shows water or black sludge during changes
Fix: The 6.7L Cummins has a combined fuel/water separator filter that needs changing every 15,000-20,000 miles in real-world conditions—more often with questionable fuel quality. Takes 0.5 hours; always prime the system properly to avoid air locks.
Estimated cost: $150-300
Owner tips
Change transmission fluid and filter every 30,000-40,000 miles if towing regularly—68RFE fluid degrades fast under heat and the filter clogs with clutch material.
Use only Mopar ATF+4 or equivalent MS-9602 spec fluid; aftermarket 'universal' fluids cause premature solenoid and clutch failure in this transmission.
Install an aftermarket transmission temp gauge if towing over 10,000 lbs regularly—factory gauge doesn't warn until damage is already happening.
Inspect transmission cooler lines annually for surface rust at mounting points; catching corrosion early prevents roadside fluid loss.
Keep fuel filter changes on schedule and always use known-good diesel stations; the CP3 injection pump is expensive and sensitive to contaminated fuel.
Buy it for the bulletproof Cummins engine, but budget $2,000-4,000 for inevitable 68RFE transmission work—transmission health and service history should be your primary inspection focus.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.
Fitment notes: Heavy-duty diesel application requires high CCA rating; dual battery setup available on some models
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Every control module on the 2013-2017 Dodge Ram 3500 — where it lives, replacement time, and what it takes to program a replacement. Modules marked dealer / factory tool won't work after a part swap alone — budget for programming.
📍 68RFE auto: integrated with valve body inside transmission; Aisin AS68RC/AS69RC (6.7L diesel): external on left side of transmission case; G56 manual: none
🔧 wiTECH
⚠️ 68RFE requires transmission pan removal and fluid change; VIN programming required; CGW authentication required
Electric Power Steering Module (EPS)2.5 hr R&Rdealer / factory tool +0.5 hrwith electric power steering▸ programming details
📍 Mounted on steering column under dash
🔧 wiTECH
⚠️ Steering angle sensor calibration required; not all models have EPS (some retain hydraulic)
Fuel Pump Control Module (FPCM)0.8 hr R&Rrelearn only +0.1 hr2014+ models▸ programming details
📍 Mounted on frame rail under driver side, near fuel tank
🔧 Self-learn
⚠️ Controls fuel pump operation; self-learns after installation
Headlamp Control Module (HCM)0.8 hr R&Raftermarket tool +0.2 hrwith automatic headlights or HID/LED headlights▸ programming details
📍 Behind left headlight assembly
🔧 Autel/Launch
⚠️ Controls adaptive lighting and auto-leveling on equipped models
Remote Function Actuator (RFA)0.8 hr R&Rdealer / factory tool +0.5 hrwith remote start or keyless entry▸ programming details
📍 Behind left rear interior trim panel
🔧 wiTECH
⚠️ Handles remote start and keyless entry functions
Park Assist Module (PAM)0.8 hr R&Raftermarket tool +0.2 hrwith rear park assist▸ programming details
📍 Behind rear bumper, center mounted
🔧 Autel/Launch
⚠️ Sensor calibration may be required
Seat Control Module (SCM)0.6 hr R&Rrelearn only +0.1 hrwith power seats and memory▸ programming details
📍 Under driver seat
🔧 Self-learn
⚠️ Memory settings will need to be reprogrammed by user
Rear View Camera Module (RVCM)0.5 hr R&Rrelearn only +0.1 hrwith backup camera▸ programming details
📍 Integrated in tailgate handle assembly
🔧 Self-learn
⚠️ Camera calibration lines configured through radio
Aftermarket tool coverage varies by software version and vehicle build — treat "aftermarket tool" rows as "usually possible" and verify against your tool maker's coverage list before promising a customer. Spot a wrong location or hour? Tell us — corrections ship fast here.
Size-standard part numbers — verify your connector type before buying. Rear blades are model-specific; check the package's vehicle list.
Fuel economy figures are EPA data via fueleconomy.gov (median across matching trims). Performance figures are compiled estimates for the 2013 Dodge Ram 3500 6.7L I6 Cummins Diesel and can vary by trim.
🔧 Database maintained under the daily editorial review of Chris Hackleman · Master Technician · 20+ years and Jeff Moore · Master Lexus & Toyota Mechanic · 20+ years.