The 2015 Ram 3500 with the 6.7L Cummins is a workhorse built for heavy duty, but the 68RFE transmission is its Achilles heel—expect transmission-related issues to dominate your ownership experience, especially if you tow heavy or tune the engine.
68RFE Transmission Failures and Rebuild Needs
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 80,000-150,000 mi
Symptoms: Harsh or delayed shifts, especially 2-3 and 5-6 upshifts, Slipping under load or when towing, Limp mode with transmission codes P0871, P0868, or P0731, Burnt transmission fluid smell or dark/metallic fluid
Fix: Full rebuild with upgraded clutch packs, valve body updates, and torque converter replacement. Figure 18-24 labor hours for a quality rebuild with beefed-up internals. Tuned or deleted trucks fail sooner—stock power helps longevity but won't prevent eventual wear.
Estimated cost: $4,500-7,500
Torque Converter Shudder and Lockup Clutch Failure
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Vibration or shudder at 40-50 mph during light acceleration, Feeling like driving over rumble strips when converter tries to lock, Intermittent P0740 or P0742 codes, Shudder worsens when towing or under load
Fix: Torque converter replacement, often combined with transmission service and valve body inspection. Transmission must come out—12-16 hours labor. Fluid changes every 30k can delay this but won't prevent it on high-mileage units.
Estimated cost: $2,800-4,200
Transmission Solenoid Pack Failures
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 70,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Check engine light with codes P0871, P0848, or P2767, Erratic shifting patterns or stuck in one gear, Delayed engagement into drive or reverse, Transmission running hot
Fix: Solenoid pack replacement requires pan drop and valve body removal. Many techs replace the entire valve body assembly to avoid repeat failures—8-12 hours labor. OEM Mopar parts strongly recommended over aftermarket.
Estimated cost: $1,200-2,400
Transmission Cooler and Line Leaks
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 90,000-140,000 mi
Symptoms: ATF puddles under truck, often near radiator area, Low transmission fluid warnings or burnt smell, Cooler line corrosion or rubbing damage at frame contact points, Loss of line pressure causing shift issues
Fix: Replace cooler lines and inspect external cooler for integrity. Lines corrode where they contact the frame—aftermarket stainless or upgraded lines recommended. 3-5 hours labor depending on accessibility and whether external cooler needs replacement.
Estimated cost: $600-1,400
Fuel Filter Housing Leaks (CP4.2 Pump Area)
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 80,000-130,000 mi
Symptoms: Diesel fuel odor in cab or under hood, Fuel weeping from filter housing or return lines, Hard starting when fuel prime is lost overnight, Visible wet spots on top of fuel filter canister
Fix: Replace fuel filter housing O-rings and gaskets, inspect all quick-connect fittings. Often combined with fuel filter service—2-3 hours labor. Not the CP4 pump itself failing here, just seals and housing components aging out.
Estimated cost: $400-750
Transmission Mounting and Crossmember Wear
Occasional · low severity
Typical onset: 100,000+ mi
Symptoms: Clunking or banging when shifting into gear, Excessive drivetrain movement when accelerating or braking, Visible sagging or torn rubber on transmission mount, Vibration through floor at highway speeds
Fix: Replace transmission mount and inspect crossmember for cracks—common on trucks used for towing. 2-3 hours labor with transmission supported properly. Upgraded polyurethane mounts available for heavy-duty use.
Estimated cost: $350-650
Shift Cable Bushing Failure and Linkage Wear
Occasional · low severity
Typical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi
Symptoms: Sloppy shifter feel or excessive play in gear selector, Difficulty getting into park or reverse, Shifter doesn't align with gear indicator on dash, Plastic bushing fragments found under truck
Fix: Replace shift cable and bushings at both transmission and column ends. Dorman makes a popular upgraded bushing kit—1.5-2.5 hours labor. Cheap fix that makes shifting feel new again.
Estimated cost: $250-500
Owner tips
Change transmission fluid and filter every 30,000 miles religiously—68RFE does NOT have lifetime fluid despite what the manual says
Install an aftermarket transmission temp gauge and keep temps under 200°F when towing; over 220°F accelerates clutch wear
Avoid tuning or deleting without upgrading the transmission—stock 68RFE is marginal even at factory power levels with heavy towing
Check transmission fluid level monthly if you tow regularly; these leak from multiple points as they age
Budget $5k-7k for an eventual transmission rebuild if buying high-mileage—it's when, not if, on trucks with 100k+ miles
Buy it for the bulletproof Cummins, but set aside serious money for the fragile 68RFE transmission—this combo is a tale of two drivetrains.
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: Dual battery system available on some trims; high CCA required for diesel engine
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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
📍 Mounted on steering column under dash
🔧 wiTECH
⚠️ Steering angle sensor calibration required; not all models have EPS (some retain hydraulic)
Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning Module (HVAC)2.0 hr R&Raftermarket tool +0.3 hrwith automatic climate control
📍 Behind center instrument panel, integrated with HVAC controls
🔧 Autel/Launch
Body Control Module (BCM)1.5 hr R&Rdealer / factory tool +1.0 hr
📍 Behind left side of instrument panel, above fuse panel
🔧 wiTECH
⚠️ Configuration includes all body options, lighting, and accessory settings; CGW authentication required
Active Suspension Module (ASM)1.5 hr R&Rdealer / factory tool +0.5 hrwith air suspension or active leveling
📍 Under vehicle, mounted on frame rail near rear axle
🔧 wiTECH
⚠️ Controls air suspension and load leveling; calibration required
Transfer Case Control Module (TCCM)1.5 hr R&Raftermarket tool +0.3 hr4WD models
Fuel Pump Control Module (FPCM)0.8 hr R&Rrelearn only +0.1 hr2014+ models
📍 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
📍 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
📍 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
📍 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
📍 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
📍 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 2015 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.