The 2016 Ram 3500 with the 6.7L Cummins is a workhorse diesel known for excellent engine longevity, but the 68RFE automatic transmission is its Achilles' heel, with recurring issues that dominate the repair history for these trucks.
68RFE Transmission Overheating and Cooler Failure
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Transmission temperature spikes especially when towing or in hot weather, Burnt transmission fluid smell, Harsh shifting or slipping under load, Check engine light with transmission temp codes
Fix: Factory transmission oil cooler is undersized for heavy-duty use. Aftermarket auxiliary cooler installation is standard fix (3-4 hours labor). If internal damage already occurred, expect full fluid flush and filter change, possibly torque converter replacement. Proactive cooler upgrade prevents catastrophic failure.
Estimated cost: $800-1,500 for cooler upgrade; $3,500-5,500 if converter or internal damage present
Torque Converter Shudder and Lockup Clutch Failure
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 70,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Vibration or shudder at 40-50 mph during light acceleration, Feels like driving over rumble strips when converter tries to lock, Intermittent at first, becomes constant, May trigger P0740 torque converter clutch code
Fix: Torque converter lockup clutch material deteriorates, contaminating fluid. Requires torque converter replacement, full flush, new filter (10-14 hours labor). Band-aid fix is fluid change with friction modifier, buys 10-20k miles at best. This is a design weakness in the 68RFE behind high-torque Cummins.
Estimated cost: $2,800-4,200
Transmission Solenoid Pack Failure
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 80,000-150,000 mi
Symptoms: Erratic shifting or stuck in one gear, Delayed engagement into drive or reverse, Multiple shift solenoid codes (P0750-P0758 range), Limp mode activation
Fix: Solenoid pack located inside transmission pan. Requires pan drop, filter change, solenoid replacement (4-6 hours labor). Often occurs after prolonged overheating episodes. Individual solenoids can fail but replacing the entire pack is more reliable long-term.
Estimated cost: $900-1,600
Transmission Mount Deterioration
Common · low severity
Typical onset: 50,000-90,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunking when shifting from park to drive, Excessive drivetrain movement felt in cab, Vibration at idle especially with AC on, Visible sagging or cracking of rubber mount
Fix: Transmission crossmember mount wears from weight and vibration of heavy diesel/trans combo. Simple replacement job (1.5-2 hours labor). Use OEM or heavy-duty aftermarket mount, not cheap parts-store versions that fail quickly.
Estimated cost: $250-450
Fuel Filter Housing Air Intrusion
Occasional · medium severity
Symptoms: Hard starting after sitting overnight, Loss of prime requiring extended cranking, Rough idle or stalling when cold, P0087 fuel pressure low codes
Fix: Factory fuel filter housing develops cracks or the filter head O-rings leak, allowing air into fuel system. Requires filter housing replacement or upgrade to aftermarket billet housing (2-3 hours labor). Also common to find deteriorated fuel lines at tank. Diesel systems must be 100% airtight.
Estimated cost: $400-900
Transmission Cooler Line Corrosion and Leaks
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 90,000-140,000 mi
Symptoms: Transmission fluid puddles under truck, Low fluid level on dipstick, Visible corrosion or wetness on steel lines near radiator, Burnt smell if fluid leaking onto exhaust
Fix: Steel transmission cooler lines rust through where they contact frame or run near road salt exposure. Replacement requires new lines, fittings, fluid refill (2-3 hours labor). Some techs upgrade to braided stainless lines to prevent recurrence. Catch early before fluid loss causes transmission damage.
Estimated cost: $350-700
Owner tips
Install aftermarket transmission cooler BEFORE you have problems, especially if towing over 10k lbs regularly — cheap insurance against $5k rebuild
Change transmission fluid and filter every 30-40k miles, not the 60k Chrysler recommends — this trans runs hot and fluid degrades faster
Use only Mopar ATF+4 fluid, no substitutes — wrong fluid accelerates torque converter shudder
Check fuel filter housing for leaks during every oil change — catching air intrusion early prevents hard starting issues
If you feel any shudder between 40-50 mph, address immediately before converter failure contaminates entire transmission
Buy one if you need the Cummins torque, but budget $2-3k for transmission upgrades and preventive cooling mods — the drivetrain is bulletproof only after you fix what Dodge got wrong.
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; some models may use dual battery configuration
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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 2016 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.