The 2017 Ram 3500 with the 6.7L Cummins is a workhorse diesel that can run 300,000+ miles, but the 68RFE automatic transmission is its Achilles heel—expect transmission issues well before the engine shows its age.
68RFE Transmission Torque Converter Shudder and Failure
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 60,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Shuddering or vibration during lockup at highway speeds, Slipping between gears under load, Check engine light with P0741 or P0868 codes, Metal debris in transmission fluid
Fix: Torque converter replacement requires full transmission drop, typically 8-12 hours labor. Often find worn clutch material and contaminated fluid that necessitates full fluid flush and filter replacement. If converter failure contaminated internals, you're looking at full rebuild territory.
Estimated cost: $2,800-4,500
Transmission Overdrive and Lockup Solenoid Failures
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 80,000-140,000 mi
Symptoms: Harsh or delayed shifts into overdrive, Transmission stays in lower gear on highway, P0750, P0755, P0760 solenoid codes, Erratic shift patterns under load or towing
Fix: Solenoid pack replacement requires dropping the pan and valve body removal, about 4-6 hours labor. Smart to replace all solenoids at once rather than chasing individual failures. Replace filter and fluid while you're in there.
Estimated cost: $800-1,400
Transmission Cooler and Line Leaks
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 70,000-150,000 mi
Symptoms: Transmission fluid puddles under truck, often passenger side, Low fluid level warnings, Burnt smell from fluid dripping on exhaust, Overheating transmission temps when towing
Fix: Cooler lines rust through at fittings or get damaged by road debris. Line replacement is 2-3 hours. If the external cooler itself fails (less common), figure 4-5 hours due to radiator removal on some configurations. Flush system and refill with 13+ quarts of ATF+4.
Estimated cost: $400-1,200
Fuel Filter Housing Leaks and Air Intrusion
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 50,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Hard starting after sitting overnight, Loss of power or surging under acceleration, Check engine light with P0087 low fuel pressure code, Visible fuel seepage at filter housing
Fix: The plastic fuel filter housing develops cracks or o-ring failures, letting air into the system. Replacement with updated metal housing takes 1-2 hours including priming and bleeding. Some techs just replace the whole assembly rather than chasing failed seals.
Estimated cost: $300-600
Transmission Mount Deterioration
Occasional · low severity
Typical onset: 60,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunking when shifting from park to drive, Vibration at idle in gear, Excessive driveline movement when accelerating hard, Visible cracking or separation in rubber mount
Fix: The transmission mount absorbs huge torque from the Cummins and wears faster than gas trucks. Replacement is straightforward with a transmission jack, about 1.5-2 hours labor. Often done alongside crossmember inspection.
Estimated cost: $250-450
Shift Cable Bushing Wear and Misadjustment
Occasional · low severity
Typical onset: 80,000-150,000 mi
Symptoms: Gear indicator doesn't match actual gear position, Difficulty shifting into park, Truck rolls in park or won't start in park/neutral, Loose or sloppy shifter feel
Fix: Plastic bushings at the transmission end wear out and the cable can slip out of adjustment. Cable replacement or re-bushing takes 2-3 hours including proper adjustment procedure. Critical to set neutral safety switch correctly afterward.
Estimated cost: $300-550
Owner tips
Change transmission fluid and filter every 30,000-40,000 miles, especially if towing—68RFE runs hot and fluid degrades fast under load
Install an aftermarket transmission temp gauge to monitor temps when towing; keep it under 200°F to extend transmission life
Use only Mopar ATF+4 spec fluid—off-brand fluids accelerate clutch wear in these transmissions
Replace fuel filters every 15,000 miles and use quality diesel fuel to prevent injector and CP3 pump issues
If you tow heavy regularly, consider an upgraded torque converter and transmission cooler before problems start—preventive is cheaper than repair on these
Buy one for the bulletproof Cummins, but budget $3-5K for eventual transmission work—trucks used for heavy towing will need attention sooner, while lightly-loaded examples can make it past 150K before major issues.
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: Diesel engines require high CCA battery; dual battery configuration available on some trims
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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 2017 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.