This procedure addresses the kickdown cable inspection and adjustment for the 2014 Ram 2500 6.7L Cummins. Note that this vehicle is equipped with a 68RFE electronically-controlled automatic transmission that does not use a traditional kickdown cable; this procedure covers troubleshooting electronic throttle position sensor communication.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Throttle position sensor (if faulty) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Accelerator pedal position sensor (if faulty) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Transmission range sensor (if faulty) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Allow engine to cool completely if recently operated
3. Disconnect negative battery cable and wait 2 minutes for capacitor discharge
4. Use OBD-II scan tool to retrieve and document any existing diagnostic trouble codes
5. Clear the area around throttle body and accelerator pedal for access

Procedure

1. 1

   Inspect throttle position sensor and connections
   Locate the throttle position sensor on the throttle body assembly on the driver's side of the engine. Inspect the electrical connector for corrosion, damage, or loose pins. Disconnect the connector by pressing the release tab and pulling straight back. Visually inspect the sensor mounting for cracks or damage.
2. 2

   Test throttle position sensor continuity
   Using a digital multimeter, test the throttle position sensor resistance between pins. Refer to factory service manual for specific resistance values (typically 0.5-4.5kΩ range depending on throttle position). With key on engine off (after reconnecting battery temporarily), check for 5V reference voltage at sensor connector. Return battery to disconnected state after testing.
3. 3

   Clean or replace throttle position sensor
   If sensor shows correct resistance and voltage, clean the connector terminals with electrical contact cleaner and wire brush. If sensor fails testing, remove the two mounting bolts securing the sensor to the throttle body. Remove the old sensor, clean the mounting surface, and install new sensor with O-ring if equipped. Torque mounting bolts appropriately.
   Torque spec

   Sensor Bolts15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Inspect accelerator pedal position sensor
   Locate the accelerator pedal assembly under the driver's side dash. Remove the lower dash panel if necessary for access. Inspect the pedal position sensor connector (integral to pedal assembly) for damage or corrosion. Disconnect the connector and inspect pins for bent or corroded contacts.
5. 5

   Test accelerator pedal position sensor
   Using a multimeter on the vehicle harness side with key on engine off (battery temporarily reconnected), verify 5V reference voltage is present. Test the sensor resistance through its range of motion. The accelerator pedal contains dual independent sensors for redundancy. Both should show smooth resistance change through pedal travel with no dead spots.
6. 6

   Verify transmission range sensor operation
   Locate the transmission range sensor on the driver's side of the transmission near the shift linkage. Inspect the electrical connector for damage. With connector attached and battery reconnected, use scan tool to monitor transmission range sensor output while moving shifter through all gear positions. Verify sensor accurately reports P-R-N-D-3-2-1 positions.
7. 7

   Check transmission control module communication
   With battery reconnected and key on engine off, use scan tool to verify communication with the transmission control module. Check for any stored DTCs related to shift solenoids, pressure sensors, or line pressure control. Document all codes found. Verify TCM can command test functions through bi-directional controls if available.
8. 8

   Perform throttle body adaptation reset
   With all sensors reconnected and battery connected, turn ignition to run position without starting engine. Press accelerator pedal slowly to floor and release three times. Turn ignition off and wait 30 seconds. This allows the PCM to relearn throttle position parameters. Start engine and allow to idle for 2 minutes.
9. 9

   Road test and verify operation
   Clear all diagnostic trouble codes with scan tool. Perform a comprehensive road test including moderate and wide-open throttle acceleration in multiple gears. Verify that transmission downshifts appropriately during kickdown events. Monitor live data for throttle position percentage and transmission gear position during test. Transmission should downshift aggressively when throttle exceeds 80% at cruising speeds.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all electrical connectors are fully seated with locking tabs engaged
2. Apply dielectric grease to sensor connectors to prevent future corrosion
3. Reinstall any dash panels or covers removed during inspection
4. Verify no tools or parts are left in engine compartment
5. Reconnect negative battery cable and tighten securely

Verification

• Scan for diagnostic trouble codes; no transmission or throttle-related codes should be present
• Monitor throttle position sensor reading with scan tool during slow pedal application; should show smooth 0-100% transition
• Verify transmission downshifts occur at appropriate throttle positions during road test
• Confirm no check engine light or transmission warning lights illuminate
• Test kickdown function at 40-50 mph with sudden full throttle application; transmission should downshift immediately to appropriate gear
• Verify shift quality is firm and responsive without harsh engagement

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