This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the transmission shift cable on a 2014 Ram 2500 with 6.7L Cummins diesel and 4WD, including proper routing, adjustment, and verification of proper shift operation.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Transmission shift cable assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Cable grommets (if damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Retaining clips (if broken) × 2 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake firmly
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Ensure transmission is in PARK position
4. Raise front of vehicle and secure on jack stands rated for vehicle weight
5. Verify vehicle is stable before working underneath
6. Allow hot exhaust components to cool if engine was recently running

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove center console trim
   Working inside the cab, remove the center console trim panel surrounding the shift lever. Use trim panel removal tools to carefully release the retaining clips. Remove any screws securing the upper console panel and lift away to expose the shift lever base and cable connection.
2. 2

   Disconnect shift cable at shifter
   At the shift lever assembly, locate the shift cable end. Press the locking tab on the cable bushing and use a flathead screwdriver to pry the cable end off the shift lever ball stud. Note the orientation and routing of the cable for reinstallation. Remove the cable adjustment nut at the shifter bracket if equipped.
   Torque spec

   Adjustment Nut10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove shifter cable bracket
   Locate the cable bracket mounting bolts at the shifter base. Remove the cable bracket bolts using a socket wrench. Carefully pull the cable housing from the bracket, noting any grommets or retaining clips that must be transferred to the new cable.
   Torque spec

   Cable Bracket Bolts15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove cable firewall grommet
   Working from inside the cab, trace the cable toward the firewall. Locate where the cable passes through the firewall into the engine compartment. From inside the cab, carefully push the cable grommet through the firewall opening. Note the grommet orientation for reinstallation.
5. 5

   Access transmission shift lever
   Working underneath the vehicle, locate the transmission shift lever on the driver's side of the transmission. The lever is typically positioned near the transmission pan on the 68RFE transmission. Clean the area around the cable connection to ensure proper visibility.
6. 6

   Disconnect cable at transmission
   At the transmission shift lever, press the locking tab on the cable end bushing and remove the cable from the transmission lever ball stud. Use needle nose pliers if necessary to release stubborn clips. Remove any retaining clips securing the cable housing to the transmission bracket.
7. 7

   Remove cable routing brackets
   Trace the cable from the transmission forward to the firewall, noting all routing brackets and supports. Remove any mounting bolts or clips securing the cable to the frame, transmission crossmember, or other mounting points. Keep track of all hardware for reinstallation.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts82 Nm (61 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Remove old cable
   Carefully pull the cable through the firewall from the engine compartment side, ensuring it clears all routing points and does not catch on any components. Inspect the firewall grommet and replace if cracked or damaged.
9. 9

   Install new cable through firewall
   From inside the cab, feed the new shift cable through the firewall opening. Ensure the firewall grommet is properly seated in the firewall hole to prevent water and air leakage. The cable should pass through smoothly without binding.
10. 10

    Route and secure cable underneath
    Working underneath the vehicle, route the new cable along the factory path, following the same routing as the original cable. Secure the cable to all mounting brackets and supports using the appropriate hardware. Ensure the cable has adequate clearance from exhaust components, driveshaft, and suspension parts. Verify no sharp bends or kinks exist in the cable routing.
    ⚠Ensure cable maintains minimum 2 inches clearance from exhaust components to prevent heat damage.
    Torque spec

    Mounting Bolts82 Nm (61 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Connect cable to transmission lever
    At the transmission shift lever, snap the cable end bushing onto the transmission lever ball stud until it clicks into place. Tug firmly on the cable to verify it is securely attached. Install any cable housing retaining clips to the transmission bracket.
12. 12

    Install cable at shifter bracket
    Working inside the cab, insert the cable housing into the shifter bracket until it seats fully. Install the cable bracket bolts and tighten to specification. Ensure the cable moves freely through the bracket without binding.
    Torque spec

    Cable Bracket Bolts15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Connect cable to shift lever
    Snap the cable end bushing onto the shift lever ball stud until it locks into place. Verify the connection is secure by pulling on the cable. The bushing should not separate from the ball stud.
14. 14

    Adjust shift cable
    With the transmission in PARK (verify at transmission lever underneath vehicle), adjust the cable at the shifter bracket using the adjustment nut. The shifter should be in the PARK position with the cable properly tensioned. Adjust until there is minimal free play but the cable is not under tension. Tighten the adjustment nut to specification once proper adjustment is achieved.
    ℹ️Proper adjustment is critical - shifter must align precisely with transmission position to ensure accurate gear selection and PARK safety function.
    Torque spec

    Adjustment Nut10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Verify operation and reinstall trim
    Before reinstalling console trim, cycle the shifter through all gear positions (P-R-N-D-3-2-1) while observing the transmission shift lever underneath the vehicle. Each detent position should correspond to the proper transmission position. Verify positive engagement in PARK and that the key can be removed only in PARK. Once verified, reinstall the center console trim panels and secure all fasteners.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall center console trim panels ensuring all clips are fully engaged
2. Lower vehicle from jack stands
3. Remove wheel chocks

Verification

• Start engine and verify shifter moves smoothly through all gear positions with engine running
• Verify transmission engages each gear properly (P-R-N-D) with corresponding instrument cluster indicator
• Confirm vehicle will not start in any gear position except PARK and NEUTRAL
• Verify ignition key can only be removed when shifter is in PARK position
• Test that vehicle rolls freely in NEUTRAL and is locked in PARK on an incline
• Check underneath vehicle for proper cable routing with no interference or contact with hot/moving components
• Perform a test drive verifying smooth shifts and proper gear engagement in all drive ranges

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