Replace a single shift solenoid in the 68RFE automatic transmission by dropping the transmission pan, accessing the valve body, and replacing the faulty solenoid.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Shift solenoid (specify A, B, C, D, or E based on diagnostic code) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Transmission pan gasket × 1 — 68RFE pan gasket
• Transmission filter × 1 — 68RFE filter kit
• Transmission drain plug crush washer × 1 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• Mopar ATF+4 — 10 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Allow transmission to cool completely if recently operated
3. Raise front of vehicle and support securely on jack stands behind front crossmember
4. Verify solenoid identification from diagnostic trouble codes (P0750-P0769 range typically indicates specific solenoid failure)
5. Place drain pan underneath transmission pan

Procedure

1. 1

   Drain transmission fluid
   Locate the transmission drain plug on the bottom of the pan. Using appropriate socket, remove drain plug and allow fluid to drain completely into drain pan. This will take 5-10 minutes. Inspect drained fluid for metal particles or debris indicating internal damage. Remove and discard old crush washer from drain plug.
   Torque spec

   Transmission Drain Plug30 Nm (22 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Remove transmission pan
   Remove all transmission pan bolts in a criss-cross pattern, loosening gradually to prevent warping. Start at the center and work outward. Leave two opposite corner bolts partially threaded until last. Support pan with one hand while removing final bolts as residual fluid will drain. Lower pan carefully and pour remaining fluid into drain pan. Clean pan thoroughly with brake cleaner.
   Torque spec

   Pan Bolts22 Nm (16 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove transmission filter
   The 68RFE filter is secured with bolts to the valve body. Remove the filter mounting bolts and carefully pull filter straight down. Some residual fluid will drain from the filter cavity. Inspect filter for metal particles or excessive debris. Clean the filter mounting surface on the valve body with brake cleaner.
4. 4

   Access and identify target solenoid
   With pan and filter removed, the solenoid pack is now visible on the valve body. The 68RFE has five solenoids arranged in a row. From front to rear: Solenoid A (MS/OD), Solenoid B (MS/UD), Solenoid C (LR/CC), Solenoid D (2C/4C), and Solenoid E (TCC). Identify your target solenoid based on the diagnostic code retrieved earlier. Clean area around solenoid with brake cleaner.
   ℹ️Solenoids are not interchangeable. Installing the wrong solenoid in the wrong position will cause shifting problems and set additional codes.
5. 5

   Disconnect solenoid electrical connector
   Each solenoid has an electrical connector on top. Press the release tab and carefully pull connector straight up to disconnect. Do not pull on wires. Inspect connector pins for corrosion or damage. Clean connector with electrical contact cleaner if needed.
6. 6

   Remove failed solenoid
   Remove the solenoid mounting bolt(s). The solenoid is secured with one or two small bolts depending on type. Carefully pull solenoid straight out from valve body. Some solenoids may require slight rotation while pulling. Note the orientation and any alignment pins. Inspect the solenoid bore in valve body for debris or damage.
   Torque spec

   Sensor Bolts15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Install new solenoid
   Install new solenoid into valve body, ensuring proper alignment of any guide pins or O-rings. Push solenoid fully seated into bore. Install mounting bolt(s) and torque to specification. Ensure solenoid is flush with valve body surface and O-rings are not pinched or displaced.
   ⚠Over-tightening solenoid bolts can crack the valve body. Use torque wrench and do not exceed specification.
   Torque spec

   Sensor Bolts15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Reconnect electrical connector
   Push electrical connector onto solenoid firmly until it clicks into place. Tug gently to verify secure connection. Ensure connector lock tab is fully engaged.
9. 9

   Install new transmission filter
   Position new transmission filter onto valve body, aligning mounting holes. Install filter mounting bolts and torque to specification. Ensure filter seal is properly seated against valve body.
10. 10

    Clean and prepare pan gasket surfaces
    Thoroughly clean transmission pan mating surface and transmission case surface using razor blade scraper. Remove all old gasket material completely. Clean surfaces with brake cleaner and wipe dry. Inspect pan for damage or warping. Pan must be perfectly flat for proper seal.
11. 11

    Install new gasket and transmission pan
    Position new gasket on transmission pan. Some gaskets are adhesive-backed and will stick to pan. Carefully lift pan into position, aligning all bolt holes. Start all pan bolts by hand, threading several turns to ensure proper alignment. Tighten bolts in a criss-cross pattern from center outward in three stages: finger tight, then 6 Nm, then final torque specification.
    ⚠Over-tightening pan bolts will warp the pan and cause leaks. Follow criss-cross pattern and use torque wrench.
    Torque spec

    Pan Bolts22 Nm (16 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Install drain plug
    Install new crush washer on drain plug. Thread drain plug into pan by hand, then torque to specification using torque wrench. Do not over-tighten as this can strip the aluminum pan threads.
    Torque spec

    Transmission Drain Plug30 Nm (22 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Refill transmission
    Lower vehicle to ground. Locate transmission dipstick tube at rear of engine bay on passenger side. Insert funnel with long extension into dipstick tube. Add 6 quarts of Mopar ATF+4 initially. Start engine and allow to idle in Park. Shift through all gear positions, pausing 2-3 seconds in each. Return to Park and check fluid level with engine running. Add fluid in 1-pint increments until level reaches cold range on dipstick. Total capacity is approximately 10 quarts.
    ⚠️Only use Mopar ATF+4 fluid. Other ATF types will cause transmission damage.
    ⚠Do not overfill transmission. Overfilling can cause foaming, overheating, and seal damage.

Reassembly

1. Verify all electrical connectors are properly secured
2. Ensure no tools or parts were left in the transmission pan area
3. Double-check all pan bolts are torqued in proper sequence
4. Verify drain plug is tight and not leaking

Verification

• Start engine and verify no transmission fluid leaks from pan or drain plug
• With engine at operating temperature, check transmission fluid level and adjust as needed to hot range on dipstick
• Test drive vehicle through all gears to verify proper shift operation
• Use scan tool to verify diagnostic trouble code has cleared and no new codes are present
• Re-check fluid level after test drive and top off if necessary
• Inspect under vehicle after 50-100 miles for any delayed leaks

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