Complete replacement of all shift solenoids in the 68RFE automatic transmission, requiring transmission pan removal, valve body access, and solenoid replacement with fluid refill.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Shift solenoid pack (complete set for 68RFE) × 1 — Use OEM Mopar solenoid pack or equivalent
• Transmission pan gasket × 1 — 68RFE pan gasket
• Transmission filter × 1 — 68RFE internal filter
• Transmission drain plug crush washer × 1 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• Mopar ATF+4 — 10 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and set parking brake firmly
2. Allow transmission to cool if recently driven (fluid will still be warm but safer to handle)
3. Raise vehicle and support securely on jack stands at frame contact points
4. Remove skid plate if equipped to access transmission pan
5. Place drain pan under transmission pan area
6. Disconnect negative battery cable to prevent accidental starting

Procedure

1. 1

   Drain transmission fluid
   Locate transmission drain plug on bottom of pan. Using appropriate socket, slowly loosen drain plug and allow fluid to drain completely into drain pan. Once drained, remove drain plug completely and inspect crush washer. Clean drain plug threads and magnet thoroughly.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove transmission pan
   Beginning at the rear corners, loosen all transmission pan bolts in a criss-cross pattern. Leave two bolts at opposite corners partially threaded. Carefully pry pan loose with flat blade screwdriver if needed, being mindful remaining fluid will drain. Once fluid stops dripping, remove final bolts and lower pan. Remove and discard old gasket material from both pan and transmission case.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove transmission filter
   Locate internal transmission filter mounted to valve body. Remove filter retaining bolts and carefully pull filter straight down to disengage from valve body. Inspect filter for metal debris or excessive clutch material. Discard old filter and set new filter aside for installation.
4. 4

   Remove valve body cover
   Locate valve body cover on bottom of valve body assembly. Remove all cover screws in a systematic pattern, keeping screws organized as some may be different lengths. Carefully remove cover, being alert for check balls or springs that may fall. Take photos before proceeding to document positions of internal components.
   ⚠Check balls and springs are under light pressure. Remove cover slowly and catch any loose components.
   Torque spec

   Cover Screws15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Disconnect solenoid electrical connectors
   Locate the solenoid pack electrical connectors on the valve body. Note the connector positions and routing. Carefully disconnect each connector by depressing the locking tab and pulling straight up. Inspect connectors for corrosion or damage. If equipped with wire ties securing harness, carefully cut and remove them.
6. 6

   Remove shift solenoids
   The 68RFE uses individual solenoids or a solenoid pack assembly. If individual solenoids: Remove sensor bolts securing each solenoid to the valve body and carefully extract each solenoid, noting its specific position. If solenoid pack: Remove mounting bolts (27 lb-ft spec) securing the pack assembly and carefully lift out the entire assembly. Inspect valve body bores for debris or damage.
   Torque spec

   Sensor Bolts15 Nm (11 lb-ft)

   Mounting Bolts82 Nm (61 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Clean valve body and inspect components
   Using brake cleaner and lint-free towels, thoroughly clean the valve body sealing surfaces and solenoid mounting areas. Inspect all check balls and springs that were documented earlier. Verify all passages are clear of debris. Check valve body for cracks or wear. Clean the valve body cover interior thoroughly.
8. 8

   Install new shift solenoids
   Install new solenoids in their correct positions as noted during removal. Ensure each solenoid is fully seated in its bore with O-rings properly positioned. If installing solenoid pack assembly, align pack with mounting holes and install mounting bolts finger-tight first. Torque sensor bolts or mounting bolts to specification in a criss-cross pattern.
   ⚠Do not force solenoids into bores. They should slide in smoothly when properly aligned. Damaged O-rings will cause fluid leaks and pressure loss.
   Torque spec

   Sensor Bolts15 Nm (11 lb-ft)

   Mounting Bolts82 Nm (61 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Reconnect electrical connectors
   Reconnect each solenoid electrical connector ensuring they click firmly into place. Verify locking tabs are fully engaged. Route wiring harness as originally installed and secure with new wire ties if needed. Gently tug each connector to confirm secure connection.
10. 10

    Reinstall valve body cover
    Verify all check balls and springs are in correct positions per your documentation. Carefully position valve body cover, ensuring proper alignment with dowel pins if equipped. Install cover screws and torque in a criss-cross pattern to specification. Double-check that no screws were missed.
    Torque spec

    Cover Screws15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Install new transmission filter
    Align new filter with valve body inlet and push straight up until fully seated. Install filter retaining bolts and torque to specification. Verify filter is secure and properly sealed to valve body.
12. 12

    Install transmission pan with new gasket
    Clean transmission pan thoroughly and ensure all old gasket material is removed. Position new gasket on pan, using a light coating of ATF+4 to hold it in place if needed. Carefully lift pan into position, aligning bolt holes. Install all pan bolts finger-tight, then torque in criss-cross pattern starting from center working outward.
    Torque spec

    Pan Bolts22 Nm (16 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Install drain plug and refill transmission
    Install new crush washer on drain plug. Thread drain plug into pan and torque to specification. Remove transmission fill plug or access dipstick tube. Using fluid pump or funnel, add approximately 8 quarts of Mopar ATF+4 initially. Reconnect battery negative cable. Start engine and allow to idle in park.
    Torque spec

    Transmission Drain Plug30 Nm (22 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Complete fluid fill and cycle gears
    With engine at idle and transmission in park, check fluid level. Add additional ATF+4 as needed. With foot firmly on brake, shift through all gear positions (P-R-N-D-3-2-1) pausing 3 seconds in each position. Return to park and recheck fluid level with engine running at operating temperature. Add fluid to bring to proper level on dipstick.
    ⚠Keep foot firmly on brake when cycling through gears. Ensure parking brake is set and area around vehicle is clear.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall transmission skid plate if equipped
2. Lower vehicle from jack stands
3. Verify no fluid leaks around transmission pan after test drive
4. Dispose of used transmission fluid and filter according to local environmental regulations

Verification

• Start engine and verify no transmission fluid leaks around pan or drain plug
• Check for proper engagement in all gear positions with no slipping or harsh shifts
• Scan for diagnostic trouble codes using appropriate scan tool - there should be no solenoid-related codes
• Test drive vehicle through all gears verifying smooth shifting under light and moderate acceleration
• Recheck transmission fluid level after vehicle reaches operating temperature and top off if needed
• Monitor shift quality over next 50-100 miles as transmission adaptive learning resets

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