This procedure covers draining and refilling the automatic transmission fluid on a 2014 Ram 2500 with 6.7L Cummins diesel and 68RFE transmission, including pan removal, filter replacement, and proper refill.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Transmission pan gasket × 1 — Mopar 68RFE gasket or equivalent
• Transmission filter kit × 1 — Mopar 68RFE filter kit

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 vehicle using floor jack and support securely on jack stands rated for vehicle weight
4. Ensure adequate clearance to work underneath transmission pan area
5. Have drain pan positioned and ready before loosening any fasteners

Procedure

1. 1

   Access transmission pan
   Locate the transmission pan at the bottom of the transmission housing. Remove any skid plates or protective panels that may obstruct access to the transmission pan. Note the location of the drain plug if equipped.
2. 2

   Drain transmission fluid via drain plug
   Position drain pan directly under transmission drain plug. Using appropriate socket, loosen and remove the transmission drain plug. Allow fluid to drain completely, which may take 10-15 minutes. Inspect drain plug and washer for damage.
   ⚠Fluid will flow rapidly once drain plug is removed. Ensure drain pan is properly positioned.
   Torque spec

   Transmission Drain Plug30 Nm (22 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove transmission pan bolts
   Once fluid has drained via drain plug, begin loosening transmission pan bolts in a criss-cross pattern. Loosen all bolts gradually but do not fully remove initially. Break the gasket seal carefully by gently prying at one corner. Remove bolts completely and carefully lower pan, being aware that residual fluid (1-2 quarts) will remain in the pan.
   ⚠Significant fluid remains in the pan even after drain plug removal. Control pan removal to avoid spillage.
   Torque spec

   Pan Bolts22 Nm (16 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove transmission filter
   Locate the transmission filter assembly inside the transmission. Remove the filter retaining bolts using appropriate socket. Carefully pull the filter straight down to remove. Some residual fluid will drain when filter is removed. Inspect filter for debris or metal particles indicating internal wear.
   ℹ️Excessive metal debris in filter may indicate internal transmission damage requiring further inspection.
5. 5

   Clean transmission pan and magnet
   Thoroughly clean the transmission pan using brake cleaner and shop towels. Pay special attention to the magnetic drain plug or pan magnets, removing all metal particles and debris. Inspect pan for cracks, damage, or excessive wear. Clean the gasket mating surface on both the pan and transmission housing using a plastic scraper. Ensure surfaces are completely clean and dry.
6. 6

   Install new transmission filter
   Install the new transmission filter by aligning it with the valve body opening and pushing straight up until fully seated. Install filter retaining bolts and tighten to manufacturer specifications. Ensure filter o-ring or seal is properly positioned and not damaged during installation.
   ⚠Filter must be fully seated to prevent internal leaks and ensure proper fluid flow.
7. 7

   Install new pan gasket and reinstall pan
   Position new transmission pan gasket on the pan, ensuring proper alignment with all bolt holes. Carefully raise the pan into position, aligning gasket with transmission housing. Start all pan bolts by hand to ensure proper threading. Tighten bolts in a criss-cross pattern to specified torque in multiple passes (50% torque, then final torque) to ensure even gasket compression.
   ℹ️Even torque application prevents gasket distortion and ensures proper seal.
   Torque spec

   Pan Bolts22 Nm (16 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Reinstall drain plug
   Install new crush washer on drain plug if equipped. Thread drain plug into transmission pan by hand initially. Torque drain plug to specification using torque wrench.
   Torque spec

   Transmission Drain Plug30 Nm (22 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Refill transmission with ATF+4
   Locate transmission dipstick tube at top of transmission. Remove dipstick and insert funnel or fill adapter. Add approximately 5-6 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 position, then return to Park. With engine idling and transmission in Park, check fluid level on dipstick. Add additional fluid as needed to bring level to 'Cold' or lower mark on dipstick. Total refill will be approximately 6-7 quarts for drain and fill service.
   ⚠Do not overfill transmission. Overfilling can cause fluid aeration and transmission damage.
   ℹ️Accurate fluid level check requires transmission at operating temperature (approximately 180°F). Initial fill brings fluid to safe operating level.
10. 10

    Check fluid level at operating temperature
    Drive vehicle for 10-15 minutes to bring transmission to normal operating temperature (180-200°F). Park on level surface with engine running and transmission in Park. Check fluid level on dipstick - fluid should be in the 'Hot' range crosshatch area. Add fluid in small increments if needed. Do not overfill.
    ⚠Transmission must be at operating temperature for accurate fluid level reading.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall any skid plates or protective panels removed during access
2. Lower vehicle from jack stands carefully
3. Dispose of used transmission fluid at appropriate recycling facility

Verification

• Check for fluid leaks around transmission pan and drain plug after test drive
• Verify proper fluid level with transmission at operating temperature in Park on level ground
• Confirm smooth transmission operation through all gear ranges with no slipping or harsh shifts
• Re-check fluid level after 50-100 miles of driving and top off if necessary

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