Transmission Flush

Performs a complete transmission fluid exchange by draining old ATF+4, replacing the pan gasket and filter, and refilling with fresh Mopar ATF+4 to maintain transmission longevity.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Transmission filter kit × 1 — 68RFE filter kit with gasket
• Transmission pan gasket × 1 — 68RFE pan gasket (often included with filter kit)
• Drain plug crush washer (if equipped) × 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 (minimum 2 hours if recently driven)
3. Raise vehicle using floor jack and secure on jack stands at all four corners to ensure level positioning
4. Verify vehicle is stable and completely level before proceeding
5. Locate transmission pan and drain plug (if equipped) from underneath vehicle
6. Position drain pan beneath transmission pan with adequate capacity for 8-10 quarts

Procedure

1. 1

   Drain transmission fluid via drain plug
   If equipped with a drain plug, loosen the transmission drain plug slowly using appropriate socket. Allow fluid to drain completely into drain pan. Once flow stops, remove drain plug completely and inspect crush washer condition. Replace crush washer with new component.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove transmission pan bolts
   Starting from one corner, loosen transmission pan bolts in a criss-cross pattern to prevent warping. Do not fully remove bolts yet. Loosen all bolts evenly, then remove all but two bolts at opposite corners. Carefully pry pan loose at one corner to allow remaining fluid to drain. Once drained, remove final two bolts and lower pan carefully.
   ⚠Significant fluid (2-4 quarts) will remain in pan even after drain plug removal. Have drain pan positioned to catch spillage.
   Torque spec

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

   Clean transmission pan
   Empty all fluid from pan into drain container. Inspect pan for metal shavings or debris (small amount is normal). Remove all old gasket material from pan mating surface using plastic scraper. Clean pan thoroughly with brake cleaner and lint-free cloths. Inspect pan for cracks or damage. Clean magnet in pan bottom to remove accumulated metallic particles.
4. 4

   Remove transmission filter
   Locate transmission filter mounted to valve body. Remove filter retaining bolts and carefully pull filter straight down to unseat from valve body. Inspect o-ring seal on filter neck for damage. Allow any remaining fluid in filter to drain into pan.
5. 5

   Clean transmission mating surfaces
   Using plastic scraper, carefully remove all old gasket material from transmission pan rail on case. Do not gouge or scratch aluminum mating surface. Clean thoroughly with brake cleaner and wipe with lint-free cloth. Inspect mating surface for damage or distortion.
6. 6

   Install new transmission filter
   Lubricate new filter o-ring with small amount of fresh ATF+4. Align filter with valve body opening and push straight up until fully seated. Install filter retaining bolts and tighten evenly to secure filter to valve body. Verify filter is fully seated and secure.
7. 7

   Install transmission pan gasket and pan
   Position new gasket on transmission pan (or on case rail depending on gasket type). Align transmission pan with case and carefully raise into position, ensuring gasket remains properly positioned. Start all pan bolts by hand, threading each bolt 2-3 turns before proceeding to next bolt.
8. 8

   Torque transmission pan bolts
   Tighten pan bolts in a criss-cross pattern starting from center and working outward. Perform initial pass to seat gasket, then perform final torque pass using same criss-cross pattern. Verify all bolts are torqued to specification.
   Torque spec

   Pan Bolts22 Nm (16 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Install drain plug with new washer
   If drain plug was removed, install new crush washer on drain plug. Thread drain plug into transmission pan by hand until seated, then torque to specification.
   Torque spec

   Transmission Drain Plug30 Nm (22 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Refill transmission with ATF+4
    Lower vehicle to ground to ensure level position. Locate transmission dipstick tube. Using funnel, add 6 quarts of Mopar ATF+4 initially. Start engine and allow to idle in Park. With engine at idle and transmission in Park, check fluid level on dipstick (should read in cold range). Add additional fluid in 1-pint increments until level reaches Cold range on dipstick.
    ⚠Do not overfill transmission. Overfilling can cause fluid aeration, foaming, and transmission damage.
11. 11

    Perform transmission fluid level check procedure
    With engine running and transmission fluid warm (after 5 minute idle or short test drive), cycle transmission through all gear positions, pausing 3 seconds in each gear. Return to Park. With engine idling in Park on level ground, check fluid level. Fluid should be in Hot range on dipstick. Add fluid as needed to bring level to proper range.

Reassembly

1. Verify transmission pan bolts are torqued in criss-cross pattern to specification
2. Confirm no fluid leaks from pan gasket or drain plug after initial engine start
3. Verify proper fluid level after transmission reaches operating temperature
4. Dispose of used ATF+4 properly at recycling center or parts store

Verification

• Start engine and verify no leaks from transmission pan or drain plug while idling
• Perform test drive including all gear ranges to confirm normal transmission operation
• Recheck fluid level after transmission reaches full operating temperature (180-200°F)
• Verify fluid color is bright red (fresh ATF+4) when checking final level
• Monitor for leaks after 24 hours of normal driving

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

Codes that commonly send this job to the bay — tap one for symptoms, causes, and diagnostic steps.

Chasing one of these codes and not sure which part is guilty? Ask a master mechanic about YOUR car →

More procedures for this vehicle