This procedure covers removal and replacement of the transmission pan gasket on a 2014 Ram 2500 with 68RFE automatic transmission, including fluid drain, pan cleaning, and refill.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Transmission pan gasket × 1 — Use OEM Mopar gasket
• Transmission filter (if servicing) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• 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 if recently operated (30+ minutes)
3. Raise vehicle with floor jack and secure on jack stands rated for vehicle weight
4. Ensure adequate clearance to work under transmission pan area
5. Position large drain pan under transmission pan to catch approximately 5-6 quarts of fluid

Procedure

1. 1

   Drain transmission fluid via drain plug
   Locate the transmission drain plug on the bottom of the pan. Using appropriate socket, loosen and remove the drain plug, allowing fluid to drain completely into drain pan. This will take several minutes. Inspect drain plug magnet for excessive metal particles (slight fuzz is normal).
   Torque spec

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

   Remove transmission pan bolts
   Once fluid drainage slows significantly, begin removing the transmission pan bolts in a criss-cross pattern, working from the center outward. Leave two bolts at opposite corners partially threaded. Be prepared for additional fluid release as pan is loosened. Residual fluid (1-2 quarts) will still be in the pan.
   ⚠Pan will be heavy with residual fluid. Support pan as you remove final bolts to prevent sudden dropping and spillage.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove transmission pan and filter
   Carefully lower the transmission pan, keeping it level to minimize spills. Set aside and pour remaining fluid into drain pan. If replacing filter, remove the transmission filter by pulling straight down. Note the orientation and sealing surface condition. Inspect pan interior for excessive debris or metal particles.
4. 4

   Clean pan and mating surfaces
   Thoroughly clean the transmission pan interior, removing all old gasket material, sludge, and debris. Use plastic scraper to remove old gasket material from both the pan sealing surface and the transmission case mating surface. Do not gouge or scratch sealing surfaces. Clean magnet in pan thoroughly. Wipe all surfaces with lint-free towels and brake cleaner until completely clean and dry.
   ⚠Do not use metal scrapers on aluminum transmission case. Use only plastic scrapers to avoid damage to sealing surfaces.
5. 5

   Install new filter
   If replacing filter, install new transmission filter by pressing firmly into place until fully seated in valve body. Ensure filter seal is properly positioned and filter is secure. Filter should not move once installed.
6. 6

   Install new gasket and position pan
   Position new gasket onto the transmission pan. Many gaskets are self-adhesive or have alignment features. Ensure gasket is properly aligned with all bolt holes. Install new crush washer on drain plug and thread drain plug into pan finger-tight. Carefully lift pan assembly into position, aligning with transmission case.
7. 7

   Install and torque pan bolts
   Start all transmission pan bolts by hand, threading each 2-3 turns before moving to the next. Once all bolts are started, tighten in a criss-cross pattern, working from center outward. Perform final torque in the same criss-cross pattern to specification. After all bolts are torqued, torque the drain plug to specification.
   ⚠Over-tightening pan bolts can warp the pan or crack the transmission case. Use torque wrench and follow criss-cross pattern precisely.
   Torque spec

   Pan Bolts22 Nm (16 lb-ft)

   Transmission Drain Plug30 Nm (22 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Refill transmission fluid
   Locate the transmission fill plug on the passenger side of the transmission case. Remove fill plug. Using a fluid transfer pump, add approximately 5-6 quarts of Mopar ATF+4 through the fill hole. This replaces the fluid drained from the pan. Reinstall fill plug finger-tight initially.
9. 9

   Check fluid level and perform initial test
   Lower vehicle to ground. Start engine and allow to idle in Park. Shift through all gear positions, pausing 2-3 seconds in each position, then return to Park. The 68RFE requires specific temperature-based fluid level checking. Fluid must be checked with transmission at 120-140°F. If fluid level is low at temperature, add additional ATF+4 as needed through fill plug until fluid begins to seep from fill hole.
   ℹ️68RFE transmission fluid level is correctly set when fluid just begins to drip from fill hole with transmission at 120-140°F, engine running, and transmission in Park.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all pan bolts are torqued to specification in criss-cross pattern
2. Verify drain plug is torqued with new crush washer installed
3. Confirm transmission fill plug is reinstalled and properly tightened after final fluid level verification
4. Wipe down transmission pan area and check for any fluid leaks before returning vehicle to service

Verification

• With engine running and transmission at operating temperature (120-140°F), verify no fluid leaks from pan gasket or drain plug
• Confirm proper fluid level by checking that fluid seeps from fill hole at proper temperature with engine running in Park
• Test drive vehicle through all gears, verifying smooth shifts with no slipping or abnormal operation
• Recheck fluid level after test drive and verify no leaks from pan area
• Monitor transmission operation over next few days and recheck fluid level after vehicle reaches full operating temperature

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