Manual Trans Fluid Change

This procedure drains and refills the manual transmission fluid on a 2007 Ram 3500 with the NV5600 6-speed manual transmission, requiring removal of fill and drain plugs.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Drain plug washer/gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Fill plug washer/gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• ATF+4 — 8 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. If vehicle was recently driven, allow transmission to cool for at least 30 minutes
4. Raise front of vehicle and support securely on jack stands at frame rails
5. Verify vehicle is stable before working underneath

Procedure

1. 1

   Locate transmission fill and drain plugs
   From underneath the vehicle, locate the NV5600 transmission. The fill plug is located on the driver's side of the transmission case, approximately mid-height. The drain plug is located at the bottom of the transmission case. Clean the area around both plugs with a wire brush and rag to prevent contamination.
2. 2

   Test removal of fill plug first
   Using a 15mm socket or hex bit, carefully attempt to loosen the fill plug first. Break it loose but do not remove completely. This ensures you will be able to refill the transmission after draining. If the fill plug is seized or stripped, do not proceed with draining until it can be removed.
3. 3

   Position drain pan and remove drain plug
   Position the drain pan directly under the transmission drain plug with adequate capacity for at least 8 quarts. Using a 15mm socket, carefully loosen and remove the drain plug. Allow fluid to drain completely, which may take 10-15 minutes. Inspect the drain plug and magnet (if equipped) for metal shavings or debris indicating potential transmission wear.
4. 4

   Install drain plug with new washer
   Once fluid has completely drained, clean the drain plug threads and mating surface on the transmission case. Install a new drain plug washer/gasket. Thread the drain plug in by hand to avoid cross-threading, then tighten securely with a torque wrench. Torque the drain plug to the factory specification (approximately 35 ft-lbs for the G56 drain plug); verify the exact value in the service manual before final tightening to avoid stripping.
5. 5

   Remove fill plug completely
   Using the 15mm socket, completely remove the fill plug from the driver's side of the transmission case. Remove and inspect the old washer/gasket. Clean the fill plug threads and opening.
6. 6

   Refill transmission with ATF+4
   Using a fluid transfer pump or suction gun, pump the specified synthetic manual transmission fluid (Mopar/Pentosin MTL 75W-85 or equivalent meeting MS-9224) into the fill hole. The G56 (and NV5600) manual transmission does not use ATF+4. It requires a synthetic manual transmission lubricant per Chrysler MS-9224 (e.g., Pentosin/Mopar MTL 75W-85). The transmission capacity is approximately 3.4 to 4.0 quarts. Fill until fluid begins to flow out of the fill hole, indicating the transmission is full to the proper level. This is a level-fill design where the bottom of the fill hole sets the correct fluid level.
7. 7

   Install fill plug with new washer
   Install a new fill plug washer/gasket. Thread the fill plug in by hand first, then tighten with a torque wrench to the factory G56 fill plug specification (verify exact value in the service manual before final tightening). Wipe any spilled fluid from the transmission case exterior.
8. 8

   Lower vehicle and verify operation
   Lower the vehicle from jack stands. Start the engine and allow it to warm to operating temperature. With the clutch pedal depressed, shift through all gears while stationary to circulate the new fluid. Check underneath the vehicle for any leaks around the fill and drain plugs.

Reassembly

1. No reassembly required beyond installation of fill and drain plugs as described in procedure

Verification

• Check for fluid leaks around both fill and drain plugs after initial operation
• Test drive vehicle and verify smooth shifting through all gears
• Recheck for leaks after test drive while transmission is at operating temperature
• Verify no unusual noises from transmission during operation

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