Transmission Fluid Change

This procedure covers draining and refilling the automatic transmission fluid on a 2007 Ram 3500 with 5.9L Cummins diesel engine and 4WD, servicing the transmission pan and filter.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Automatic transmission filter × 1 — Mopar 68001583AA or equivalent
• Transmission pan gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification or reusable rubber gasket

Fluids

• ATF+4 — 6 qt

Preparation

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

Procedure

1. 1

   Access transmission pan
   Position yourself under the vehicle with adequate lighting. Locate the transmission pan at the bottom of the transmission assembly behind the transfer case. Clean the exterior of the pan area to prevent contamination during service.
2. 2

   Drain transmission fluid
   Position drain pan directly under transmission pan. Beginning at the rear of the pan, loosen pan bolts gradually in a crisscross pattern, leaving the front bolts slightly snug. Allow the rear of the pan to drop slightly so fluid drains into the catch pan. Once draining slows, remove remaining bolts and carefully lower pan, being careful of remaining fluid. Allow to drain completely.
3. 3

   Remove transmission filter
   Locate the transmission filter attached to the valve body inside the transmission. Locate the transmission filter(s) at the valve body. The 68RFE typically uses both a primary and secondary filter; note the filter attachment method (bolts and/or push-in seal) and remove per service manual. Some residual fluid will drain, so keep the drain pan positioned underneath. Some residual fluid will drain from the filter and valve body, so keep the drain pan positioned underneath.
4. 4

   Clean transmission pan
   Inspect the bottom of the transmission pan for metal shavings or debris. Small amounts of fine metallic material are normal, but excessive chunks or shavings indicate internal wear. Clean the pan thoroughly with solvent and wipe dry. Remove all old gasket material from both the pan and transmission mating surface using a scraper, being careful not to gouge the aluminum surfaces.
5. 5

   Install new filter
   Install the new transmission filter to the valve body using the three mounting bolts. Tighten bolts in a crisscross pattern to ensure even seating. Verify torque against the 68RFE service manual specification; do not over-tighten as the valve body is aluminum.
6. 6

   Install pan gasket and pan
   Position new gasket on the transmission pan (or install reusable gasket on transmission housing per manufacturer instructions). Lift pan into position and start all bolts by hand. Tighten pan bolts in a crisscross pattern starting from the center and working outward. Verify pan bolt torque against the 68RFE service manual (commonly around 100 inch-lbs / ~8 ft-lbs). Do not over-tighten as this can distort the pan and cause leaks.
7. 7

   Lower vehicle
   Ensure all tools and drain pans are clear from under vehicle. Remove jack stands and carefully lower vehicle to ground. Verify vehicle is on level surface before proceeding with fluid fill.
8. 8

   Fill transmission with ATF+4
   Locate the transmission dipstick/fill tube in the engine bay (verify exact location for this vehicle). Remove dipstick and insert long-neck funnel. Add approximately 5 quarts of ATF+4 initially. Start engine and allow to idle while shifting through all gear positions available on the shifter, pausing 2-3 seconds in each position, then return to Park.
9. 9

   Check and adjust fluid level
   With engine at idle and transmission in Park on level ground, check dipstick fluid level. The fluid should be warm and read within the WARM range indicated on the dipstick. Add additional ATF+4 in half-quart increments as needed, rechecking level between additions. Do not overfill. Total added should be approximately 5-6 quarts.
10. 10

    Final level verification
    Take vehicle for a short test drive (5-10 minutes) to fully circulate fluid and bring to operating temperature (180-200°F). Return to level surface, shift through all gears, then with engine idling in Park, recheck fluid level. Level should be in the HOT range on dipstick. Add fluid only if necessary to bring to proper level.

Reassembly

1. Ensure transmission pan is properly torqued to prevent leaks
2. Verify dipstick is fully seated after final fluid level check

Verification

• Check for fluid leaks around transmission pan after test drive
• Verify smooth shifting through all gear ranges with no slipping or harsh engagement
• Confirm transmission fluid level is within HOT range at operating temperature with engine idling in Park
• Inspect ground under vehicle after 24 hours to verify no fluid seepage

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