Valve Body

This procedure covers removal, replacement, and installation of the valve body in the 68RFE automatic transmission on a 2007 Ram 3500 with the 5.9L Cummins diesel engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Valve body (remanufactured or new) × 1 — 68RFE valve body, verify calibration for vehicle
• Transmission filter × 1 — 68RFE internal filter
• Transmission pan gasket × 1 — 68RFE oil pan gasket
• Valve body gasket kit × 1 — Includes separator plate and valve body gaskets
• Transmission fluid additive × 1 — Mopar friction modifier additive if required

Fluids

• ATF+4 — 20 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Allow transmission to cool completely if recently driven (minimum 2 hours)
3. Disconnect both battery terminals, negative first, then positive
4. Raise and securely support vehicle on jack stands at all four corners
5. Remove skid plates or belly pans that obstruct access to transmission pan
6. Place large drain pan under transmission oil pan
7. Have all replacement parts, gaskets, and fresh ATF+4 fluid ready before beginning disassembly

Procedure

1. 1

   Drain transmission fluid
   Loosen all transmission pan bolts gradually, working from the corners inward. Once loose, carefully break the seal on one corner and allow fluid to drain into the drain pan. Be prepared for approximately 5-6 quarts to drain from the pan. Once drained, remove all pan bolts and lower the pan, being careful not to spill remaining fluid.
2. 2

   Remove transmission filter
   Locate the transmission filter inside the pan. The 68RFE uses an internal filter with a rubber seal. Carefully twist and pull the filter straight down to remove it from the valve body. Inspect the filter for metal particles or debris that might indicate internal transmission damage.
3. 3

   Remove valve body bolts
   Identify and remove all valve body mounting bolts. The 68RFE valve body is secured with approximately 16-20 bolts of varying lengths. Take photos or make a diagram noting bolt locations and lengths, as they are not all the same size. Loosen bolts gradually and evenly in multiple passes, then remove them, keeping track of each bolt's location and length.
4. 4

   Disconnect valve body electrical connectors
   Locate the solenoid pack electrical connectors on the valve body. There are typically 2-3 main connectors. Carefully depress the locking tabs and disconnect each connector. Note the routing and position of the wiring harness for reassembly.
5. 5

   Remove valve body assembly
   With all bolts and electrical connections removed, carefully lower the valve body assembly. Support it with both hands as it is heavy and awkward. As you lower it, be aware that the manual valve linkage must be disengaged from the valve body. Gently work the valve body down and away from the transmission case. Watch for any check balls or small components that may fall during removal.
6. 6

   Inspect and clean separator plate
   With the valve body removed, inspect the separator plate that remains in the transmission case. Note the position of all check balls per the factory diagram. Carefully remove and count all check balls (some may be non-magnetic, so use a pick or vacuum tool as needed) and verify quantity against the service manual. Clean the separator plate surface and transmission case mating surface thoroughly with brake cleaner and lint-free rags. Inspect for any debris or metal particles.
7. 7

   Remove old gaskets and separator plate
   Carefully remove the old valve body gaskets and separator plate. Use a plastic pick to avoid scratching the aluminum surfaces. Remove all old gasket material completely. Clean all mating surfaces on the transmission case with brake cleaner. Ensure no gasket material or debris falls into the transmission.
8. 8

   Install new separator plate and gaskets
   Install the new separator plate gasket on the transmission case, ensuring all bolt holes align properly. Place the separator plate over the gasket. Install all check balls in their correct positions according to the diagram in your service manual or gasket kit instructions. The check ball locations are critical for proper transmission function. Install the upper valve body gasket over the separator plate.
9. 9

   Install new or remanufactured valve body
   Verify that all solenoids are properly installed in the new valve body if installing a remanufactured unit. Carefully position the new valve body assembly, aligning the manual valve with the manual shift linkage. This may require rotating the manual valve slightly while raising the valve body into position. Ensure all passages align with the separator plate and gasket.
10. 10

    Reconnect electrical connectors
    Reconnect all solenoid pack electrical connectors to the valve body. Ensure each connector clicks fully into place and the locking tabs engage. Route the wiring harness as it was originally positioned, ensuring no wires are pinched or in contact with moving components.
11. 11

    Install valve body bolts
    Install all valve body mounting bolts in their correct locations, referring to your diagram or photos. Start all bolts by hand to ensure proper threading. Tighten bolts in the sequence specified by the factory service manual, in stages, to the specified torque. Since specific torque values are not provided in the database, tighten bolts evenly and snugly, being careful not to over-tighten as the aluminum case can strip. Torque these bolts per the factory service manual specification (verify exact value before final tightening); do not rely on an assumed value.
12. 12

    Install new transmission filter
    Install the new transmission filter by pressing it firmly into the valve body until the rubber seal seats completely. Ensure the filter is fully seated and will not leak.
13. 13

    Clean and install transmission pan
    Thoroughly clean the transmission pan with brake cleaner, removing all old gasket material and debris. Inspect the magnet in the pan for metal particles. Clean the magnet thoroughly. Install the new pan gasket on the transmission case or on the pan depending on gasket type. Position the pan and install all pan bolts. Tighten pan bolts in a crisscross pattern evenly to prevent leaks. Torque pan bolts to the factory-specified value (verify in the service manual before final tightening).
14. 14

    Fill transmission with ATF+4
    Lower the vehicle to the ground. Remove the transmission dipstick and insert a funnel. Add approximately 6 quarts of ATF+4 initially. Start the engine and allow it to idle. With the engine running and your foot on the brake, shift through all gear positions, pausing in each for 3-5 seconds, then return to Park. Check the fluid level with the engine running and transmission in Park. Add fluid as needed to bring the level to the cold fill range. The transmission will require approximately 5-7 quarts total to replace what drained from the pan during this service; the torque converter and cooler are not drained in this procedure.
15. 15

    Perform adaptation reset and test drive
    If available, use a scan tool to perform a transmission adaptation reset to allow the TCM to relearn shift points with the new valve body. Test drive the vehicle through multiple shift cycles, accelerating gently at first. Monitor for harsh shifts, slipping, or delayed engagement. After the transmission reaches operating temperature, recheck fluid level with engine running in Park and add fluid as needed to bring to the hot fill range on the dipstick.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall any skid plates or belly pans that were removed for access
2. Reconnect battery terminals, positive first then negative
3. Reset any radio presets or clock settings as needed

Verification

• Start engine and verify no transmission fluid leaks from pan or valve body area
• With engine at operating temperature and running in Park, verify transmission fluid level is in the hot range on dipstick
• Test drive vehicle and verify smooth shifts in all gears with no slipping, flaring, or harsh engagement
• Verify all solenoid codes are clear using a scan tool if available
• After 50-100 miles of driving, recheck transmission fluid level and inspect for leaks
• Monitor shift quality over the first few hundred miles as the transmission adapts to the new valve body

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