The Dodge Ram 2500 was equipped with the A618 (47RE), or the 48RE in high-output Diesel models. The later model Ram 2500 Diesel has the 6-speed 68RFE. But they aren’t without their problems though, so let’s look at some of the most common Dodge Ram 2500 transmission problems, look at cost estimates and figure out what you can do about them.
What Transmission Do I Have?
Dodge Ram 2500 Transmission Models
Dodge Ram 2500 Transmission: A618 (47RE)
Dodge Ram 2500 Transmission: 48RE (High-Output Diesel)
Ram 2500 Transmission: 65RFE
Ram 2500 Transmission: 68RFE (Late Model Diesel)
Dodge Ram 2500 Transmission Replacement Cost Estimate
Pricing varies by model. To be 100% sure on pricing, have your VIN# handy and use our Get An Estimate feature to look up your transmission by VIN#.
Replacement Dodge Ram 2500 Transmission Prices:
| Transmission | Street Smart Transmission |
|---|---|
| 47RE (A618) | 2204 |
| 48RE | 2712 |
| 545RFE | 2348 |
| 65RFE | 2478 |
| 68RFE | 3543 |
What are the DTC codes related to Dodge Ram 2500 transmission problems?
| Trouble Code | Description |
|---|---|
| P0700 | Transmission Control System (MIL Request) |
| P0706 | Transmission Range Sensor Circuit Range/Performance |
| P0710 | Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor Circuit |
| P0711 | Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor Circuit Range/Performance |
| P0712 | Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor Circuit Low Input |
| P0713 | Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor Circuit High Input |
| P0714 | Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor Circuit Intermittent P0715 |
| P0717 | Input/Turbine Speed Sensor Circuit No Signal |
| P0720 | Output Speed Sensor Circuit |
| P0721 | Output Speed Sensor Circuit Range/Performance |
| P0729 | Gear 6 Incorrect Ratio |
| P0730 | Incorrect Gear Ratio |
| P0731 | Gear 1 Incorrect Ratio |
| P0732 | Gear 2 Incorrect Ratio |
| P0733 | Gear 3 Incorrect Ratio |
| P0734 | Gear 4 Incorrect Ratio |
| P0735 | Gear 5 Incorrect Ratio |
| P0740 | Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Malfunction |
| P0741 | Torque Converter Clutch Circuit |
| P0742 | Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Stuck On |
| P0743 | Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Electrical |
| P0744 | Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Intermittent |
| P0748 | Pressure Control Solenoid 'A' Electrical |
| P0750 | Shift Solenoid 'A' |
| P0751 | Shift Solenoid 'A' Performance or Stuck Off |
| P0755 | Shift Solenoid 'B' |
| P0760 | Shift Solenoid 'C' |
| P0765 | Shift Solenoid 'D' |
| P0783 | 3-4 Shift |
| P0814 | Torque Converter Overstressed |
| P0814 | Transmission Range Display Circuit |
| P0841 | Transmission Fluid Pressure Sensor/Switch A Circuit Range/Performance |
| P0846 | Transmission Fluid Pressure Sensor/Switch B Circuit Range/Performance |
| P0868 | Transmission Fluid Pressure Low |
| P0871 | Transmission Fluid Pressure Sensor/Switch C Circuit Range/Performance |
| P0880 | TCM Power Input Signal |
| P0881 | TCM Power Input Signal Range/Performance |
| P0882 | TCM Power Input Signal Low |
| P0884 | TCM Power Input Signal Intermittent |
| P0888 | TCM Power Relay Sense Circuit |
| P0891 | TCM Power Relay Sense Circuit High |
| P0897 | Transmission Fluid Deteriorated |
| P0933 | Hydraulic Pressure Sensor Range/Performance |
| P1864 | Torque Converter Enable Solenoid Electrical Fault |
| P1873 | Torque Converter Clutch Stator Temperature Switch Circuit Low Voltage |
| P1874 | Torque Converter Clutch Stator Temperature Switch Circuit High Voltage |
| P1887 | Torque Converter Clutch Release Switch |
| P2756 | Torque Converter Clutch Press Ctrl Solenoid |
| P2757 | Torque Converter Clutch Pressure Control Solenoid Ctrl Circuit Performance or Stuck Off |
| P2758 | Torque Converter Clutch Pressure Control Solenoid Ctrl Circuit Stuck On |
| P2759 | Torque Converter Clutch Pressure Control Solenoid Ctrl Circuit Electrical |
| P2760 | Torque Converter Clutch Pressure Control Solenoid Ctrl Circuit Intermittent |
| P2761 | Torque Converter Clutch Pressure Control Solenoid Ctrl Circuit Open |
| P2762 | Torque Converter Clutch Pressure Control Solenoid Ctrl Circuit Range/Performance |
| P2763 | Torque Converter Clutch Pressure Control Solenoid Ctrl Circuit High |
| P2764 | Torque Converter Clutch Pressure Control Solenoid Ctrl Circuit Low |
| P2769 | Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Low |
| P2770 | Torque Converter Clutch Circuit High |
Dodge Ram 2500 Transmission Recalls & Known Problems
Recall 97V084000 – Transmission cooler lines
1994 – 1997 Dodge Ram pickups equipped with V6 or V8 gasoline engines and an automatic transmission
1995 – 1997 Dodge Ram pickups equipped with the V-10 gasoline engine and an automatic transmission
1996 – 1997 Dodge Ram Van and Ram Wagon equipped with an automatic transmission
Summary – In certain operating conditions, the transmission fluid temperature can cause the plastic retainers in the transmission cooler pressure line quick connect fittings to melt.
Consequence – If this occurs, the fitting may separate engine transmission fluid could spray onto the engine and exhaust system, potentially causing a fire.
Solution – In May 1997, Dodge dealers were instructed to replace the quick connect fittings with ones that incorporated a stainless steel retainer. Chances are, this problem has already been addressed in your vehicle. However, if you’re still concerned, you can call the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236
Ram 2500 Technical Service Bulletins | TSBs
TSB 21-08-00 – Delayed torque converter clutch lock-up and/or a P1740 DTC – 47RE transmission
1999 – 2000 Dodge Ram 2500/3500 Cummins Diesel
Problem – On trucks that exhibit this 47RE transmission problem, there may be a noticeable lack of a transmission shift between 30 – 50 mph (38 – 80 km/h) due to a delayed torque converter clutch engagement/lockup. If and when the shift does occur, it may be unusually harsh.
Solution – A revised 47RE valve body upper housing separator plate will need to be installed (it improves fluid flow to the torque converter clutch).
TSB 21-009-07 – 1-2 shift hunt under light throttle – 48RE transmission
2004 – 2007 Ram 2500 – 2004 – 2007 Ram 3500
Problem – Engine light throttle conditions, drivers may notice that the transmission seems to hunt for a gear, or slip during the 1-2 shift.
Solution – A new 48RE governor pressure solenoid valve will be needed to fix this problem.
TSB 21-015-05 – Delayed gear engagement – 545RFE Transmission
2000 – 2004 Dodge Dakota – 2000 – 2006 Dodge Durango – 2003 – 2006 Dodge Ram – 2002 – 2006 Jeep Liberty – 1999 – 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee – 2006 Jeep Commander
Problem – Drivers may notice an initial delayed gear engagement with the shift into Drive or reverse after the vehicle has been parked overnight/is cold. This may occur after having the transmission serviced and having the transmission cooler return filter replaced.
Solution – If the OEM transmission cooler return filter (part #04799662AB) was used, it can allow the transmission fluid to drain back out of the torque converter, causing the delay/slip on initial gear engagement. Installing an upgraded transmission cooler return filter should cure the problem.
TSB 21-010-12 – Clunk noise when shifting from drive to neutral – 65RFE transmission
2011 – 2012 Ram 1500 – 2011 – 2012 Ram 2500 – 2011 – 2012 Ram 3500 Cab Chassis – 2011 – 2012 Dodge Durango – 2011 – 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Problem – Drivers may notice a pronounced clunking noise when shifting from drive to neutral. This may be particularly evident when the vehicle is hot or at normal operating temperatures.
Solution – These 65RFE transmission problems may be caused by the underdrive clutch releasing too quickly. To correct the issue a revised spacer plate will need to be installed inside of the valve body.
TSB 21-004-17 – Low/reverse solenoid failure – 65RFE transmission
2016 – 2017 Ram 1500 – 2016 – 2017 RAM 2500 – 2016 – 2017 Ram 3500 – 2016 – 2017 Ram 3500 Cab Chassis
Problem – Drivers may experience extreme difficulty and/or the inability to engage Drive or Reverse.
Solution – These 65RFE transmission problems could be due to the premature failure of the low/reverse solenoid assembly.
TSB 18-037-07 REV A – Low line pressure – 68RFE transmission
2007 Ram 2500 – 2007 Ram 3500
Problem – Drivers may experience an illuminated check engine light, with a P0868 DTC.
Solution – This may be due to a malfunctioning TCM, which may be cured with a software update.
TSB 21-010-12 – Clunk noise when shifting from drive to neutral – 68RFE transmission
2011 – 2012 Ram 1500 – 2011- 2012 Ram 2500 – 2011 – 2012 Ram 3500 Cab Chassis – 2011 – 2012 Dodge Durango – 2011 – 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Problem – Drivers may notice a pronounced clunking noise when shifting from drive to neutral. This may be particularly evident when the outside temperature is hot.
Solution – These 68RFE transmission problems may be caused by the underdrive clutch releasing too quickly. To correct the issue a revised spacer plate will need to be installed inside of the valve body.
Other Dodge Ram 2500 Technical Service Bulletins
TSB 247853
A small number of 2008 Dodge Ram trucks were fitted with a defective shift cable that could loosen itself, preventing the driver from manually selecting low gears with the shift lever.
TSB 224763
The 2007 1500 came from the factory with transmission control software that could lead to harsh or erratic shifting. This TSB addressed the issue with a software patch that dealers could use to reprogram the TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module).
TSB 138954
The PCM (Powertrain Control Module) on the 2003 model contained software errors that prevented it from detecting problems with the governor pressure sensor. To fix the problem, dealers were issued a software update for the PCM.
Common Dodge Ram 2500 Transmission Problems
Premature forward clutch failure
Problem – It’s not uncommon to experience premature forward clutch failure, which can prevent the vehicle being driven.
Solution – This can be caused by a number of issues including valve body failure, a worn stator bushing, a failed forward clutch piston seal, a failed forward drum assembly, the use of power programmers/chips to increase engine output, which can overwhelm a number of internal components.
Engine RPM increase or partial engine stall when coming to a stop
Problem – Drivers may experience a sudden RPM surge when coming to a stop, which can cause difficulty holding the vehicle at a stop with the brakes. This is usually preceded by a partial engine stall, which the ECU tries to overcome by increasing the RPMs. Upon accelerating, upshift’s will feel much harder than usual. These 48RE transmission problems happen because torque converter clutch is applied, due to malfunctioning solenoids.
Solution – To correct this issue, the lockup solenoid and overdrive solenoid assembly (they’re one unit) will need to be replaced, or upgraded like they are in a remanufactured 48RE transmission.
Engine stalling in Reverse and/or Drive
Problem – The engine may stall when the vehicle is shifted into either reverse or drive.
Solution – These common 48RE transmission problems are usually caused by a stuck TCC switch valve, restricted transmission cooler lines, or torque converter failure.
Delayed and/or harsh 3-4 or 4-5 shifts – 545RFE Transmission
Problem – Owners may experience an unusually delayed or harsh 3-4 or 4-5 gear change, where the transmission doesn’t seem to want to go into that particular gear.
Solution – This issue is related to valve body problems where the material used to make one of the checkballs has broken down to the point that fluid is able to get past and engage the underdrive clutch during those shifts. An upgraded #2 checkball will be needed to solve the issue.
Sudden shift to neutral after takeoff
68RFE transmission
Problem – Drivers may notice that the vehicle suddenly shifts into neutral after trying to pull away in Drive. There may also be a P0721 and P0933 DTC.
Solution – The 68RFE low sprag inside of the gearbox has most likely failed.
Lack of Response
Leaking Fluid
Low Fluid
Burning Smell
Grinding or Shaking
Whining, Clunking or Humming
Refuses to Go Into Gear
Torque Converter Issues
Valve Body Issues
Transmission Noisy in Neutral
Gears Slipping
No 3rd or 4th Gear
No 1st or 2nd Gear
No Reverse
Dragging Clutch
Trouble Codes / Check Engine Light
Can I drive with a transmission problem?
If your Dodge Ram 2500 can still make it up and down the road, you might say “It’s fine, I’ll just drive it until I can get it fixed”. But that is not always a good idea, depending on the symptoms. You see, there are a lot of (very expensive) moving parts inside of a transmission, and if something isn’t right, continuing to drive with a transmission problem could damage something else.
How often does a Dodge Ram 2500 transmission need to be replaced?
The overall lifespan of a Dodge Ram 2500 transmission largely depends on how well it was maintained. Factory design flaws also factor into this equation, along with how/how hard you drive. But on average, we’ve seen the Dodge Ram 2500 transmission last for between 130,000-180,000 miles. A high quality replacement transmission however, can last considerably longer if all of the factory design flaws have been addressed and the vehicle has been maintained.
How are Dodge Ram 2500 transmission issues diagnosed?
It is fairly easy to guesstimate what the root cause of your Dodge Ram 2500 transmission problems might be, but you won’t truly know unless you have the right tools and experience. A good mechanic or transmission repair center will be able to connect your truck to a computer and find out which diagnostic trouble codes (DTC’s) have been stored. Once they know what to look for, they can perform a visual inspection to verify the problem.
How is a Dodge Ram 2500 transmission replaced?
In order to replace your Dodge Ram 2500 transmission, the truck has to be lifted from the ground in order to gain access to all of the parts that will need to be unbolted. Then the transmission can be lowered to the ground (typically with a transmission jack), so the new transmission can be installed.
Recommendations for Dodge Ram 2500 transmission issues?
To save time and get back on the road faster, have your 17-digit VIN# handy and you can get an online quote for a reman Dodge Ram 2500 transmission here, then find a local shop using our Find a Shop guide to install it for you.
How to Solve Dodge Ram 2500 Transmission Problems
Solution A: Buy a Used Dodge Ram 2500 Transmission
The quickest way to fix your transmission problems is to simply buy a used transmission or used transmission. These can be found at most junk yards, and they often come with a 30-90 day warranty. However, there’s no way to determine the actual condition of the internal components, so you could be spending a bunch of money to have the exact same problems. Plus, that warranty only covers the transmission if it’s defective, not the labor costs that you’ll have to pay.
Solution B: Buy a Rebuilt Dodge Ram 2500 Transmission
Another option would be a rebuilt transmission or rebuilt transmission. A local repair shop will remove your transmission, then install a bunch of new parts during the rebuild. The problem here is, the skills and experience of each transmission rebuilder will vary widely from shop to shop, so you could have problems from something that wasn’t adjusted properly. And the 1-2 year warranty might only cover you at certain transmission repair shops, in a specific geographical area.
Solution C: Buy a Remanufactured Dodge Ram 2500 Transmission
Many owners depend on their vehicle to commute and get things done. Their gasoline engines are designed to go 100’s of thousands of miles, so it makes sense to invest in a remanufactured transmission.
What Transmission Do I Have?
What Problem Does Your Dodge Ram 2500 Have?
Let us know the year, mileage and problem you’re having as well as any trouble (OBD) codes you’ve found. If you’ve been given a quote or paid for a repair, we’d like to hear about that too!
My 2017 dodge 2500 6.4liter reverse went out with out any warning
My dodge is a 2017 2500 6.4 my reverse just went out with warning
2010 Ram 2500 6.7 Cummins
68RFE went 224000 before any problems. Used for dsily driver and tow 36ft Cedar Creek and regularly towed 2201 Mako to Florida and back from Tennessee. Changed fluid once at 174000. Finally shift solnoid pack failed and when they tore it down they found the shift rod broken inside. Rebuilt by Elite Automotive Lakeland Florida for $3000 including new torque converter. Installed factory upgrades and worked better than new. See Matt at Elite. Very satisfied with 68RFE. Just traded for 2018 Megacab 2500 Cummins holdover. Hope to get as good of service from this one. Will change fluid more often – or maybe not. Lol
I have a 2016 ram 2500 diesel 6 speed automatic. When I rev it up to get on the on ramp to get on the interstate it gets stuck in 4th gear and check engine light comes on and it won’t shift past 4th gear .I then have to pull over shut the truck off then restart it and it seems to be fine until I do the same thing when I get on the interstate
Did you every get a fix on this issue? I have a 2015 with the same issue…
I have a 2004 ram 2500 and 3 times now in heavy traffic it starts shifting way too soon. The only way I know to fix it at the time is to put it in tow mode. Open road it runs good. Only has done this in heavy stop and go traffic.
i have a 2008 2500 diesel had the transmission replaced October 2017 in February 2019 it started to shirt gears from drive to low to neutral on its own, thank goodness was stopped at a stop sign when it did it. Returned it to the dealership they said they put a new transmission in because it was under warranty, six weeks later it shifted its self into low gear going 75 mph down the interstate and messed up everything under the truck 10,900 worth of damage and of course that is not under warranty because the transmission did not cause that the universal joint did. Really!!! well I hired and attorney
I have a 2007 Dodge ram 2500 diesel automatic. It has 105,000 mi on it. The trouble I’m having with the transmission is first gear is sticking. From a stop when you apply the gas it will not shift out of first without first releasing the gas pedal feeling the shift and then reapplying the gas pedal it shifts normally through the other gears and overdrive. I just recently had my transmission serviced they replaced the filter in the fluid. There are no trouble codes.
The mechanic shop that I have it at thinks that it is the governor solenoid and governor sensor.
I have a 2008 dodge 2500 6.7 4×4. At about 200,000km It started out trying to push through braking to stop when it was cold(rpms would jump about 500 up and down), once the engine warmed up to above 60 on the temp it was fine and only in the wintertime approximately two years. Transmission shop said they could not find anything wrong oils were fragment free. 2012-2015. At one point the tranny was not shifting on a highway. Had to add 3 litres of fluid and it has never happened again. Flush/Change was done in 2012 before this all was happening & a command start.
2015-2018 Then it started doing it both seasons. We had the pressure switch changed and it would stop for awhile but as soon as it cot cold or wet it was back to its old tricks. We changed 2-3 times and then quit wasting money on them. If i gave it fuel to pass someone from 30-60km then it wouldn’t shift past 80km – I would have to pull over and turn off the truck and it would clear. In all of this my drivers side battery cables kept coming loose about five days a week and a lot of corrosion(other battery was fine).
2019 it check engine light came on while driving highway speed and see dealer now – no codes would ring in. The mechanic took it from there. Said it was in limp mode when it was dropped off – which it wasn’t at the time. New issues since the mechanics took it
-Cold it pushes through braking to stop
-warmed up it doesn’t push through on braking but goes into limp mode upon take off. Only way to prevent is to put into neutral when ur going to stop
-when put into drive it either acts like it is in neutral or takes a moment to engage
-shutting the truck off will clear the limp mode in the lower gears.
No codes that I know of for tranny.
Thank you
I have a 2011 Dodge Ram diesel 4×4. Only has 45,000 miles on it. Lately it shifts into manual mode and stays in 1st gear. I shift to drive and it won’t stay there but goes to 1st gear again. This happened once before. After it sat for a couple days I went out and drove it and it shifted perfect. Now it did it again. Both times I noticed it happened during rainy weather.
2016 ram 2500 codes p0871
I have an 04 Cummins 2500 4×4 with 298000 miles on it and last night when I was driving home it shifted into overdrive and now today it won’t shift into overdrive and I haven’t seen any lights come on we just got threw 3 days of very Sub zero weather what could possibly be the problem.
Thanks
Hi my name Ian Craig i posted about nun 02 ram 2500 4×4 24 valve Cummins Gavin a delay going into 1st and reverse. I also wanted to add itbdoes have a small tranny leak as well. Would that cause not enough pressure in the lines to get it to shift into gear probably?
Your fluid level being low will definitely cause delay in engagement, especially on first start of the day when internals are cold, also may jump in and out of first gear. Don’t mash the throttle during initial take off, if it jumps out, then back in during hard acceleration, you risk breaking major components. Check fluid with tranny in neutral, on flat ground, or it will be incorrect.
I have an 02 ram 2500 24 valve Cummins and there is a delay going into 1st and reverse but drives fine other wise.
has first gear and reverse only
how many quarts of transmission fluid does it take for a 1999 2500 Dodge Ram pickup including transmission and torque converter 484
14 to 15 depending on cooler.
My 2008 Dodge 2500 Gas 4X4 drove perfectly into the shed. When we restarted it, no matter what gear you moved the selector to, no movement was possible. The fluid stick says it is full of fluid. We had a mechanic check it, and a pressure check on the lines showed 0 pressure.
What is likely to be the cause, and what are the suggested solutions? Repair, or Replace?
Torque Converter
My 2500 goes into D4 4 limp mode when towing replaced transmission, solenoide, valve body and still goes to limp mode
I have a 2006 dodge with a 48RE and it wont shift right between 20 and 30 mph rpms will go up to around 4000 then i will let up on my accelerator then it will shift fine,i was told it could be a short in the accelerator pedal,alternator or my fan clutch truck has no codes for transmission
Hi Martin I have been having similar issues with my 2016. did you ever figure what caused the issues because I have taken mine to the shop over 10 times and they can’t fix it. Thanks!
Mine does the same
Mine does the same
Mine is having the same issues it’s in the shop currently.
Ok
I have a 2002 Dodge 2500 4 wheel drive that starts off slow in Drive, but if I shift manually to low it is much better. All others gears besides low shift fine. Any suggestions?
03 ram 2500 5.7 hemi… the transmission don’t shift into over drive at 40-45mph when it’s cold, soon as it warms up it shifts great even shifts into drive and over drive at 40mph once it’s warmed up… what I do it’s start the truck let it warm up for 10mins before I go anywhere and I have no issues… truck has 132k miles and the motor has 79k miles yes the hemi was replaced at 80k from crank failure
Hi. I have a 1999 2500 5.9 diesel with a 47 RE auto replaced it trice in the first few years finally around 2007I had it built with all available up grades and a billet converter. I don’t haul heavy loads to often just a off road truck on a trailer once in a while. Recently, it is having a hard time figuring out which gear to shift into and now having a problem shifting into second gear. When I’m in second gear and have to slow down for a corner it will act as if it’s neutral and won’t go into gear unless I take foot off of throttle then it will go back into second. It also at times. Will start out in second gear and I have no first gear most of the time it will work if I shift it manually. I have also noticed reverse sometimes slips. I replaced Cylinoid in transmission and re routed and rapped ground wire that passes by alternator. Still nothing. So far I’m not finding any codes. Any ideas? Thank you