The Ram 2500 was equipped with the 6-speed 68RFE or 65RFE transmission. But they aren’t without their problems though, so let’s look at some of the most common Ram 2500 transmission problems, look at cost estimates and figure out what you can do about them.
What Transmission Do I Have?
Ram 2500 Transmission Models
Ram 2500 Transmission: 65RFE
Ram 2500 Transmission: 68RFE
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 Ram 2500 Transmission Prices:
| Transmission | Street Smart Transmission |
|---|---|
| 65RFE | 2478 |
| 68RFE | 3543 |
What are the DTC codes related to 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 |
| P0742 | Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Stuck On |
| P0743 | Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Electrical |
| 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 |
| 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 |
Ram 2500 Transmission Recalls & Known Problems
None Found
Ram 2500 Technical Service Bulletins (TSB)
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.
Common Ram 2500 Transmission Problems
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 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 Ram 2500 transmission need to be replaced?
The overall lifespan of a 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 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 Ram 2500 transmission issues diagnosed?
It is fairly easy to guesstimate what the root cause of your 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 Ram 2500 transmission replaced?
In order to replace your 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 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 Ram 2500 transmission here, then find a local shop using our Find a Shop guide to install it for you.
How to Solve Ram 2500 Transmission Problems
Solution A: Buy a Used 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 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 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 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!
When truck is put in drive it starts in 4th gear and shuts off put the truck in reverse it stalls the truck idles fine
I have a 2015 Ram 2500 tradesman 4×4 with a 6.4 Hemi. The trans will sometimes go straight to 4th gear when I first put in in drive. It really does it the most when it’s hot or after the trans has warmed up to operating temp. When this happens, I have shut it down and restart the truck until it stays in 1st. When it finally works right, it shifts good. The only code that I have e gotten is for the solenoid pack. I can’t remember the number. The trans has been serviced before any of this happen and has 105k miles. Should I just replace the solenoid pack or replace the entire trans?
2500 2013 4×4 dodge transmission has been rebuilt 4 times in last month and every time they put it back together it does same thing. Take off from a stop transmission takes of in 4th gear it isn’t down shifting or shifting right at all.
2014 Ram 2500 5.7 hemi 6sp howling sounds and will not shift into 6th gear, major or minor issue?
And I am using a company in my home town that has rebuilt my other dodge transmission problems before but this time a complete rebuild is costing me $5000.00
Buy a jasper transmission or one from a re-builder company who upgrades the trans using better components. Have the local company install it or find a shop who is authorized installer of the company who the transmission came from, These types of re-manufactured transmissions have a good warranty and are tested before leaving their facility. Sounds like rebuilding your transmissions is a little beyond your local shops capabilities.
Shifting from first to second was hard and it would not go into 5-6 gear
Shifting from first to second is hard and want shift in to 5-6 gear. This only happens from time to time and when it doesn’t shift it sounds like the turbo is revived up. Thanks for any help
If I start the truck and let it run in park with my foot on the brake it will not shift out of park. This is a 2020 heavy duty ram 2500.
I got a 2021 2500 and it only has 1600 miles . It slips in to gear and I had the problem yesterday that it wouldn’t come out of park , had to turn it off then it would shift out of park
I have a 2014 ram 2500 with the hemi the transmission failed I had Ammco rebuild it and now I get a code p0349 low pressure ammco says its the wiring they replaced the sensor 2 times and I have taken it to a auto electrical specialist he says the wiring and the sensor checks out fine so I guess it’s back to ammco any suggestions
This is absolutely a great discussion very informative I have a 2018 Ram 3500 4 wheel drive 11,000 mi and the 68rfe auto transmission, It is now at the dealership for the third time in 7 months for hard downshifting( over 35 mph coming to a stop) and exactly at 15 mph slams into first, first time the did download then second time replaced whole transmission(valve body assembly) now the just told me I didn’t drive it long enough (up to 5000 mi ) that the transsmision is still learning? But by what I’m reading here and everybody is sharing about their 68rfe trans I don’t think this isolated just bad transmission period.
Donald you are correct!!! The 65&68 rfe trany is junk but with perfect maintenance and a few upgrades the trany can and will be a lasting one…they are correct that you didn’t drive it long enough for after a valve body swap you have to reflash the tcm and the ecu to recognize the new parts and these tranys are what is called a street smart trans that has to relearn how to shift and such…hope this puts you at ease a bit..i also have the 68 rfe in my 2012 2500 6.7 high output the engine is a tank and the trany just cant keep up
I have a 2013 ram 2500 crew cab. When I go to romp on it a bit there’s a loud noise coming from under my feet that sounds like a tire is rubbing a fender well. I have stock wheels and tires. I just deleted it. There’s oil leaking from what I think is the front of the tranny. It hasn’t done that before. Any ideas what it is?
I have a 17 2500 4×4 mega cab with 6.7 has 78,000 but has felt like this ever since I bought it I pull a 30’ enclosed trailer the engine is awesome but the transmission is well what I call fluffy it feels like I have a 2.55 gear instead of the 3.55 it feels like I got a transmission that should be in a car not a truck that’s supposed to be the ultimate pulling truck any idea if it’s a factory problem
2017 Ram 2500 Power Wagon 6.4l 71,000 miles. When driving with cold transmission or in the rain, I get multiple ” Transmission 4×4 shift in Progress”. It has been doing this for about 10,000 miles. Starting a report for the NTSA, then Chrysler. Has anyone solved this problem yet?
had front axle 4×4 shift actuator fail and took out ABS module communications. Dealer replaced all kinds of stuffthying to fix..had 4×4 hi and low light on at same time at highway speeds. After that repair.drove in the rain and the next day tranny shift and slipping issues
I was driving home tonight in my 2013 dodge diesel 2500 and fell asleep and was going about 70 mph a starting into a skid and turned completely around and skidded backwards about 100 feet. I pulled back out and started on home it started losing power on incline and seemed to not be shifting right then in would kick in and shift going down hill. I just wonder could it have done something to my transmission by sliding backwards while in drive
I have a 2014 Dodge 2500 5.7 4×4. The transmission started popping out of gear at different speeds. Seemed to be an electrical issue because when I put it in tow/haul it would only happen at speeds above 50 mph. Took it to a transmission shop and they told me it needed to be rebuilt. 3500 dollars later same issue. Went to the dealer and they said the same thing. I told them the transmission was already rebuilt and they had no answers for me. They told me the error codes led them right back to the transmission. I’m at my wits end any suggestions
I have a 2014 2500 tradesman 6.7 and at 70,000 miles when i bought the truck (now 120,000 miles) when you pull up to a red light or stop sign and your sitting still at an idle in drive the engine starts to run rough and acts like the lockup solenoid is staying engaged causing the engine to start stalling down to the point it dies unless i put it in park. It only happens about once a month and all day long and the dodge house hasnt been able to see it happen yet. By the time i drop it off the problem goes away. Of course i went from november 2018 to Feb 2019 without it acting up not even one time but then one morning i go to slow down to stop at a stop sign and it wanted to keep going pulling thru the brakes. It did that for about two weeks and now it is back to stalling out again maybe every two weeks. I have not been able to recreate this issue own my on it just happens when it wants too. No one i have spoke with has a clue what it is. The only thing we have determined is the torque convertor may be failing but then why doesnt it do it every day all the time? Sometimes i picture something floating around getting hung up time to time in the tranny valve/spool in the body but i have pulled the pan and changed the oil and both filters and the oil was clean and no contamination of any kind. It would be nice to hear from someone that has had this issue before and a fix. The only difference about this truck is it has a 6 inch lift and runs 37in tires but doubt that really has anything to do with it. Only thing else i can add is sometimes the truck will get up and go fast and other times it seems sluggish to go.
It’s your tps.
The 68rfe is a max 500hp trany that is geared specifically to stock tires..adding 37’s to a stock trany will make it work harder to push the torque to the wheels..it sounds as if your trany may be struggling needing different size gears to push the torque..im not a trany expert but have alot of friends killig the tranys prematurely with adding huge tires and mods to stock 68 and 65 rfe trans…hope this helps you out a bit
Have a 2017 power wagon 2500 experiencing the hard down shift firtst they replaced the solenoid that didn’t fix it also had shavings in the pan took it back they rebuilt the transmission when they did they found that it had been aasembled wrong to begin with drove it 2 days same thing started again they looked at again and said it’s shifting fine according to their diagnostic computer I call bullcrap they are saying they can’t get it to do the hard down shift I’ve been feeling again bullcrap I’ve filled a case with Chrysler because it was built wrong at the factory I’ve seen numerous complaints of this same issue so why not get off your ass and fix the problem? Get rid of these positions transmissions and put an Allison in them smh don’t buy dosge
My 2018 Dodge Ram heavy duty will not go into 1st 2nd or 3rd gear and it will not go into reverse sometimes there’s a burning smell in a Little Smoke
Tommy Nooch 2014 ram 2500 cummins , 75,000 miles sometimes when I stop it feels like down shifting slowly, truck being pushed ! Sometimes After A complete stop Truck will not drive or go into gear! Have to turn off engine and back on to reset it computer?
Tommy, did you ever get this fixed? If you did, what was the issue. My 2014 2500 Diesel is now doing the same thing as your truck.
2012 dodge 3500. Truck has 131,000 km. Springs popped out transfer case. Transmission toast. Really????
2004 ,3500 transmission 48RE hard shifting from1st to 2nd ,goes in gear and takes off like a champ .
2001 ram 2500 diesel hard start after driving over 1 hour the dies when put it in gear. Already moved ground wire and replaced sealinoid in trans. In reverse or drive. Give gas it works.