Dodge Ram 2500 Transmission Problems & Cost | 47RE | 48RE | 68RFE

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.

Need a replacement transmission? Get an estimate for replacement transmissions and local installation. Look up your transmission model by vehicle make and model.

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:

TransmissionStreet Smart Transmission
47RE (A618)2204
48RE2712
545RFE2348
65RFE2478
68RFE3543

What are the DTC codes related to Dodge Ram 2500 transmission problems?

Trouble CodeDescription
P0700Transmission Control System (MIL Request)
P0706Transmission Range Sensor Circuit Range/Performance
P0710Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor Circuit
P0711Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor Circuit Range/Performance
P0712Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor Circuit Low Input
P0713Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor Circuit High Input
P0714Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor Circuit Intermittent P0715
P0717Input/Turbine Speed Sensor Circuit No Signal
P0720Output Speed Sensor Circuit
P0721Output Speed Sensor Circuit Range/Performance
P0729Gear 6 Incorrect Ratio
P0730Incorrect Gear Ratio
P0731Gear 1 Incorrect Ratio
P0732Gear 2 Incorrect Ratio
P0733Gear 3 Incorrect Ratio
P0734Gear 4 Incorrect Ratio
P0735Gear 5 Incorrect Ratio
P0740Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Malfunction
P0741Torque Converter Clutch Circuit
P0742Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Stuck On
P0743Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Electrical
P0744Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Intermittent
P0748Pressure Control Solenoid 'A' Electrical
P0750Shift Solenoid 'A'
P0751Shift Solenoid 'A' Performance or Stuck Off
P0755Shift Solenoid 'B'
P0760Shift Solenoid 'C'
P0765Shift Solenoid 'D'
P07833-4 Shift
P0814Torque Converter Overstressed
P0814Transmission Range Display Circuit
P0841Transmission Fluid Pressure Sensor/Switch “A” Circuit Range/Performance
P0846Transmission Fluid Pressure Sensor/Switch “B” Circuit Range/Performance
P0868Transmission Fluid Pressure Low
P0871Transmission Fluid Pressure Sensor/Switch “C” Circuit Range/Performance
P0880TCM Power Input Signal
P0881TCM Power Input Signal Range/Performance
P0882TCM Power Input Signal Low
P0884TCM Power Input Signal Intermittent
P0888TCM Power Relay Sense Circuit
P0891TCM Power Relay Sense Circuit High
P0897Transmission Fluid Deteriorated
P0933Hydraulic Pressure Sensor Range/Performance
P1864Torque Converter Enable Solenoid Electrical Fault
P1873Torque Converter Clutch Stator Temperature Switch Circuit Low Voltage
P1874Torque Converter Clutch Stator Temperature Switch Circuit High Voltage
P1887Torque Converter Clutch Release Switch
P2756Torque Converter Clutch Press Ctrl Solenoid
P2757Torque Converter Clutch Pressure Control Solenoid Ctrl Circuit Performance or Stuck Off
P2758Torque Converter Clutch Pressure Control Solenoid Ctrl Circuit Stuck On
P2759Torque Converter Clutch Pressure Control Solenoid Ctrl Circuit Electrical
P2760Torque Converter Clutch Pressure Control Solenoid Ctrl Circuit Intermittent
P2761Torque Converter Clutch Pressure Control Solenoid Ctrl Circuit Open
P2762Torque Converter Clutch Pressure Control Solenoid Ctrl Circuit Range/Performance
P2763Torque Converter Clutch Pressure Control Solenoid Ctrl Circuit High
P2764Torque Converter Clutch Pressure Control Solenoid Ctrl Circuit Low
P2769Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Low
P2770Torque 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.

Need a replacement transmission? Get an estimate for replacement transmissions and local installation. Look up your transmission model by vehicle make and model.

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!

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Keith Mitchell
2 years ago

2017 Ram 2500, 6.4 Hemi. Code P0871, transmission slips under towing load . Transmission was rebuilt, still doing same. Cannot find a fix.

Derrick
2 years ago

Hello. I have a 2002 dodge ram 2500 with the 5.9 gas engine with just over 100,000 miles on it and no codes. I have been having shifting and power problems. I have had the transmission rebuilt, new computer put in, new valve body. Have had it back to the transmission repair plaxe several times. They are out of ideas as to why it sometimes will not shift and why sometimes it acts like it has no power. Any help with this will be greatly appreciated.

Last edited 2 years ago by Derrick
Keith Mitchell
2 years ago
Reply to  Derrick

Having similar issue with 2017 ram
2500. Rebuilt transmission. Still slips when towing. Slips then no power, can push it to floor and won’t down shift. No trailer runs fine. Seems like tow/haul mode makes it worse.

Barry Dewalt
2 years ago

Neutral to drive hard slam some times when almost stoped it will go into neutral and then slam into gear dodge dealer just rebuilt the trans made it 10 mi maybe and it wouldn’t go into high gear took it back the said valve body was bad they replaced when rebuild supposedly so they put another one in 2 weeks and 2000 mi it’s doing the slamming in drive and going into nueltrol thing after it is drove 15-20 mi they had it for a week said they put 80 mi on it with 3 different techs and didn’t do it picked it up today turns out they only drove it 38 mi so I had taken pics of Speedo when dropped it off so here we r ! Any ideas ? Thanks and o yea this is after 4000 bucks

mrbill
2 years ago

Periodically, not always, no rhyme or reason, it starts or drops down under 40mph into “4” to the left of “D” and has blocks around it. Dealer replaced ECM, solenoids, TCM, twice. Can go a few hundred miles and then out of the blue does this event. I am considering rep-lacing the valve body as process of elimination. Surprised this is stumping everyone.
2008 Dodge Ram 2500 auto 68 rfe, 190,000 miles, not hard service, runs like a beauty when this is not happening.

Dennis Schofield
2 years ago

I have a 2016 Ram 2500 4×4 with 98,000 miles. It has a shutter when first accelerating from a stop. It is more prominent in a turn. It doesn’t do this at any other time. Only from a stop. The dealer said there are no codes.

Lupe Flores
2 years ago

My transmission stuck in 4th gear can you please show me how can I fix it he said to 2002 Dodge pickup 2500 and my name is Lupe Flores

Earl
2 years ago

2006 ram Cummins 48re shifts hard then won’t shift down and I just did the up grade on the governed

Earl
2 years ago

Shifts hard into second and locks converter and won’t down shift

Rodney Kendall
2 years ago

The transmission wanted to stay in first for a long time before it would even shift a second and then it would go ahead and shift the third and this is on 06 Dodge diesel ramAnd now it’s still the same from 1st to 2nd and now it won’t shift in the third and there is 187,000 miles on the engine can You know if the problem Is may be a solenoid Or a a modulator valve

gary cruise
2 years ago

ALL OF A SUDDEN NO REVERSE BUT EVERYTHING WORK,,1998 DODGE RAM 4X4 2500 DIESEL

Dave stewart
3 years ago

Code P0871 2016 Ram 2500, No sign of clutch wear when transmission fluid changed.

Truck shifts hard in all lower gears, will not go past 3rd gear stays stuck in limp mode

royce
3 years ago

jerks in and out of gear between 35mpr and up when hold steady throttle

Donny Taylor
3 years ago

I recently had to have a new halo installed and they had to program the halo to the truck,programming took them 4 days they said it was giving them problems, I finally get the truck back and next day I put it in gear and it’s not engaging, the shifter and cable moves,the display shows it in gear but nothing is engaging, their saying bad transmission but this truck shifted with no problems at all,it’s an 06 2500 5.9 diesel

Last edited 3 years ago by Donny Taylor
Darren lebaufe
3 years ago

My 2015 Dodge Ram 2500 6.4 liter 4WDhemi transmission shifts hard after it reaches a transmission temperature of 165 and up. What would be the cause?

Derrick Watkins
3 years ago

My truck is a 2500 Ram 5.9L Cummins. It has a build date of 10/98. It’s a 4WD with a 47RE. I experience “shuttering” in high torque demand situations, like climbing moderate inclines while pulling a moderately heavy load on a 16 foot flatbed trailer, for example. I can’t use full throttle or the shutter will occur in this type of situation. When the truck is empty, I normally do not feel the shaking/shuttering. I’m not having any other trany symptoms and fluid is clean and full. No DTCs. Thanks!

Last edited 3 years ago by Derrick Watkins
Joshua rupnow
3 years ago

Hi, so my transmission is slipping going from 1-2 or 2-3, it’s hard to tell but it happens at low RPM with no load at about 20-25 mph. I’ve done work on gas powered trucks but this is my first diesel. The truck had roughly 190000 thousand miles. I drained the fluid and replaced the filter. The magnet didn’t have any metal fragments on it. I replaced the filter And the truck sounds way better but it still skips about the same speed and rpm. From the descriptions listed on this site it sound like the governor governor pressure solenoid needs replaced. Are there any other possible
Issues I could run into? I’m not trying to open this thing up and drain the fluid any more than necessary so if you recommend changing the part that controlled the downshifting I’ll go ahead and swap it it while i I have the chance. Thanks.
Josh

Hal
3 years ago

07 5.9 auto when accelerating up at higher speed ( highway) tranny drops into passing mode or gear at 3/4 throttle . If u let up on throttle she’ll go back into last gear 4thor 5th . But as soon as u try to speed up over 68-70 mph . Drops into passing again . If it seems to have made it to overdrive all is well until a bit of a hill and then bamm back into lower gear . And what is tell tale way to tell if trans is 4 or 5 speed thanks

Kyle Wilber
2 years ago
Reply to  Hal

It shifts hard fro. NEutral to drive. Then from 55 to 58 I need to take foot of peddel to let it shift proper. Just had a rebuild put in it warranty is good on it yet.its 2001 2500 dodge 5.9 24v disel. Tranny shop says it’s a part on the the motor that is causing it and it’s a $800 guess wtf? They should have to fix it correctly rite? Before warranty is up?

Joey
3 years ago

I have a 96 dodge ram dually with the v10 only 160xxx miles trans will when started go into reverse if u put it there slip but once u move gear out of reverse and put it back in reverse it will not do anything and put in drive it moves but doesn’t like shifting to next gears. it is like 1 quart trans fluid low will it make trans do that

mark
3 years ago

2006 dodge ram 2500, diesel, 48RE. When warmed up, trying to come to stop over rides the vrakes

Charles Blunkall
3 years ago

Transmission is good, TCM is good ,transmission seems to be in limp mode, drives in reverse and one higher forward gear and no lock up. Shift indicator lights up for park and neutral only “with KEY SWITCH in run position “.With “KEY SWITCH IN ACCESSORY POSITION “all positions light up like they should. Transmission shop said the transmission is good but they could not retrieve any data. I’m guessing maby an ignition switch problem ?

Evan
3 years ago

2007 Ram 2500 6.7L
Vehicle wants to lurk forward when at a stop. Will do it in reverse also. Rpm is at 800 in park reverse neutral and drive. No check engine light or DTCs stored.
Feels like torque converter lock up. No other problems but this symptom. Where should I start looking?

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