Transmission Pan Leak Diagnosis

Disclaimer: Links on this page pointing to Amazon, eBay and other sites may include affiliate code. If you click them and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission.

Jocephus86

Junior Member
Joined
Dec 29, 2022
Posts
13
Reaction score
3
Location
Marietta, GA
Ram Year
2016
Engine
3.6
I just purchased my 2016 Ram 1500 Tradesman from a dealer. Naturally, as soon as I got it home, I got a misfire (fuel injector, which the dealer paid for) and had to change out the front lug studs and all lug nuts.
After this was completed, I noticed an oil leak. Crawling under the vehicle showed that the oil was dripping from the torx bolts holding the pan. Additionally, just forward of the pan is another pan, much smaller. I think this is the cooler, but not sure. I'm new to Ram trucks.
The pan appears to be nearly new (the dealer assured me he had not changed this).
I attempted to snug the bolts around the pan, and (rookie mistake) I broke one. I'm getting it replaced in two days.

I'm trying to determine the best method of troubleshooting and repair, without breaking the bank.
1. If the leak still persists, I'm considering removing the pan and replacing the gaskets, reusing the fluid (after filtering) if it appears clean and original color (not sure which oil they used). My concern is that I will still have to add more fluid, and I don't know what was used.
2. If #1 not an option, bite the bullet and change the fluid and filter.

Update - Bit the bullet and replacing pan, gasket, bolts (one is broken - easy out) and fluid.
Thanks for the help.

Joe
 
Last edited:

ThunderMug95

Senior Member
Supporting Member
Joined
May 3, 2018
Posts
2,189
Reaction score
3,185
Location
North Prince George, VA
Ram Year
2017
Engine
5.7
I am betting the pan is missing the flange collars for the bolts if its dripping from multiple bolts. I have intimate and recent knowledge of this pan. I did a pan swap and fill Saturday.
Also filter in Mopar pan is built in, not replaceable…You have to buy a new pan.
If you do this its like $230-250 for the pan. Or you can spend a bit more and get one of these like I and many others did.
There is also a very specific way to fill and verify fluid level. Its not a dump in and go.
I used Valvoline Multi ATF and its shifting great. $34.99 for 5qts at Autozone.
Or you can spring for the magical Unicorn *** that Mopar specs.
 

Attachments

  • 581F7034-430D-43E4-9C46-137F8C3AFD81.jpeg
    581F7034-430D-43E4-9C46-137F8C3AFD81.jpeg
    155.6 KB · Views: 33
Last edited:

brianw0048

Senior Member
Joined
Jan 7, 2017
Posts
639
Reaction score
269
Ram Year
2016
Engine
EcoDiesel
there’s a factory replacement pan on eBay as well…like $30.
 

LVnight1500

Senior Member
Joined
Mar 28, 2017
Posts
132
Reaction score
24
Ram Year
2017
Engine
Hemi 5.7
Did you have to buy the gasket separate? Or it comes with the PPE pan?
 

LVnight1500

Senior Member
Joined
Mar 28, 2017
Posts
132
Reaction score
24
Ram Year
2017
Engine
Hemi 5.7
I am betting the pan is missing the flange collars for the bolts if its dripping from multiple bolts. I have intimate and recent knowledge of this pan. I did a pan swap and fill Saturday.
Also filter in Mopar pan is built in, not replaceable…You have to buy a new pan.
If you do this its like $230-250 for the pan. Or you can spend a bit more and get one of these like I and many others did.
There is also a very specific way to fill and verify fluid level. Its not a dump in and go.
I used Valvoline Multi ATF and its shifting great. $34.99 for 5qts at Autozone.
Or you can spring for the magical Unicorn *** that Mopar specs.
Did you have to buy the gasket separate? Or it comes with the PPE pan?
 

ThunderMug95

Senior Member
Supporting Member
Joined
May 3, 2018
Posts
2,189
Reaction score
3,185
Location
North Prince George, VA
Ram Year
2017
Engine
5.7
You’ll also need to reuse the old bolts from the factory pan and the collars.
What @Atcer2018 said is accurate. Some have reused the gasket. The collars on the flange bolts keep the gasket from being over-compressed, so in theory it could be reusable. I chose to get a new one.
My best advice to anyone is have a solution for the pan install. The oem pan will come out fine, but the PPE will require some work. Jack the trans up by the crossmember mount (gently and slow) or drop the exhaust behind the headers.
 
OP
OP
J

Jocephus86

Junior Member
Joined
Dec 29, 2022
Posts
13
Reaction score
3
Location
Marietta, GA
Ram Year
2016
Engine
3.6
I resolved the issue. This was an oil cooler issue. Replaced with all an all metal oil cooler, the leak has been resolved. Unfortunately, while torquing the bolts on the pan, one failed. I have the parts and fluid to replace hydraulic fluid and pan, so I'll take care of this soon. Thanks for everyone's help.
 

joesstripclub

Senior Member
Joined
Dec 13, 2019
Posts
427
Reaction score
519
Location
Lees Summit, MO
Ram Year
2021 2500 PW
Engine
Hemi 6.4
Make sure you get an OEM pan gasket if you buy an aftermarket pan. I got a cheap ebay pan and had to replace the gasket since it leaked.
 
Top