Transmission issues

[Droybal261]

Hello, I’m here because my transmission is VERY clunky.. you can hear it bang into reverse when I’m trying to reverse.. while I’m driving I noticed 1-2nd gear is a hard shift, but 2nd-3rd gear almost feels like it’s slipping.. anybody know if this is normal or if my trans is about to say bye bye?.
I tried posting a video but it’s not letting me..

 

[crash68]

anybody know if this is normal or if my trans is about to say bye bye?.
I tried posting a video but it’s not letting me..

A little more information is needed like how many miles on the truck, which engine/transmission (So or HO), do you tow? How much weight?

As for posting videos, you need to host them on a site like YouTube and then share the link.

 

[Droybal261]

It’s at 57k miles, it’s a 2019 6.7 Cummins, with the 68rfe 6 speed auto trans, I do tow every now and then, but at most it’s my drag car and car hauler.. and that gets towed 5 times a year.

 

[express2014]

Have you checked the fluid level and color?

 

[06 Dodge]

At 57K its a just few miles short of its 60K service, go buy a trans filters at Geno's Garage then refill using your brand choice of ATF+4, btw if your careful you can reuse the pan gasket and save yourself $44.95; link to the screw on filter: https://www.genosgarage.com/product/mop-5179267/transmission-filters ...link to the sump filter: https://www.genosgarage.com/product/mop-5013470/transmission-filters

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[Droybal261]

The fluid color a brown color and has a burnt smell to it.. I just finished checking it.

 

[Fast69Mopar]

The fluid color a brown color and has a burnt smell to it.. I just finished checking it.

The fluid having a burned smell and a brownish color is a sign of clutch damage. With it "banging" I to gear I suspect it is either in limp-mode or the CVI's (Clutch Volume Index) are sky high and with that the clutch engagement is very harsh to the normal driver. My guess would be a failed O/D Clutch or a failed 2C/4C clutch. If you have a scan tool take a look at the CVI's in the TCM and record their values. Then perform a Quick Learn and record the values again. If you can post the CVI's here I can tell you by looking at them what has failed or is failing.

You may be able to get some more life out of it by servicing the trans with both new filters and fluid but it's only a temporary band-aid at this point.

 

[Firedevil7]

Mine did the same thing on a 24 model 2500 Cummins. Both times the transmission went out. I have 9K miles on mine and on the 3d transmission. You might as well take it in and good luck getting a replacement. They are hard to come by. May be months in shop.

 

[Droybal261]

Thinking about just gettin rid of the damn thing dudes.. it’s a bummer. Do you guys know of any built 68rfe transmissions?? Or any other good transmissions?

 

[Droybal261]

That won’t bust the bank of course.. I looked into a company that makes an Allison conversion, but it’s pricey..

 

[Fast69Mopar]

That won’t bust the bank of course.. I looked into a company that makes an Allison conversion, but it’s pricey..

Your best bet is to find an independent shop who builds 68's and performs all of the known upgrades that help these things survive daily use. Or try to find a dealer tech like me that builds these in their own shop like I do. That will be the most budget-friendly approach.

If you really want to save the most go grab a unit from LKQ and install it yourself or maybe find a used unit on Marketplace.

 

[Burla]

You burnt up the fluid, don't blame the truck. No matter which truck you buy if it is a diesel these days you need to be very advanced in maintenance, it isn't like the old days. Did you delete thermo bypass? Are you gonna try a dyi flush, if so I can give some tips, if not GL.

 

[Burla]

If you can get this soon, many times it is an immediate fix until you can get to it. A good idea anyhow to put in ASAP if you are going to try and see if it is savable.

INSTALLATION: ATS 68RFE Thermal Bypass - 2013-2022 Ram 6.7L Cummins

This is a must for any truck that has a 68-RFE or Aisin AS69RC transmission in it. Dodge decided to incorporate a transmission cooler by pass valve into the ...

youtu.be

 

[Dusty]

Brown fluid by itself is not always a significant problem, but burnt smell almost always indicates a worn clutch(es).

Can it be saved? Only knowing the Clutch Index number and clutch fill rate would help in that determination.

Also, if you need a full rebuild ask the technician if they use Dexron AT fluid instead of ATF+4. Most mom and pop rebuilders around here use Dexron on Mopars because they can buy it in bulk much cheaper. I strongly recommend using ATF+ only.

Regards,
Dusty
2019 Ram 1500 Billet Silver Laramie Quad Cab 2WD, 5.7 Hemi, 8HP75, 3.21 axle, 33-gallon fuel tank, 18” wheels. Build Date: 3 June 2018. Now at 148716 miles.

 

[chaosh1]

Numbers would look like this. These are mine, im monitoring mine because i know at some point in the next 10k miles ill need a rebuild. I have 60k miles on it, Changed fluid 2 times, have the PPE deep pan, billet valve body and the thermal bypass installed.

I tow 10klb travel trailer about 400 miles round trip 4-6 times a year.