Common 68RFE Transmission Problems and How to Fix Them

The 68RFE transmission is a six-speed automatic transmission found in Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 trucks equipped with the 6.7L Cummins diesel engine. While it was designed to handle heavy loads and high torque, it has gained a reputation for premature failures, slipping gears, and overheating issues.

Whether you use your truck for towing, off-roading, or daily driving, keeping your 68RFE in top condition is critical. In this guide, we’ll cover the most common 68RFE transmission problems, how to troubleshoot and fix them, and why upgrading to a Monster 68RFE Transmission can provide a long-term solution.

Common 68RFE Transmission Issues and Fixes

1. Gear Slipping and Shuddering

Gear slipping is one of the most common issues in 68RFE transmissions, especially in high-mileage or tuned trucks. If the clutches are worn or fluid pressure is low, the transmission may struggle to hold gears under load.

Symptoms:

  • RPMs spike unexpectedly without acceleration

  • Gears slip out of place under throttle

  • Truck shudders or hesitates while shifting

Causes & Fixes:

✔ Low or Burnt Transmission Fluid – Check your ATF+4 fluid level and color. If it’s dark or smells burnt, a fluid change may be needed.
 ✔ Worn Clutch Packs – If slipping persists, clutch wear may require a rebuild or an upgrade to a Monster 68RFE transmission with heavy-duty clutch packs.
 ✔ Weak Valve Body – The stock 68RFE valve body is prone to wear. A Monster 68RFE shift kit can improve shift firmness and eliminate slipping.

2. Harsh or Delayed Shifting

A properly functioning 68RFE should shift smoothly under load. However, harsh shifts or long delays between gear changes are often signs of internal wear or electronic issues.

Symptoms:

  • Hard downshifts or upshifts

  • Long delay when shifting from Park to Drive

  • Erratic gear engagement

Causes & Fixes:

✔ Faulty Pressure Solenoids – The stock solenoids wear out, leading to erratic shifts. Replacing them with heavy-duty solenoids can fix shifting issues.
 ✔ Valve Body Problems – The valve body controls fluid pressure and shift timing. Upgrading to a Monster 68RFE Performance Valve Body provides better fluid flow and shift consistency.
 ✔ Software Calibration Issues – If the transmission learns bad shift behavior, it may require a relearn procedure using a scan tool.

3. Overheating and Fluid Breakdown

Overheating is one of the leading causes of 68RFE failure. The stock transmission cooler is often insufficient for heavy towing or performance applications, leading to high temperatures that break down fluid and damage internal components.

Symptoms:

  • Burnt transmission fluid smell

  • Transmission warning light on the dashboard

  • Slipping or delayed shifts after long drives

Causes & Fixes:

✔ Insufficient Transmission Cooling – Install a high-capacity transmission cooler to keep fluid temperatures in check.
 ✔ Old or Contaminated Fluid – Replace transmission fluid and filter every 30,000-50,000 miles to ensure proper lubrication.
 ✔ Tuning Issues – If the truck is tuned for high torque, a built 68RFE with upgraded internals can handle higher heat and stress loads.

4. Torque Converter Failure

The 68RFE torque converter is a weak point in the transmission. Over time, it can develop excessive slip, cause shuddering, or fail altogether, resulting in poor power transfer and overheating.

Symptoms:

  • Poor throttle response even when accelerating hard

  • Vibrations or shuddering at highway speeds

  • Transmission running hot

Causes & Fixes:

✔ Stock Converter Not Designed for Heavy Loads – Upgrading to a Monster 68RFE Billet Torque Converter improves durability and power transfer.
 ✔ Fluid Contamination – If debris from a failing converter enters the transmission, a full rebuild may be necessary.
 ✔ Low Fluid Pressure – A worn pump or valve body issues can cause poor converter performance.

5. Transmission Fails to Engage Gears

If your 68RFE fails to engage Drive or Reverse, or randomly drops into Neutral, there may be a serious internal issue.

Symptoms:

  • Transmission won’t shift into Drive or Reverse

  • Stuck in one gear or limp mode

  • Sudden drop into Neutral while driving

Causes & Fixes:

✔ Electronic Control Issues – The Transmission Control Module (TCM) may need replacement or a software update.
 ✔ Worn Clutch Packs – A full rebuild with heavy-duty clutch packs may be required if the transmission loses clutch engagement.
 ✔ Internal Pump Failure – A failing pump can’t provide proper fluid pressure, requiring replacement.

Why Upgrade to a Monster 68RFE Transmission?

Stock 68RFE transmissions are known for weak internals, excessive heat, and early failures—especially when tuned for increased power or used for towing. At Monster Transmission, we build performance-enhanced 68RFE transmissions designed to handle higher torque loads, better cooling, and improved shift control.


Monster 68RFE Benefits:

✔ Upgraded Clutch Packs & Bands – Built to handle higher torque without premature wear
✔ Performance Valve Body – Reduces slipping, harsh shifts, and pressure drop issues
✔ Billet Torque Converter – Eliminates shudder and improves power transfer
✔ Heavy-Duty Solenoids & Pump – Enhances fluid pressure for stronger shifts
✔ Tested for Durability – Every Monster 68RFE is dyno-tested before shipping

Keep Your 68RFE Running Strong

The 68RFE transmission is notorious for early failures, but with the right maintenance, upgrades, and tuning, it can perform reliably for years. Diagnosing issues early can prevent costly repairs if you’re dealing with slipping gears, overheating, or rough shifting.

For long-term reliability and performance, a Monster 68RFE Transmission is the best investment for Dodge Ram truck owners who demand durability and power.

Upgrade to a Monster 68RFE Today.

Browse our Monster 68RFE lineup and get a transmission built for towing, performance, and long-term reliability.