68RFE transmission Fluid level question

[EDankievitch]

Anyone notice this with their 68RFE ? I did the fluid and filter service a few months ago when it was warm. Refilled after the drain and filter change with the same amount of fluid as came out. If anything I put in a slight bit more. When the transmission was cold (50 degrees) the level was at the cold mark at warm 175 degrees it was at the full mark. All good right? Well it was 19 this morning I start the truck shift through the gears and let it idle in neutral as per the instructions on the dip stick and check the fluid level and it's not even on the end of the stick! drive the truck let things come up to normal 165-175 degrees temp and I'm back up to the full Hot mark. Should I be worried that I'm too low cold?

 

[EZeis]

Fluid expands when hot. That's why most transmissions say check hot or at a certain temp. So cold level will definitely be lower. Filling it completely full cold would everfill it.


Earl

 

[Cummins12V98]

ALWAYS check trans at operating temp.

 

[Ozymandias]

And the 68RFE is to check in P, not in N like the ol 727.
Seems funny to me that your dipstick tells the old story.

 

[EDankievitch]

That's what I thought but it clearly says check in neutral engine running. I just found it strange that when it was really cold the lube wasn't even on the end of the stick.

 

[Cummins12V98]

I have NEVER checked mine COLD cuz you are supposed to check it at normal operating temp. I have noticed a difference between NORMAL and HOT.

 

[Ozymandias]

https://carmanuals2.com/get/ram-2500-2013-owner-s-manual-72801

Page 667 of the manual stats it has to be done in Park.

 

[Cummins12V98]

My 68rfe said check at operating temp in neutral. 2011 HO DRW

 

[Ozymandias]

The manual or the dip stick?

That's what I thought but it clearly says check in neutral engine running. I just found it strange that when it was really cold the lube wasn't even on the end of the stick.

Read that manual, there is written -

CAUTION!
Be aware that if the fluid temperature is below 50°F
(10°C) it may not register on the dipstick. Do not add
fluid until the temperature is elevated enough to
produce an accurate reading.

 

[EDankievitch]

The manual or the dip stick?


Read that manual, there is written -

CAUTION!
Be aware that if the fluid temperature is below 50°F
(10°C) it may not register on the dipstick. Do not add
fluid until the temperature is elevated enough to
produce an accurate reading.

That is the answer I was looking for Thank you!!!! Scary though that you could do a service in a cold shop and until you drive the truck and get it up to normal temp you could be very low on fluid...…
And Yes that is what my stick says check fluid level in Neutral running and do not over fill.

 

[gsbrockman]

That is the answer I was looking for Thank you!!!! Scary though that you could do a service in a cold shop and until you drive the truck and get it up to normal temp you could be very low on fluid...…
And Yes that is what my stick says check fluid level in Neutral running and do not over fill.

And this is the verrrrrrry reason one should capture and measure the amount of old fluid and use that amount as a baseline when re-filling with new fluid.

Additionally.....the 68RFE circulates equally the same in Neutral or Park.

 

[dougsram]

My 2011 manual says to "check in Park." The dipstick says to check "in Neutral." Per Brockman, doesn't matter. Reads the same in both positions. I do prefer to have the truck in park when standing in front of a running engine.

 

[Cummins12V98]

My 2011 manual says to "check in Park." The dipstick says to check "in Neutral." Per Brockman, doesn't matter. Reads the same in both positions. I do prefer to have the truck in park when standing in front of a running engine.

Please show a pic of this. My 11 HO DRW said neutral 68RFE. Are you reading the diesel portion?

 

[kthaxton]

My manual also says Park.

 

[EZeis]

My 2018 manuals have no mention of checking trans fluid on any of the autos, gas or diesel. Tells me what fluid each trans uses and when to change them but nothing on checking the fluid level. Lol
2018 user guide ram trucks 1500/2500/3500 and the 2018 quick reference guide ram trucks 1500/2500/3500. Neither mention checking the fluid level.


Earl

 

[JackFate]

I had similar oddities after having recall done on my 2016/3500 rfe68. Checked cold it was good ,hot it was low. I’m calling it good

 

[rikbakke]

The FCA lawyers say check it in Park...

 

[Cummins12V98]

I think I just had a oh yea moment! The 47 and 48 trans say neutral, correct???

If so I am WRONG!!! Check in Park.

 

[Ozymandias]

I think I just had a oh yea moment! The 47 and 48 trans say neutral, correct???

If so I am WRONG!!! Check in Park.

Thats correct, the 727 had check in neutral because the TC circuit is closed at that transmission in Park.
Thats also the reason to let the 727 idle in N if the transmission needs some cooling.