Question on 68RFE Transmission

[Bullhauler101]

The suggestion on the 48 transmission on engine startup/warmup was to put the vehicle in NEUTRAL to allow the transmission fluid to circulate better. I believe it would not do so in PARK. An alternative was just to drive it easy until it heated up.



Since I have the 68RFE now, the question is whether this precaution (Neutral or Park on warmup) is still necessary or recommended.



Thanks for responding.



BH

 

[sag2]

Unless you’re having a drain back problem you should not have to idle more than a few seconds before taking off. The RE is still pretty much mechanical hydraulics except for OD and LU, but the RFE is completely electronic and has safeguards built in. All the electronic transmissions LE, TE, RFE have temperature strategies for both cold and hot operation. They will allow or deny certain functions depending on temp.

 

[WMoroni]

I've noticed my wife's won't shift out of fourth untill it is warmed to a certain temp. I read somewhere (proably owners manual?) that that is the way it is supposed to work.

 

[Simplysmn]

Yeah My 08 is same way stays in 4th or 5th till it warms up then hits 6th and fly's

 

[HBarlow]

Have you considered reading the owner's manual?



My understanding is the 68RFE is still based on the same old Torqueflite of the '60s although it is an entirely new computer electronically controlled device.

 

[MCummings]

My understanding is the 68RFE is still based on the same old Torqueflite of the '60s although it is an entirely new computer electronically controlled device.

I was told it was a huge overgrown minivan trans. ?



Merrick

 

[sag2]

Have you considered reading the owner's manual?



My understanding is the 68RFE is still based on the same old Torqueflite of the '60s although it is an entirely new computer electronically controlled device.

Not even close to an RE trans. Like Merrick says, it is closer to a minivan trans in operation than a torqueflite.

 

[HBarlow]

Not even close to an RE trans. Like Merrick says, it is closer to a minivan trans in operation than a torqueflite.

sag2:



Although Dodge hasn't said it officially I've read somewhere, maybe on "all. par", that the new 68RFE is based on the old Torqueflite. I know it is all new internals using all electronic controls but it is not an all new fresh sheet of paper design for many reasons.



I can't accept your statement and I doubt many others will either that the transmission used behind a Cummins engine producing 650 lbs. ft. of torque and moving up to 23,000 lbs. of weight is based on the same unit used in a suburban mom's grocery getter van weighing what, 4500 lbs. and probably rated to pull a 1500 lb. trailer behind a gasoline V6.



I think the article I read also listed the modern five speed automatic used in the 1500 pickup transmission as from the same source. External case photos I've seen make the new 68RFE look very much like the case of my 48RE.



Harvey

 

[MCummings]

Harvey,



I take it you don't know who sag2 is.



We can let this one slide. . :-laf



Why can't a redesigned mini van trans do the work? If it's strong enough, and designed good enough? I don't see any true daily driven failures yet...



Merrick

 

[sag2]

The 68RFE is a much larger version of the 545RFE that is used in 1500 truck and 2500-3500 Hemi applications, and in Durango, Dakota, Commander, Grand Cherokee, and some Liberty applications. When I said it is closer to the 41TE that is used in most FWD applications I meant the design is similar as far as clutches and controls. The 42RLE that is used in some RWD applications is basically a 41TE for RWD.

 

[WoodChuck]

Didn't they cover the RFE trans in a recent TDR magazine?

It is not a derivative of either a Minivan or the 727 thru 48 RE trans. It is all new and designed for the Cummins motor.

 

[WoodChuck]

I forgot to add it's closer to the Allison trans than anything Mopar ever made.

 

[HBarlow]

Harvey,



I take it you don't know who sag2 is.



We can let this one slide. . :-laf



Why can't a redesigned mini van trans do the work? If it's strong enough, and designed good enough? I don't see any true daily driven failures yet...



Merrick

Merrick,



I DO know that sag2 appears to be a highly trained and knowledgeable dealership mechanic and have high regard for everything he contributes here. He is often the "final source" of accurate and well sourced info on the new trucks.



Yeah, I guess you're right. I'll let this one slide.



Harvey

 

[HBarlow]

The 68RFE is a much larger version of the 545RFE that is used in 1500 truck and 2500-3500 Hemi applications, and in Durango, Dakota, Commander, Grand Cherokee, and some Liberty applications. When I said it is closer to the 41TE that is used in most FWD applications I meant the design is similar as far as clutches and controls. The 42RLE that is used in some RWD applications is basically a 41TE for RWD.

Thanks sag2.



Harvey

 

[KEpperly]

The owners manual helps out alot on the trans

 

[tom sweeney]

... . at least there are NO BANDS to adjust!!!!... ... ... . tom

 

[PVanderlugt]

... . at least there are NO BANDS to adjust!!!!... ... ... . tom

And they finally put a spin-on transmission filter on it. Just too bad they put it on the INSIDE of the transmission oil pan

Pete

 

[Edward]

And they finally put a spin-on transmission filter on it. Just too bad they put it on the INSIDE of the transmission oil pan

Pete

That stops the jiffy stooge who works at the jiffy place from draining the engine oil replacing the trans filter and then refiling the engine. Wonder how long an engine will last without replacing the engine oil filter?



Edward

 

[HoleshotHolset]

Something I've been thinking of asking for a while...

Why did "they" go through all the effort of making the 68RFE when the Aisin was ready and waiting?



Granted, the "light duty" Rams have higher horsepower ratings than the "heavy duty" applications - but you'd think the Aisin would be a shoe-in for this.



Beers,



Matt