Dodge Aisin Transmission – Good Automatic for Good Cars?

Dodge transmissions are quite good. You may know that Dodge vehicles get fewer transmission failure reports than nearly all other cars. At least, if we are talking about the RAM trucks. But not all trucks are equipped with the same types of transmissions. In one case, it may be an Allison transmission, in some other cases - a Chrysler unit.

Ram 2500/3500 Aisin transmission highlights

• Average lifespan:220,000-260,000 miles
• Reliability Score:High
• Prone to minor issues:No
• Price for repair after failure:$2,000-$2,800
• Price for replacement:$6,500-$8,000
• Availability of parts:Good
• Common problems:valve body leakage, torque converter problems, sprag assemblies issues, overdrive clutches failure.

Where can you find the Aisin transmission in Dodge vehicles?

The Aisin transmissions are now used in RAM Trucks and RAM Chassis Cabs, usually the 3500, 4500, and 5500 models. But these models can still be equipped with Chrysler transmissions (68RFE).

The two engine options are coupled with Aisin transmissions: the 6.4-liter V8 gasoline and the 6.7-liter Cummins diesel engines. But again, not all vehicles powered with these engines come with Aisin transmissions.

Here are some ways how you can identify the unit:

1. Through the VIN-code checkout. You can use any paid service to get detailed information on the vehicle including some data about its transmission type.
2. The yellow dipstick should be located on the driver's side (on the right). Just open the hood and have a look at the dipstick.
3. Look at the transmission. Above the driveshaft, you will see the "AISIN" badge. This is how you can make sure you have the Aisin transmission.

All other parts will be identical. You can't say if a truck is equipped with an Aisin transmission by looking at the stick shift or registering the way your vehicle goes. When new, all types of automatic transmission in your RAM truck will work more or less similarly.

But the Chrysler transmission actually has different gear ratios and many owners say that the Aisin unit is much better for the heavy-duty RAM. Why? Let's see.

Pros of the Aisin automatic transmission in a RAM truck

Regarding advantages, we can find a lot. But you should know that the Chrysler automatic gearbox is not bad, too. If you have a truck or a chassis cab equipped with any other transmission, you should be calm. Your equipment is also good and durable.

But we know some specific features that make the Aisin unit better in some ways. Of course, the advantages depend much on how you use your truck. They are not always obvious to the owner.

Here are some of the most important pluses of the Aisin 6-speed gearbox:

1. Durability. Owners of the 2013-2014 RAM trucks say that they haven't had any problems with the transmissions. Some of the trucks have already passed over 300,000 miles and even more than that but they are still OK and don't need repair or replacement.
2. Fuel efficiency. Thanks to better gear ratios, the Aisin transmission helps owners save up some money on fuel costs. The difference will be obvious for a gas-powered engine because the Cummins diesel engine is economical even with any other transmission.
3. Reliability. Even small problems don't bother you much. We know this for sure because we've studied reviews and opinions and we haven't seen any reports about bad problems and small issues which could be called common problems for this transmission.
4. Simple construction. Thanks to very long experience in manufacturing gearboxes, Aisin provided a wonderful transmission that has simple and easy-to-repair construction. Even if something happens, it won't cost you a fortune to repair this unit.
5. No overheating. For heavy-duty trucks, the main problem is sometimes the transmission overheating. Aisin will not overheat under any circumstances and this makes it even more durable and problem-free.
6. Cool torque converter. This is probably the least reliable part in all traditional automatic transmissions, but in the Aisin 6-speed gearbox, it won't cause any problems. The unit is long-lasting and it can withstand nearly anything.
7. Two models are available. The Aisin AS66RC is the option for the gas-powered engine and the Aisin AS69RC is for the Cummins engine. This allows the manufacturer to get the best settings for each engine type.

OK, so this transmission is really durable and it doesn't break often, it can withstand nearly any loads when towing and hauling, and it can save your gas or diesel. What else do you need? We don't say that the Aisin gearbox in your RAM truck is the best invention in the world of transmissions, but it's really a very good unit.

Also, we can say that in terms of comfort, this is one of the most interesting transmissions for trucks. It shifts quickly and you don't feel any changes in the way your truck accelerates. It's really good for city driving and it adds to the longevity because that jerking never makes transmission more durable.

What are the disadvantages of Aisin transmission?

The 6-speed Aisin automatic transmission in the RAM truck or Chassis Cab is good and we can't find any common problems that would be worth mentioning here. But still, we decided to dig deeper and we found some guys saying about problems. We've tried to analyze that information and present it to you.

Here are some possible problems with the Chrysler Aisin transmissions:

• jerking when shifting - a problem that can occur on very high mileage vehicles when the torque converter is not good anymore;
• slipping - this is not a very common problem, too, but it can happen after 200,000 miles, the torque converter should be replaced;
• gear problems - if you tow more weight than allowed, you will experience problems with the gears in the transmission;
• not shifting - sometimes, the control module fails and the transmission can only shift one or two gears;
• some codes on the dash - this is not the newest transmission and it can throw some codes in your dash now and then, but this doesn't always mean some problems;
• rough shifting - it's not a usual problem of the Aisin transmission, but after some decent mileage, they may start shifting with jerks.

That's all. We couldn't find any low-mileage problems that are attacking RAM owners. Also, we could only find good and neutral reviews. Only some people weren't really glad about what they've got using the RAM trucks equipped with the Aisin transmission.

So, if you aren't afraid of the possible problems with the transmission that are listed above, you can buy a RAM truck with this automatic transmission.

How many miles will your Aisin transmission last?

The Aisin automatic transmission will last about 200,000 miles with no problems at all. After that, some small issues can come. But you will still be able to drive another 100,000 miles without a really big investment. This is not a bad offer compared to what many other manufacturers have for sale.

How to maintain and repair the Aisin in your RAM?

It's one of the wonderful transmissions that doesn't need a lot of maintenance. Just change the oil from time to time (or better according to the maintenance recommendation issued by the manufacturer). The quality of transmission fluid is important, too. Never use any cheap alternatives, better buy original or recommended fluid.

If you need to repair the Aisin, you will probably need to go to a Dodge (Chrysler) dealer because they will have an Aisin Tech there. A professional approach is crucial in repairing these transmissions. Unfortunately, repairing this transmission in a simple repair shop is not a good idea because this way you may lose the warranty coverage, and also the repair can be too long.

We can think of one problem - the parts prices. Aisin parts will be much more expensive than the parts for the Chrysler automatic transmission. Though you won't need to buy them really often, so this problem may even be neglected.

Final words

Although the Aisin transmissions in Dodge RAM vehicles are good, the Chrysler option is not bad, too. You may not pay attention to the transmission type when you are buying this vehicle. If you want exclusively the Aisin transmission, you should say it to the dealer before you buy the vehicle.

We love this unit but it also has some small problems and disadvantages. We still think this is one of the best automatic transmissions for big heavy-duty trucks and chassis cabs that can tow and haul pretty much anything.