RAM 66RFE Transmission Problems and Main Reasons They Appear

Automatic transmissions have become the go-to type of multi-speed transmission by most vehicle owners because of their convenience. Under ordinary driving conditions, this sort of transmission is employed in internal combustion engine-powered cars that do not require any input from the driver to change forward gears. An automatic transmission often combines a transmission, axle, and differential into a single integrated unit, transforming it into a transaxle.

66RFE transmission highlights

• Average lifespan:190,000-210,000 miles
• Reliability Score:High
• Prone to minor issues:Sometimes
• Price for repair after failure:$1,200-$1,600
• Price for replacement:$5,500-$6,500
• Availability of parts:Average
• Common problems: Valve body may get clogged, leaks are possible, pump isn't eternal, electronic control problems.

What's the 66RFE transmission like?

The RFE is an automatic transmission family made by Chrysler, one of the biggest automobile companies in the United States and in the global market. The term RFE refers to the design of the rear-wheel drive and the transmission's full electronic control system. The first edition of the RFE was launched in 1998, called the 45RFE transmission, which had three planet-like gears instead of the conventional two.

As years went by, the RFE transmission had more variants, which included the 54RFE launched in 2001 and the 68RFE becoming available in 2007. In 2012, the 66RFE became another addition to the RFE automatic transmission family and, no long after, was one of the best-selling types sold by Chrysler. The 66RFE is also a lighter version of the 68RFE, which was one of the many reasons why the former became an instant hit.

The 66RFE is physically identical to its predecessor, with the presence of an upgraded torque converter being the only difference. The Transmission Control Module, as with other RFE models, controls the 66RFE entirely through electronic methods. 

To govern transmission shifting, the TCM uses data from numerous transmission and engine sensors. The TCM controls the solenoid pack, which is directly affixed to the valve body and changes the hydraulic flow via the valve body to various clutches in the transmission.

Problematic RAM 66RFE Transmission

Some of the most popular vehicles to have a 66RFE transmission are the Dodge/RAM models. There are reports concerning a delayed engagement and an unpredictable shift.

Some RAM owners complain about most shops being unable to diagnose and repair the problem. Other owners go straight to their RAM dealers, where the assigned mechanic resorts to replacing some parts, which results in the car not moving at all.

An initial visual inspection

As ever, the very first step in completing any diagnostic operation or maintenance procedure is to conduct an inspection of the car. Removing the transmission by yourself before going to the shop is slightly discouraged, so the mechanic will have a complete view of the transmission and other parts. However, if it can't be helped, the most competitive mechanic can still check the car despite the transmission and converters having been removed.

During the ocular inspection, once a mechanic spots some fine metal debris and other materials, an internal problem with the transmission can be concluded right away. Once the transmission is disassembled, the problem will be more magnified as, most certainly, anomalies like slightly burnt clutches and other things will be seen. Identifying the unusual appearances in your transmission will help you diagnose the problem later on.

The metal debris coming from your vehicle's torque converter is a potential culprit in the issues you face with your RAM 66RFE transmission. Also, if you check the regulated air pressure using an air check tool, you can verify if there's any leak in the clutch circuits and if it's intact. Once you have assessed these things, you and your mechanic can proceed with the transmission repair.

Repairing the faulty 66RFE transmission

To start repairing your RAM 66RFE transmission, clean it thoroughly and inspect the other parts to determine which needs a complete replacement. If needed, all of your RAM's clutches, sealing rings, pistons, and other components must be changed. After assembling the transmission, do another air check to make sure the clutch will operate properly.

Replacing the valve body with a rebuilt one will be a good complement in repairing the 66RFE transmission. However, be careful when doing this troubleshooting step since you can cause the car not to move when done improperly.

For some reason, if the car stopped moving entirely after you replaced the valve body, don't panic. All you have to do is make sure the valve body is receiving clutch pressure from the port plugs.

It's important to remember that Dodge/RAM does not include port plugs for clutch pressure in valve bodies. If you're putting in a replacement, get the port plugs from the original one and put them in the new valve body. You can use old pressure port plugs from another valve body and install them into the refurbished clutch pressure ports.

Other possible reasons and consequences

1. Dirty transmission fluid

Transmission fluid is required in manual transmission automobiles to keep gears greased and to prevent grinding. In addition, transmission fluid in automatic transmission cars helps generate the hydraulic pressure that powers transmission movement.

Transmissions can overheat, and important gears can slide, surge, or become grind down if the proper amount of clean and debris-free transmission fluid is not supplied.

Worse, your car can fail totally if you keep your transmission fluid low or dirty. This condition is caused by contamination, leaking, or even mileage. Having your RAM checked regularly is vital for its overall performance.

2. Leakage in the transmission fluid

Automatic Transmission fluid can be deciphered as a brilliant red or dirty dark red fluid on your driveway or garage floor. Transmission fluid should never leak, and if it does, it can cause a complete breakdown of your transmission, which is both inconvenient and expensive.

Sometimes repairing a leak is as simple as replacing a faulty gasket or hose. If you discover the problem early, the repair will most likely be less expensive. Bring your car to the shop as soon as possible before it becomes a major issue.

3. Shaking sounds in the gear

When you're shifting gears, automatic transmissions such as the RAM 66RFE should be running smoothly if there are no apparent issues. There should be no grinding, slippage, or shaking while your car shifts gears. When a transmission begins to malfunction, these symptoms may appear inconsequential. If you're already experiencing jarring sensations when shifting, it's time to bring it in and have us look at it.

4. Auto is not shifting gear

Sometimes, your car won't respond right away when you're trying to go reverse. Oftentimes, the RAM 66RFE transmission won't also engage while you're on the road or parking in reverse. If you have experienced both with your car, chances are your transmission is starting to get faulty. These issues could suggest that your fluid's protective characteristics have diminished and have thickened.

5. Whining or clunking noise

You may have transmission problems if you suddenly begin to hear whining, buzzing, or clunking sounds under your automobile that you have never heard before. These sounds could mean your car may have an issue that is likely to be modest, but it could foreshadow something worse. Some transmission noises can be produced by the breakdown of your automatic transmission fluid.

Transmission fluid is responsible for lubricating a large number of mechanical cogs and components. That fluid loses its protecting characteristics with time and does not halt the friction. The complicated automatic transmission mechanism is harmed by friction as your car increases mileage.

If you detect clunking noises and assume they are emanating from the transmission, it may already be failing due to an internal component failure. It is critical to have a certified automatic transmission mechanic inspect it as soon as possible.

6. A burning smell

Your automobile must not have a burning odor, and if it does, this is cause for alarm. Overheated fluid is one of the most typical reasons for a burning smell from the transmission. The fluid in your transmission is extremely vital in keeping this very costly and complicated system working properly, including lubrication.

When the lubricating powers of your transmission fluid deteriorate, as they do with time and miles, it allows for detrimental friction between all of the parts.

Friction results in part breakage and the accumulation of debris and maybe even sludge. All of these issues compound to cause a potentially catastrophic transmission breakdown. Sometimes the problem is just a low transmission fluid level, which is usually caused by a leakage because, unlike motor oil, transmission fluid does not degrade over time in most cars.

Conclusion

Automatic transmissions like the RAM 66RFE made driving easier and safer for millions of people worldwide. Car manufacturers are constantly innovating to improve these automatic transmissions as people's needs become more diverse and different as the years go by. However, issues and problems with even the most technically advanced ones are unavoidable. Always monitor your vehicle to ensure you get the most out of it and keep you and your family safe while on the road.