When shopping for Ram 2500 transmission fluid, many owners wonder what type their specific model uses. Blauparts blog article reviews the different types of transmission fluid used in the 2007 – 2010 Dodge Ram 2500 and 2010 – 2023 Ram 2500 models. This post will help you determine the correct transmission fluid specification type or part numbers needed for changing your 6 speed or 8 speed Ram 2500 automatic transmission fluid. We also briefly discuss the Ram 2500 transmission fluid change capacities and intervals.
Post Contents [hide]
- Ram 2500 Automatic Transmission Fluid Types
- What Is the Ram 2500 Transmission Fluid (ATF) Change Interval?
- Why Is Changing Ram 2500 Transmission Fluid (ATF) Important?
Ram 2500 Automatic Transmission Fluid Types
8 Speed Ram 2500 Transmission
The 8 speed Ram 2500 transmission is the most recent or newest automatic transmission optioned in the 2500 models, debuting in the 2019 model year. The 8 speed automatic transmissions are made by ZF and have had several versions since their inception in the Ram 2500 models. These transmissions are still being used in the present 2023 Ram 2500 models (at the time of this article being written).
The 8 speed Ram 2500 automatic transmissions require a specific fluid designed and formulated for ZF transmissions, often referred to as ZF Lifeguardfluid8 fluid. The correct Ram 2500 transmission fluid can be identified as Mopar ZF 8&9 Speed ATF or equivalent, also known by Chrysler Mopar 68218925AA, 68218925AB, 68339073AA, 668157995AA, or 68157995AB transmission fluid part numbers.
To ensure proper transmission performance and longevity, we always recommend using a transmission fluid that specifically states use for 8 speed Ram automatic transmissions. Some fluids display performance levels for the 8 speed Ram transmission but use general formulations that are multi-vehicle transmission types but are not specifically for the Ram 2500 8 speed automatic transmission application.
Our 6700 Eurol transmission fluids and 8HP Ravenol transmission fluids are formulated with the Ram 2500 8 speed transmission applications in mind. These fluids ensure the perfect function of the Ram 8 speed transmission and maximize wear protection, reliability, and performance.
Ram 2500 Automatic Transmission Fluid 8 Speed Fitments
- 2019 - 2023 Ram 2500 transmission fluid used in 6.4 Litre 16 Valve V8 Models
8 speed Ram 2500 Transmission Fluid Fill Capacity
- 8 speed Ram 2500 Dry Fill Capacity is 8.5 liters
- 8 speed Ram 2500 Transmission Fluid Drain and Filter Change Capacity is 5.5 - 6.0 liters
- 8 speed Ram 2500 Transmission Fluid Drain and Refill Capacity is 4.5 - 5.0 liters
6 Speed Dodge Ram 2500 & Ram 2500 Transmissions
The Ram 2500 models were also equipped with a 6 speed automatic transmission, also known as the 66RFE and 68RFE transmissions. These 6 speed automatic transmissions are made by Chrysler and have had several versions since their inception in the 2500 models. The 66RFE trasmission was equipped in the Dodge Ram and Ram 2500 gasoline models from around 2012 - 2018. The more popular 68RFE transmission started seeing use in the 2007 Dodge Ram Cummins diesel models and is still being used in the present 2023 Ram 2500 diesel models (at the time of this article being written).
The recommended ATF for all 6 speed 68RFE and 66RFE transmission is the ATF+4 specification fluid. The correct Ram ATF +4 transmission fluid can also be identified by the Chrysler MS-9602 type, or 05189966AB, 05189966AA, 68333587AA, 5189966AD, 05189977AA, 05189977AB, 05189977AD, and Mopar 05189966AD transmission fluid part numbers.
We always suggest using a high quality full synthetic ATF +4 specification fluid to ensure proper 68RFE and 66RFE transmission performance and longevity. Some transmission fluid options list ATF +4 performance levels but use low quality base oils and low quality additives that can prematurely deteriorate and be depleted of key lubricating properties causing transmission reliability issues. The Eurol ATF 1100 and Ravenol ATF +4 transmission fluid options are formulated with the Ram 2500 66RFE and 68RFE transmissions in mind. These fluids ensure the perfect function of the 68RFE and 66RFE transmission and maximize wear protection, reliability, and performance.
6 Speed Dodge Ram 2500 and Ram 2500 Transmission Fluid Fitments
- 2011-2023 Ram 2500 transmission fluid used in Cummins diesel 6.7L L6 models with 6 speed 68RFE transmission
- 2014-2018 Ram 2500 transmission fluid used in Hemi 6.4L V8 models with 6 speed 66RFE transmission
- 2012-2018 Ram 2500 transmission fluid used in Hemi 6.4L V8 models with 6 speed 66RFE transmission
- 2007-2010 Dodge Ram 2500 4WD transmission fluid used in Cummins Diesel 6.7L L6 Models with 6 speed 68RFE transmission
- 2010-2010 Dodge Ram 2500 RWD transmission fluid used in Cummins Diesel 6.7L L6 Models with 6 speed 68RFE transmission
6 Speed 68RFE and 66RFE Dodge Ram 2500 and Ram 2500 Transmission Fluid Change Capacities
- 6 speed Ram 2500 Transmission Fluid Drain and Refill Capacity is 5.5 - 6.6 quarts or 5.2 - 6.2 liters
- 6 speed Ram 2500 Transmission Fluid Dry Fill Capacity: 17.5 quarts or 16.5 liters (Diesel)
- 6 speed Ram 2500 Transmission Fluid Dry Fill Capacity: 12.0 quarts or 11.4 liters (Gasoline)
- 6 speed Ram 2500 Transmission Fluid Drain, Filter Changes, and refill Capacity: 7.0 - 8.0 quarts or 6.6 - 7.8 liters (Longer duration with transmission filters removed will allow for more fluid to drain)
Ram 68RFE Cummins Diesel Transmission Fluid Capacity Notes
The diesel application has a total dry transmission fluid fill capacity of 17.5 quarts or 16.5 liters. However, due to the transmission design, only about 6.6 quarts will drain from the transmission when removing the transmission pan and changing the transmission filters. You can allow more transmission fluid to drain from the transmission if you allow the filters to be removed for a longer duration. This will allow around 7.0 - 8.0 quarts to drain from the transmission. Around 9.5 quarts will remain in the transmission torque converter and other related transmission components, which can be difficult to service. Our current understanding is that a reasonable way to flush the remaining old fluid out of the torque converter is by performing multiple fluid changes in short succession or other transmission cooler flush techniques. If you use these methods to perform a thorough ATF fluid flush strategy, we recommend adding an extra 9.0 - 10.0 liters of Eurol 1100 ATF to your cart for each flush you plan to complete. Also if you plan on allowing the transmission to drain for an excessively long period of time you will need extra fluid according to your desired amount or chosen drain strategy (see Related Products for extra ATF and Related Helpful Info for capacity notes).
Ram 66RFE Hemi Gasoline Transmission Fluid Capacity Notes
This gasoline application has a total dry transmission fluid fill capacity of between 12 quarts and 11.4 liters. However, due to the transmission design, only about 5.5 - 6.5 quarts will drain from the transmission when removing the transmission pan and changing the transmission filters. You can allow more transmission fluid to drain from the transmission if you allow the filters to be removed for a longer duration. This will allow around 7.0 - 8.0 quarts to drain from the transmission. Around 4.0 quarts will remain in the transmission torque converter and other related transmission components, which can be difficult to service. Our current understanding is that a reasonable way to flush the remaining old fluid out of the torque converter is by performing multiple fluid changes in short succession or other transmission cooler flush techniques. If you use these methods to perform a thorough ATF fluid flush strategy, we recommend adding an extra 4.0 - 5.0 liters of Eurol 1100 ATF to your cart for each flush you plan to complete. Also if you plan on allowing the transmission to drain for an excessively long period of time you will need extra fluid according to your desired amount or chosen drain strategy (see Related Products for extra ATF and Related Helpful Info for capacity notes).
What Is the Ram 2500 Transmission Fluid (ATF) Change Interval?
We recommend changing your Ram 2500 8 speed and Ram 2500 6 speed 68RFE and 66RFE transmission fluid and filter every 60,000 miles.
Ram 2500 models that experience more aggressive driving styles, tuned diesel trucks, heavy towing, or are typically subjected to heavy city traffic tend to generate extreme heat in the transmission. Owners subjecting their vehicles to severe driving conditions may wish to replace the transmission fluid and filter more frequently, such as every 40,000 to 50,000 miles.
Why Is Changing Ram 2500 Transmission Fluid (ATF) Important?
The Dodge Ram 2500 and Ram 2500 automatic transmissions have hundreds of moving components, such as needle bearings, ball bearings, pressure pumps, clutch packs, servo pistons, and seals. These internal components mesh or engage with one another, causing friction and begin to wear and create fine metallic particles which contaminate your Ram 2500 automatic transmission fluid over time. Your Ram 2500 automatic transmission fluid (ATF) and filament transmission filter eventually become contaminated with these particles. These metallic particles can cause wear on these internal transmission components leading to inefficiencies in the transmission and long-term reliability issues.
Also, through everyday transmission use and thousands of transmission operation shifting cycles, the essential additives and base oils in the transmission fluid deplete, break down, and wear out. As part of your vehicle's regular maintenance, you should change the transmission fluid and filter, replenishing the transmission with fresh transmission fluid.
Suppose a Ram 2500 transmission has had poor service and has worn out the transmission fluid. In that case, it will typically be noticed by poor transmission operation with symptoms such as premature late shift points, rough or jamming shifts, and slipping. If you have seen a new transmission fluid, it's nearly clear in color compared to the dark color of an old worn-out transmission fluid. You most likely will agree that it is logical that changing your Ram 2500 automatic transmission fluid and filter on a regularly scheduled interval is necessary for long-term transmission reliability and consistent performance. If you are experiencing these transmission shifting issues, we recommend changing your automatic transmission fluid and filter as a first step in trying to resolve any problems dealing with transmission operation.
Right-Hand Pictured Example: Transmission service performed in our repair shop on a vehicle with a 5 speed ZF Tiptronic automatic transmission with approximately 80,000 miles on it. The customer complained of shifting problems when the transmission was cold. Note the dirty metallic sediment that was removed from the transmission drain pan. After changing the automatic transmission fluid using one of our BLAU Transmission Fluid Filter Change Kits, the customer reported that his transmission shifting problems were gone. If you're experiencing transmission shifting problems with your Dodge, Blauparts recommends changing your automatic transmission fluid and filter as a first step in solving the problem.
Why Choose Blauparts for All Your Vehicle Lubrication Needs?
BLAU® transmission fluid change kits use high-quality, synthetic* transmission fluids. Our fluids are sourced from lubricant partners that employ sustainable efforts to improve the environment using a higher level of quality. This in turn can support the conservation of the environment through less transmission fluid changes and waste, optimize vehicle efficiency and performance, improve and maintain fuel economy, reduce exhaust/carbon emissions, and improve performance through reduced coefficient of friction and less driveline rolling resistance.
*For most kits, check the product description.
- Convenient BLAU® ATF change kits include the correct spec, oil quantities, and OEM quality transmission filter for your specific vehicle make and model
- ATFs that meet or exceed your vehicle manufacturer's specific transmission fluid specification requirements
- Better transmission performance, less transmission slip, improved torque, and precise shifting efficiency
- Sustainable ATFs that conserve the environment, improve fuel economy, and reduce exhaust/carbon emissions through improved transmission operation
- Higher quality ATFs allow for longer change intervals and extended service lives, conserving the Earth's resources
- Higher quality ATFs with advanced fluid technologies provide improved lubricating properties for less transmission wear and longer life
- High-performance ATF with better shear load and flow performance properties
- ATFs with better cold temperature pour points and high heat flashpoints providing protection in all conditions
- ATFs with high, stable viscosity index reduces coefficient of friction inside the transmission
- ATFs with high thermal oxidative stability with excellent cooling capacity for better transmission performance and less wear
- ATFs with lower cold temperature pour points and high heat flashpoints provide transmission wear protection in all climate conditions
- Long-life OEM ATF filters for extended fluid change intervals
Disclaimer: Always consult your service manual and confirm your application's specific fluid and oil requirements. Always follow the vehicle manufacturer's recommended oil change intervals. Blauparts, Eurol, and Ravenol are not affiliated with Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V (FCA), FCA US LLC, FCA Group Marketing S.p.A, Dodge, Ram, Jeep, Mopar, ZF, BorgWarner, New Venture Gear, any other vehicle, or vehicle component manufacturer. All trademarks and OE specification part numbers referenced in this product listing are displayed for identification purposes only. They do not intend to denote any affiliation with their corresponding owners.
