🔧 Transmission Fluid - Fluid and Filter Service

This service on your Ram is not a simple drain-and-fill. The 8-speed automatic uses a pan with an integrated filter, and the fluid level must be set at a specific temperature for an accurate fill. Assumption: factory-style pan and filter service.

Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Estimated Time: 2-3 hours

---

⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Work on level ground with the parking brake fully set.
• Transmission fluid can be hot. Let the vehicle cool before opening the pan.
• Keep dirt out of the transmission. Cleanliness matters here.
• You must set the final fluid level with the transmission fluid temperature monitored by a scan tool.
• Battery disconnect is not required for this service.
• Use jack stands. Never rely on a jack alone.

---

🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands (rated for vehicle weight)
• Wheel chocks
• Safety glasses
• Nitrile gloves
• Drain pan
• Metric socket set
• 8mm socket
• 10mm socket
• Ratchet
• Torque wrench
• Fluid transfer pump
• Scan tool
• Funnel
• Plastic scraper
• Shop towels

---

🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Automatic transmission fluid - Qty: 1 service fill
• Transmission pan gasket - Qty: 1
• Transmission filter - Qty: 1
• Transmission pan bolts - Qty: 1 set
• Transmission pan - Qty: 1, if replacing integrated filter style pan

---

📋 Before You Begin

• Park on a level surface.
• Set the parking brake.
• Chock the wheels.
• Have the scan tool ready to read transmission temperature.
• If your service pan uses an integrated filter, replace the whole pan assembly.

---

🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Raise and secure the truck

• Use a floor jack to lift the Ram safely.
• Support it with jack stands at the proper frame points.
• Make sure the truck is level enough for fluid level setting later.

Step 2: Remove the transmission pan

• Place a drain pan under the transmission.
• Use an 8mm socket or the correct metric socket to loosen the pan bolts slowly.
• Leave a few bolts threaded in one side so the pan can tilt and drain in a controlled way.
• Remove the remaining bolts, then lower the pan carefully.

Step 3: Remove the filter or pan assembly

• Use a 10mm socket if your version uses separate fasteners for the filter assembly.
• Pull the filter straight down if it is a press-fit style.
• Clean the mating surface with a plastic scraper and shop towels.
• Do not gouge the sealing surface.

Step 4: Install the new filter and pan

• Install the new transmission filter or new pan assembly.
• Fit the new transmission pan gasket if separate.
• Raise the pan into place and start all bolts by hand.
• Use a torque wrench to tighten the pan bolts evenly in a crisscross pattern.
• Torque to 8-10 Nm (71-89 in-lbs).

Step 5: Refill with transmission fluid

• Use a fluid transfer pump and/or funnel to add fluid through the fill point.
• Add the initial fill amount, then start the engine.
• Cycle the shifter slowly through all gears with your foot on the brake.
• Keep the engine idling.

Step 6: Set the final fluid level

• Use the scan tool to monitor transmission fluid temperature.
• Check the level at the specified temperature range for your transmission.
• With the engine running and the truck level, add fluid until it just begins to dribble from the fill/level port.
• Install the fill plug and tighten it with the correct socket and torque wrench.
• Torque to 20-30 Nm (15-22 ft-lbs) for the fill plug, if equipped with a threaded plug.

Step 7: Recheck for leaks

• Use a shop towel to clean the pan and plug area.
• Inspect for leaks with the engine running.
• Lower the truck once no leaks are present.

---

✅ After Repair

• Road test the Ram gently.
• Verify smooth shifts and no warning lights.
• Recheck for leaks after the test drive.
• If fluid level was low, recheck temperature-based level again after the drive.

---

💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $250-$450 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $120-$250 (parts only)

You Save: $130-$200 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 2-3 hours.

---

🎯 Ready to get started?

HowToo makes it easy: same-day/2-day shipping on every part, plus all the tools and specialty tools you need! Check out the parts and tools sections below to add everything to your cart.