When it comes to reliability and length of usability of the Dodge Ram, aside from the engine is the transmission. When the truck is used within the designed specifications, it can last a lifetime, but when it is abused, the lifespan can shorten drastically.
The Dodge Ram 1500 transmission can last 150,000 to 300,000 miles or even more. However, like all other mechanical objects, individual use can vary widely, with some experiencing transmission problems with less than 20,000 miles.
When you are buying a truck and don’t know how it was treated before you, the only thing you can go off is the current state of the transmission. Is the transmission fluid clean? Are there any maintenance receipts? What shape is the truck in general? Sometimes you can tell if it’s been abused just by looking around.
What Type Of Transmission Does A Dodge Ram 1500 Have?
Some other brands of trucks let you choose the transmission you want to have in your new truck. Dodge designed a special transmission for the 1500 truck and that is what you get when you buy this truck.
Since 2013, the Dodge Ram 1500 has upgraded to a 8-speed automatic transmission. This Ram is the only truck still using an 8-speed transmission, while all the other major truck manufacturers use a 10-speed transmission.
The older models of the Ram truck use the 4-speed automatic transmission on the V8 engines and a 3-speed in the V6 engines.
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What Transmission Is In A 1997 Dodge Ram 1500?
The 1997 Dodge Ram 1500 had several available transmissions. The difference is in the power that is being put out of the engine.
The trucks with the 5.2 and 5.9 liter V8 engines had the 4-speed automatic transmission. The 3-speed automatic transmission was available with the 3.9 liter V6 engine.
They also had a 5-speed manual transmission available in the 3.9 liter V6 and 5.9 liter V8 engine trucks. The V8 version also had an overdrive option available.
What Transmission Is In A 1998 Dodge Ram 1500?
The 1998 Dodge Ram 1500 had several available transmissions depending on the truck engine.
The 5-speed manual transmission was available for the 3.9 liter V6 and 5.2 liter V8 engines. The V8 version was also available with overdrive option.
The automatic transmission came in the 3-speed for the 3.9 liter V6 engine trucks and 4-speed for the 5.2 liter and 5.9 liter V8 engines.
What Transmission Is In A 2003 Dodge Ram 1500?
The 2003 Dodge Ram 1500 had three choices of transmissions depending on the truck engine.
The 4-speed automatic transmission was the most popular choice and was used on the 3.7 liter V6, 4.7 liter V8, and 5.7 liter V8 engine trucks.
The 6-speed manual transmission was available on the 5.7 liter V8 engine.
What Transmission Is In A 2001 Dodge Ram 1500?
The 2001 Dodge Ram 1500 was available with four different transmission types based on the engine type.
The 4-speed automatic transmission was the most popular choice, and it was available on the 3.9 liter V6, 5.2 liter V8 and 5.9 liter V8 engines. There was also a 3-speed automatic transmission available with the V6 engine truck.
The 5-speed manual transmission was available with the 3.9 liter V6 and the 5.2 liter V8 engines. And the 5.9L V8 engine truck came with a 5-speed manual with overdrive transmission.
What Transmission Is In A 2004 Dodge Ram 1500?
The 2004 Dodge Ram 1500 had three choices for transmissions based on the engine type in the truck.
The 4-speed automatic transmission was the most popular choice and was available with the 3.7 liter V6, 4.7 liter V8 and 5.7 liter V8 engines.
A 6-speed manual transmission was available with the 5.7 liter V8 engine.
What Transmission Is In A 2007 Dodge Ram 1500?
The 2007 Dodge Ram 1500 was available with a choice of 3 transmissions and was used depending on the type of truck engine.
The 6-speed manual transmission was available with the 5.7 liter V8 engine.
The 4-speed automatic transmission was the most common choice and was available with the 3.7 liter V6, 4.7 liter V8 and 5.7 liter V8 engines. The V8 engine trucks also had a 5-speed automatic transmission available.
Is The Dodge Ram 1500 Transmission Reliable?
Generally, the Dodge Ram 1500 transmission is reliable. However, there have been model years with specific transmission problems prompting a recall.
The 2009 and 2010, and 2017 five-speed and six-speed transmissions had common complaints; some were recalled. There have also been some 2019 model trucks that also encountered transmission problems.
Do Dodge Rams Have Transmission Problems?
Just like any other vehicle, in the decades of Ram trucks and as they go through upgrades and changes, some will come out with issues. It is inevitable.
Throughout the years there have been Dodge Rams that had transmission problems in some year models. In the 2009 through 2017 there were some issues with the 5-speed and 6-speed transmissions and a recall for the 2022 Rams because of transmission issues.
How Much Does It Cost To Replace A Transmission In A Dodge Ram 1500?
The transmission is a crucial part of the vehicle and can be expensive to replace. The cost to replace a transmission in a Dodge Ram 1500 depends on the model year and available spare parts.
Replacing the transmission on a 2007 Dodge Ram 1500 can cost between $2,000 and $3,000. For a 2022 model Dodge Ram 1500, the cost of replacing the transmission could go as high as $3,500.
What Years Did Ram Trucks Have Transmission Problems?
A few model years of the Dodge Ram went through some transmission problems that have been resolved ultimately but those year trucks are still out there.
The Ram trucks of 2009 and 2010 through 2017 had problems with the 5-speed and 6-speed automatic transmissions.
Is There A Recall On The Dodge Ram Transmission?
Yes, there is a recall on the 2022 Dodge Ram 1500 because of transmission issues.
There were also some recalls on the Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 trucks. The product recall is due to problems with the transmission.
The recall is for the 2020-2023 model Ram 2500 and 2020-2022 Ram 3500 trucks. The transmission on these models can have a pressure build-up, causing excessive heat inside, which might lead to a fluid leak and possible engine fire.
How Much Does It Cost To Replace The Transmission Fluid In A Dodge Ram 1500?
Taking your Dodge Ram 1500 in to have the transmission fluid replaced should be done once every several years but it’s not too expensive to get done.
Replacing the transmission fluid in a Dodge Ram 1500 can cost between $183 and $210 for parts and labor. The transmission fluid should be changed every 60,000 miles.
What Is The Best Transmission Fluid For Dodge Ram 1500?
The best transmission fluid for the Dodge Ram 1500 is the ATF +4 rated oil. There are ATF +4 oil variants depending on the engine and transmission combination. Owners prefer synthetic oils over regular oils.
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How Many Quarts Of Transmission Fluid Does A Dodge Ram 1500 Take?
The Dodge Ram 1500 transmission fluid capacity depends on the engine and transmission type. The 5.7-liter HEMI engine takes about 7 liters of transmission fluid. The HEMI is the larger of the two motors used on the Dodge Ram 1500.
How To Extend The Life Of A Transmission On A Dodge Ram 1500?
The most important way to extend the transmission life of a Dodge Ram 1500 is to check the transmission fluid regularly.
The transmission fluid provides hydraulic pressure and friction to make the transmission work. It is the driving force that connects the engine to the powertrain.
Additionally, it provides lubrication to the moving parts and acts as the coolant for the transmission.
The owner’s manual recommends changing the transmission oil and the filter every 60,000 miles. However, regularly checking the fluid ensures that the owner knows if the vehicle is in good condition to run.
Other ways to extend the life of the transmission on a Dodge Ram 1500 include:
- Regular servicing of the transmission. It includes changing the transmission oil and the filter every 60,000 miles.
- Avoid driving under harsh conditions like rough roads, icy roads, floods, etc.
- Avoid towing heavy equipment like a Skid Steer on a half ton pickup.
- Installing the necessary accessories. You should consider installing accessories like a transmission cooler, an external filter and a heavy-duty clutch.
- Proper use of the parking brake. The parking brake keeps the vehicle in place while not driving on the road. Also, when uphill and idling, there is added but unnecessary stress that can add to the transmission’s wear and tear.
- Completely stop before changing direction. It is common for drivers to change direction without completely stopping first. It puts additional strain on the engine and the transmission.
Valik loves tinkering in the garage and is currently restoring a 2000 GMC Sierra 1500 truck. He also writes about the progress on this blog. When not in the garage, Valik is also a web developer and a blogger. I know, strange, a hand in two completely different worlds. And that is the way he likes to keep it.
