Sometime in the 2009-10 model year, the 68RFE transmission acquired a new valve body and solenoid assembly that has eliminated the overdrive solenoid. See Figure 1 for quick identification by casting date.
The reason for the change was for simpli-fied hydraulic control. The previous design solenoid assembly was capable of controlling the overdrive clutch from the multi-select sole-noid or the overdrive solenoid, dependent on manual valve position. The elimination of the overdrive solenoid changed the hydraulic con-trol of the manual valve and the PCM strategy for shift/solenoid control, and now eliminates manual 2/1 position, as the shifter now has a manual mode with electronic range select. This change has now also eliminated a manual 2 limp mode. Limp mode is now 4th gear only.
Spacer plate: The spacer plate changed in the area of the No. 6 and No. 7 check ball, as these check balls have been eliminated. Note: one hole over the bathtub area of the valve body has been eliminated and an exhaust passage was added. See Figure 2 for spacer plate comparison from previous design to new design.
Main valve body: The main valve body was anodized to help prevent solenoid switch valve wear out. An exhaust passage was added in the top of the casting and the manual valve had a new land added to it with a small notch. No. 6 and No. 7 check balls were eliminated. Refer to figures 3 and 4 for a comparison of these changes from previous to new design.
See figures 5 and 6 for a comparison of the previous design oil circuit diagram using check ball No. 6 and No. 7 and compare it to the new design oil circuit diagram with the No. 6 and No. 7 check balls eliminated and the overdrive solenoid eliminated.
Solenoid assembly: The solenoid assembly had the overdrive solenoid eliminated. The multi-function solenoid is now used for overdrive clutch apply solely. Refer to figures 7 and 8 for identification and exploded view.
Powertrain Control Module (PCM): Has had the overdrive solenoid control eliminated.
The valve body and solenoid assembly are not interchangeable with any previous applications.
June 2018 Issue
Volume 35, No. 6
- Dodge 68RFE: Valve body and solenoid assembly changes
