The Chrysler LLC Cummins 68RFE is a six-speed automatic transmission engineered primarily to power the group's SUVs and heavy-duty trucks. It was first introduced for the Dodge RAM series in 2007, and has since undergone many upgrades, all of which were intended to make the transmission more durable and smoother. Even so, the 68RFE is not perfect, and many owners believe that tuning is the best way to maximize its potential.
The 68RFE took on a difficult task of being a jack of all trades, handling
the immense power and torque of a 6.7-liter Cummins, offering extreme towing capabilities, but also being efficient and meeting stringent emissions standards. The main reasons why it may be worth TCM tuning your 68RFE Cummins include reducing slippage, improving heat management, enhancing the clutch lockup system, and increasing power handling and line pressure. Some owners also believe the 68RFE is a weak link in the truck, and because of that, a large aftermarket scene was born to offer tuning solutions for the transmission control module (TCM) intended to make the 68RFE as reliable as it can be.
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Benefits Of 68RFE Tuning
The 68RFE is known to experience problems with transmission slipping. These problems are caused by leaking solenoid switch valve plugs, and by installing aftermarket valves and altering the TCM, one can restore the proper hydraulic pressure and stop the transmission from slipping. Heat-related problems are some of the worst and most-documented problems with the 68RFE, and tuning your TCM can help with deactivating the UD purge test which will aid in how long the 68RFE can endure stress.
As Gears Magazine notes, "High engine or transmission temperature is by far the automatic transmission's worst enemy. Heat destroys more transmissions than everything else put together." Via proper tuning of the Transmission control module, 68RFE's lockup strategy can also be greatly improved. By tuning the TCM, one can alter the torque converter lockup cycle. 3rd-gear lockup allows the converter to engage earlier, and in turn, makes the transmission shift smoother with less heat and slippage.
The 68RFE isn't highly regarded when it comes to continuous handling of additional power and towing. With the correct TCM tuning, the unit can benefit from higher pressure within the lines and therefore handle more power more reliably. Lastly, a proper tune can also increase the transmission's expected lifespan by lowering the levels of stress it usually endures in extreme conditions.
Should You Trust Aftermarket Parts In The 68RFE
The question of whether one should trust aftermarket parts in the 68RFE is like asking whether one should tune it at all. The aftermarket scene is the one trying to solve many of the notable issues of the 68RFE. Since the 68RFE can still be under warranty for the newer models, it's worth knowing whether installing these modifications might void the warranty.
According to Jalopnik, the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act of 1975 prevents manufacturers from automatically voiding a vehicle's warranty for having aftermarket parts. However, if the tune is directly associated with the fault, it may lead to a voided warranty. Also, the 68RFE has a long-standing aftermarket scene that has been in the business of tuning for decades, and thus most people are aware by now which solutions bring benefits, and which don't.
There are many mods that will help upgrade your Cummins, but tuning the 68RFE is arguably more important since a stronger engine with more power is useless if the transmission can't keep up. Even with its setbacks, the 68RFE remains a sophisticated piece of engineering, and because of the continuous aftermarket support, its future remains bright.
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Read the original article on SlashGear.
