How do I tell what Dodge transmission I have?
If you’re trying to identify your Dodge transmission, start by looking for a model code on the case or a small tag, then confirm with the vehicle’s VIN and cross-check with a reference guide. A quick glance can usually narrow it down to a family like 41TE/42RE or a modern 68RFE, and a VIN pull will verify the exact unit your vehicle shipped with.
Where to look on the transmission
Begin with a careful physical inspection. The transmission itself holds the key identifiers if you know where to look.
- Look for a metal identification tag on the side of the transmission or near the cooler lines. The tag may show a model code such as 41TE, 42RE, 46RE, 47RE, 48RE, 545RFE, or 68RFE.
- Check for a stamped or cast model number directly into the transmission case or bellhousing area. Some units have the code raised or etched into the housing.
- Note the pan style and the number of bolts around it, as certain families have distinctive pan configurations.
- Observe wiring and controllers: older hydraulically controlled automatics look different from later electronically controlled units that use a TCM.
- Record any other markings (engine code, vehicle VIN plate nearby) that might help cross-reference.
These physical clues are your most immediate way to narrow down the transmission family without opening the vehicle. If the markings are faded, take clear photos of the area for later comparison.
Confirming with the vehicle VIN
The VIN can confirm which transmission the factory installed, though swaps can occur. Use it to cross-verify the identification you found on the case.
- Locate the VIN on the dashboard near the windshield or the driver's doorjamb, and copy it exactly.
- Use a reliable Dodge/Mopar VIN decoder or consult a dealer to pull the transmission specification associated with that VIN.
- Cross-check the decoded result with the markings you found on the transmission itself (tag or stamped code) to confirm a match.
Keep in mind that a factory-installed transmission can be swapped later, so a VIN-based result should be corroborated with the actual case markings for accuracy.
Common Dodge transmission families (at a glance)
Across Dodge cars and trucks, several families show up repeatedly. Knowing the general names can help you search more efficiently, but always verify with casing marks and the VIN.
- Automatic transmissions: 41TE/41RE, 42RE, 46RE, 47RE, 48RE, and later 545RFE and 68RFE in heavier-duty applications. Model codes are typically stamped on the case or found on a small tag near cooler lines.
- Manual transmissions: NV3500 and NV4500 are common in many Ram trims, with other Getrag/Tremec units appearing in certain configurations. Look for the model name stamped on the extension housing or shift area.
- Diesel/heavy-duty continuities: Some high‑power setups use broader-family gears and distinctive pans or valve bodies, but the core identifiers are still the case markings and VIN cross-checks.
Understanding these families helps you navigate service manuals and parts catalogs, but the safest identification always comes from matching the case markings to the VIN’s recorded specification.
Practical tips by vehicle platform
Different Dodge platforms tend to use different transmission families. The following notes offer a starting point, but verify with your specific vehicle’s markings and VIN data.
- Dodge Ram trucks (various generations): common automatic families include 41/42/46/47/48RE for older rigs and 545RFE or 68RFE in later, heavier-duty models. Manual options include NV3500/NV4500 in appropriate years and trims.
- Dodge passenger cars and light trucks (non-Ram): many smaller models used 41TE/41RE and 42RE in the 1990s and early 2000s, with newer automatics in more recent models.
- High-performance variants (Challenger/ Charger): transmissions vary by engine option and year, often pairing with 5-speed or 6-speed automatics or later units, so VIN decoding is especially valuable here.
If you’re unsure after inspecting the case and consulting VIN data, a quick check with a dealer or a skilled mechanic who can read the exact markings and cross-reference the build date will save time and ensure you’re working with the correct unit.
Summary
To determine which Dodge transmission you have, start with a careful look for a model code on the case or tag (common codes include 41TE/41RE, 42RE, 46RE, 47RE, 48RE, 545RFE, 68RFE) and then verify using the vehicle’s VIN with a trusted decoder or dealer records. Cross-check the VIN result with the actual markings on the transmission to confirm the match, especially if a swap has occurred. When in doubt, consult a qualified technician or Mopar specialist to ensure you’re identifying the correct unit.
