How many quarts of transmission fluid does a Dodge have?
There isn’t a single universal figure for Dodge vehicles—the transmission fluid capacity varies by model and transmission type. In practice, most modern Dodges require roughly 9 to 16 quarts for a full refill, with larger SUVs leaning toward the higher end and smaller cars toward the lower end.
What determines transmission fluid capacity
Transmission fluid capacity depends on the transmission type (automatic vs manual), the number of gears, the presence of a torque converter and cooler lines, and the size of the transmission pan. Service manuals usually distinguish between the amount needed to refill after a pan drain and the overall total capacity when including the torque converter and lines.
Typical capacity ranges by transmission type
Here are general ranges used by Dodge across generations. These figures refer to automatics; manual transmissions use gear oil and have smaller capacities.
- Automatic transmissions with 5–6 speeds (older Dodges): about 9–12 quarts for a full refill.
- Automatic transmissions with 8 speeds (newer Dodges such as Challenger, Charger, Durango): about 12–16 quarts for a full refill.
- Manual transmissions (where equipped; use gear oil rather than ATF): typically about 2–3 quarts, depending on the model.
These figures are approximate. The exact capacity for your particular vehicle will depend on the specific transmission model, year, and whether you’re performing a simple pan drain and refill or a full transmission service that also fills the torque converter and cooler lines.
How to find the exact capacity for your Dodge
For an exact number, consult the vehicle’s official specifications and reliable service resources. Here are steps to verify quickly:
- Identify your vehicle’s exact model name, year, and the transmission designation (for example, 8-speed automatic 8HP70 or 6-speed 41TE).
- Check the owner’s manual or the service manual for the transmission specifications, including total capacity and pan capacity.
- Look up the official Mopar service portal or dealership service bulletin for the precise capacity as installed in your car.
- When performing a fill, follow the documented procedure (pan drain and refill versus complete service) to ensure you reach the correct total capacity.
Having the exact capacity helps ensure you add the correct amount of fluid and avoid overfilling, which can cause issues.
Summary
In short, there isn’t a universal transmission fluid capacity for all Dodge vehicles. The number depends on model and transmission type, with typical automatic capacities ranging from about 9 to 16 quarts depending on whether the car uses older 5–6-speed automatics or newer 8-speed units. Manual transmissions use a smaller amount of gear oil. Always verify with the vehicle’s manual or official spec resources before service.
How much transmission fluid does a Dodge Ram 1500 take?
The amount of transmission fluid a Dodge Ram 1500 takes depends on the model year and transmission type. A simple drain and fill typically requires between 4.54.54.5 and 666 quarts, while a full dry fill can be between 101010 and 121212 quarts. Always consult your owner's manual for the exact capacity and fluid type, such as ATF+4, for your specific vehicle.
Approximate capacities by transmission type
- 8-speed transmission (2013-2024):
- Drain and fill: Approximately 4.54.54.5 quarts
- Full dry fill: Approximately 8.78.78.7 quarts
- 6-speed transmission (2014):
- Drain and fill: Approximately 5.55.55.5 quarts
- Full dry fill: Approximately 999 quarts
- 4-speed 48RE transmission (e.g., 2004):
- Drain and fill: Around 4.54.54.5 quarts
- Full dry fill: 16.916.916.9 quarts
- 5-speed 545RFE transmission (e.g., 2011):
- Full dry fill: 16.916.916.9 quarts
Important considerations
- Drain and fill vs. dry fill: When you drop the transmission pan and replace the filter, you will only drain a portion of the old fluid. The amount needed for a simple fluid change is less than the total capacity of the transmission.
- Check your owner's manual: The owner's manual is the definitive source for your vehicle's specific fluid type and capacity.
- Use the correct fluid: Ensure you are using the correct type of automatic transmission fluid, such as ATF+4 for many older models, and check the specifications for newer models.
How much transmission fluid does a 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 hold?
Automatic Transmission Fluid
Capacity: 5 speed 545RFE RWD Total Fill 16.9 quarts. Capacity: 5.5 quarts Initial Fill.
How much transmission fluid does a 2011 Dodge Ram 2500 hold?
The 2011 Ram 2500 transmission fluid capacity varies by engine and whether the fluid is being completely drained or is a full dry fill. For a standard automatic transmission drain and refill, expect to need around 5.5 to 6.6 quarts of fluid for a 6-speed 66RFE (gasoline) or 7 to 8 quarts when replacing filters for a 68RFE (diesel). A full dry fill is much higher, at approximately 12 quarts for a gasoline engine and 17.5 quarts for a diesel engine.
This video demonstrates the process of a transmission fluid and filter change for a Ram 2500: 58sRevit AutoYouTube · Jun 19, 2020
Transmission fluid capacity by engine type
- 66RFE (Gasoline):
- Drain and refill: 5.5 - 6.6 quarts
- Dry fill: 12.0 quarts
- 68RFE (Diesel):
- Drain, filter, and refill: 7.0 - 8.0 quarts
- Dry fill: 17.5 quarts
You can watch this video to see how to change the transmission fluid in a 68RFE transmission: 59sAdventure EndeavorYouTube · Apr 4, 2023
Important considerations
- Diesel vs. Gasoline: The diesel engine's 68RFE transmission has a much larger capacity than the 66RFE in gasoline models.
- Filter change: Replacing the filters requires a larger fluid volume than a simple drain and refill.
- Torque converter: For the diesel, a significant amount of fluid (around 9.5 quarts) will remain in the torque converter and other components, which is why a dry fill capacity is so high, and a full pan drop and refill will not get all the old fluid out.
- Transfer case: The transfer case has a separate capacity of approximately 2 quarts and requires a different type of fluid (SAE 75W-90).
How many quarts of transmission fluid do I need for a drain and fill?
For a standard transmission fluid drain and fill, you'll typically need 3 to 5 quarts, but you should always measure the amount you drained and refill with the same amount to start, then check the level using the dipstick after running the engine. The exact amount varies by vehicle, and it's crucial to check the owner's manual or look up specifications for your specific make and model, as a drain and fill will not replace all the old fluid.
How to determine the right amount
- Drain the old fluid: Let the old fluid drain completely.
- Measure the drained fluid: Measure how much fluid was drained. This is your starting point for refilling.
- Refill with the measured amount: Put the same amount of new, correct transmission fluid back into the transmission. Using a funnel can help with this process.
- Start the engine: Start the vehicle and let it run for a few minutes, shifting through all the gears (Park, Reverse, Neutral, Drive) while holding the brake. This circulates the new fluid.
- Check the level: Turn the engine off and check the fluid level with the dipstick. Add more fluid in small increments if the level is low, or drain a small amount if it's too high.
- Re-check: Repeat the process of running the engine and checking the dipstick until the fluid level is correct according to the dipstick's hash marks for a "hot" reading.
Important considerations
- A drain and fill is different from a full transmission flush, which requires significantly more fluid (10-12 quarts or more) because it aims to replace all the fluid, including what's in the torque converter.
- You should always use the specific type of transmission fluid recommended by your vehicle's manufacturer to avoid damage.
- Some vehicles, like certain Land Rovers, do not have a dipstick and require a fluid extractor to add new fluid. Consult your owner's manual to be certain.
