Power Wagon Registry

Has anyone discovered or had issues w a noise in the 66rfe transmission? Started out as high pitch almost like wind noise at 60 mph and above. Light throttle/cruise. Goes away when shifted to neutral. Even more specific, noise goes away when gear shift lever is moved slightly upward. Noticed at about 5000 miles. Dealer no help at first visit. Said it was normal. Took back to dealer at 14000 miles. Noise louder and now clearly audible at 50 to 58 mph right when trani shifts into 5th gear. Per dealer, "Chrysler has received some complaints of this nature. We are aware of the concern but have no repair at this time." Noise is a high pitched rotational tapping sound.

I posted the other day about mine. Sounds like a belt chirping on a cold start when you put it in gear. Dealer changed the belt, but it sounds like it's coming from the torque converter or trans. I have to leave it overnight so they can cold start it.

I saw that post. I think my issue is different. The noise I hear, although louder when cold, is present all the time at cruising speeds light throttle.

Mrking wrote:Has anyone discovered or had issues w a noise in the 66rfe transmission? Started out as high pitch almost like wind noise at 60 mph and above. Light throttle/cruise. Goes away when shifted to neutral. Even more specific, noise goes away when gear shift lever is moved slightly upward. Noticed at about 5000 miles. Dealer no help at first visit. Said it was normal. Took back to dealer at 14000 miles. Noise louder and now clearly audible at 50 to 58 mph right when trani shifts into 5th gear. Per dealer, "Chrysler has received some complaints of this nature. We are aware of the concern but have no repair at this time." Noise is a high pitched rotational tapping sound.

I have the same noise. I read on another forum that many others are experiencing it as well. Apparently it's one of those "characteristic of the model" noises.

Hmmmm I don't like the sound of"characteristic of the model"...... transmissions should not make noise, and even more curious, why does it go away by moving the shift lever??... perhaps we will never know, unless of course the trani grenades!! I must say it is a bit unnerving to listen to and hope it stays together when I'm in the middle of no where. Thx. You are the first person I have encountered with same issue. I guess the 6.4/66rfe is not a common combination, at least according to my dealer.

Mrking wrote:Has anyone discovered or had issues w a noise in the 66rfe transmission? Started out as high pitch almost like wind noise at 60 mph and above. Light throttle/cruise. Goes away when shifted to neutral. Even more specific, noise goes away when gear shift lever is moved slightly upward. Noticed at about 5000 miles. Dealer no help at first visit. Said it was normal. Took back to dealer at 14000 miles. Noise louder and now clearly audible at 50 to 58 mph right when trani shifts into 5th gear. Per dealer, "Chrysler has received some complaints of this nature. We are aware of the concern but have no repair at this time." Noise is a high pitched rotational tapping sound.

I have this issue since around 6000km. I took my truck into the dealer. Here is what the dealer transmission specialist wrote :

'Road test with customer, could hear noise at 20 to 40 km in 2nd or 3rd gear only cruise speed, very light throttle. Install chassie ear. Listen to both diffs, no noise there. Listen to T-case, no noise there. Try in 4x4, no change. Listen to tranny, can hear the noise there. Manually shift gears can only hear it in 2nd and 3rd. Study power flows and all planetarys are used. Removed tranny and inspect. Fluid is ok but there is some metal in pan. Disassemble tranny. Can see some marks on the planetary gears. They will need replaced. Performed 70% rule and the tranny needs replaced' -Essentially, it is totaled.

*the '70 percent rule' is if the total cost of a repair on a component (say a transmission) exceeds 70 percent of the cost of a new component, (in this instance, all the gears, bearings, bushings, labour etc) FCA can replace the whole component rather than attempt to replace every component therein.

End result = Brand New 66RFE installed at 9000km.

*Dealer reccommended that I 'put a few thousand miles on it and if the noise gets worse, I can always bring it in as it is under warranty'

I hope this gives some of you a direction to go in for your issues.

OH! and here's the kicker!

Brand New Transmission, THE NOISE IS STILL THERE

Overall, I'm stuck with a truck that makes a 'rotational warbling noise' at low cruise speeds with no fix to the issue in sight.

AWST1230, and everyone else, thank you for your input as I have been pulling my hair out for about 12,000 miles. At least your dealer put some time into it! My dealer trani guy won't even call it a problem!! Says normal operation returned vehicle to owner. I'm scheduling a third visit next week to deal w an ATF leak between transfer case and trani. It would be nice if they dropped trani pan and had a look! Metal on metal in trani is bad and just a matter of time before I'm sittin on the side of the road! I'm dissapointed to hear your new one makes same noise!! Might have been bettter to rebuild for you but obviously not better for Chrysler.

Mrking wrote:AWST1230, and everyone else, thank you for your input as I have been pulling my hair out for about 12,000 miles. At least your dealer put some time into it! My dealer trani guy won't even call it a problem!! Says normal operation returned vehicle to owner. I'm scheduling a third visit next week to deal w an ATF leak between transfer case and trani. It would be nice if they dropped trani pan and had a look! Metal on metal in trani is bad and just a matter of time before I'm sittin on the side of the road! I'm dissapointed to hear your new one makes same noise!! Might have been bettter to rebuild for you but obviously not better for Chrysler.

Anytime! I'm satisfied that FCA decided to replace rather than rebuild. Finding 'metal in pan' could mean that it was grinding the other gears also. I hope you can get sorted out at the dealer with minimal headaches. Keep us in the know!

Obviously it took a while but No resolution from Chrysler. Noise got louder and quite obnoxious. Sold truck bought new power wagon. Noise gone.

Of course now...... trans failed at 24,000 on a road trip. Had to leave at dealership in las vegas and keep going in rental. Lost all forward gears with no warning. Under warranty but......rather disappointing I must say!!! Perhaps the 8 speed in the 20 model is better. Anyone have good luck with the 8 speed trans?

Mrking wrote: ↑

Thu Jan 30, 2020 6:32 pm

Of course now...... trans failed at 24,000 on a road trip. Had to leave at dealership in las vegas and keep going in rental. Lost all forward gears with no warning. Under warranty but......rather disappointing I must say!!! Perhaps the 8 speed in the 20 model is better. Anyone have good luck with the 8 speed trans?

I ditched my 16 66rfe for a 19 with the ZF 8 speed. I've only got 6600 miles on it , but the ZF is a huge leap over the previous POS trans.

Test drive one.

Funny, because my 07 wagon with 125K on it is still purring right along with the old 545 rfe.

Thanks for the info! Trucks been in the shop all week. Apparently the overdrive clutch failed. Gotta go get it tomorrow and waste 12 hours driving to vegas and back. Perhaps I will go for a ride in a new one!!

Mrking wrote: ↑

Thu Jan 30, 2020 6:32 pm

Of course now...... trans failed at 24,000 on a road trip. Had to leave at dealership in las vegas and keep going in rental. Lost all forward gears with no warning. Under warranty but......rather disappointing I must say!!! Perhaps the 8 speed in the 20 model is better. Anyone have good luck with the 8 speed trans?

this is my largest concern right now.

i have a kick ass truck, with a trans i dont trust.

im still getting horrible slippage when cold, and trans is still botched. My issue is the fact that it never throws codes, and its already been opened up twice. Its going to implode eventually.

Jaspers take on our transmissions....i think ill be buying one of these sooner or later.

LD | Ram | 2018 | 2500 | Power Wagon | Transmission | 5284020

66RFE 5.7, 6.4 2014-2018 4WD

There are 1 units available at the SOUTH FLORIDA location.

Price: 3816.00
Core Charge: 1000.00
Skid Charge: 150.00

1. 100% install a NEW line pressure sensor (transducer) to prevent
inconsistent shift quality and control correct line pressure (high
failure item).
2. We increase the Overdrive clutch from 4 line plate to 6 line plate
to increase clutch capacity (high failure item).
3. We remanufacture the Solenoid pack and test on a state of the art
tester prior to installing on the Transmission to assure proper
operation.
4. We install a NEW switch valve plug in the valve body to prevent
the bore from wearing and leaking fluid pressure-- which causes
second gear starts and loss of lock up function.
5. Case, valve body, and pump assembly are checked for flatness--to
prevent cross leaks that can cause low pressure, binding, and unit
failure.
6. All bushing and thrust surfaces are finished to 15 RA or less
---to prevent premature bushing or washer failure.
7. Transmission is tested with a controlled volume of fluid before
the valve body is installed on the unit--to test for minor circuit
leaks that can lead to performance problems.
8. Converter is remanufactured on a state-of-the art converter
aligner/welder to keep the converter hub run out to .010 inch or less
(OEM is .015 inch)--prevents pump bushing from wearing, front seal
leaks, vibration.
9. We plug the drain back valve circuit 100% on early applications
(OE valves like to stick and Late model units are built this way)
prevents delayed engagement in forward and reverse.
10. Test 100% cooler filter bypass valve (likes to stick) prevents
lack of lube if the spin on filter clogs up.
11. Apply thread locking bolt compound accumulator cover bolts--these
come loose allowing the overdrive accumulator piston to come out--
prevents loss of 3rd or 4th gear.
12. We install NEW speed sensors---because of high failure.
13. Update pump to the latest design---takes care of TCC release
issue.
14. 100% installation of new Jasper exclusive pump bushing prevents
premature pump failure.
15. 100% replacement of converter linings.

PWJouster, thanks for the info!! And I agree, a kickass truck with a time bomb in it and I am very wary of its reliablity. This failure was like flipping a switch, no warning, no noise, no slippage, temp at 168 degrees, worked great then it didnt work at all..... Glad I didnt have a trailer on it!. Turns out the sprag(over running clutch) failed and the OD drive plates were glazed. New sprag and reconditioned OD plates. Replacement part was not an updated part sooooo new sprag is just like the failed one.... Guess its good for about 24K miles. Still running factory tire size as well. I am still looking into this to see if this is common etc. Ill wait to hear back from my inquiries before I decide where to go from here. 3800 for the Jaspers unit is less than I figured, so theres that! Not ready to r & r the trans in my driveway just yet tho. Apparently the OD hub and shaft have cross drilled oiling holes on the shaft that crack over time, which leads to total failure due to improper oiling. There are some aftermarket OD hub/shaft assemblies available with better construction they claim. I guess ill give it some time but I need this to be reliable machine!

well if your going to R and R in your driveway ever... Sonnax has alot of data and parts to remedy these issues.

but thats where im at....build up the trans the way i want, blast the engine and we are SOL..
let dodge rebuild my trans and it will blast itself or other parts, that ultimately, may ruin the longevity of the truck.

i just want to fix it before my transfer case or engine take the brunt of a grenading transmission.

That is an insanely long list of high failure parts. I know folks here don't like it when I say it, but things like terrible transmissions has held them back for decades. Watched a test video yesterday of a brand new PW on an articulation ramp and as usual Sway Bar Disconnect was non-functional (mine has never worked) . I have lost count of how many automotive journalist could never get the front locker to engage...( mine rarely did before bi-pass)and the transmission issues continue. They invest a lot in Face Book marketing posts and they end up with 100K complaints about reliability, absolutely embarrassing. You don't see that on other brands advertising posts. At some point they have to figure out how to get better.

I assume you watched the "TFL" video I watched the other day. First I must say, I try to avoid watching their videos because they misspeak and give out misinformation on a regular bases...but that's beside the point. Secondly, my first thought when watching that was that they attempted to disconnect the sway bar on level ground, which is obviously the correct method. However, being as that the splines on the sway bar could be in a slight bind in their static position, I would say the should have tried swerving the truck a little bit to give sway bar a chance to release if that was in fact the problem. That's not to say there could not have been something more to the issue, however, I believe earlier on in that same video they did have the sway bar disconnected.

Oddly enough I've never had any problems with my sway bar that couldn't be corrected by simply swerving back and forth a little to relieve any binding.

All that said, the Wagon still had the best RTI score even with the bar connected.

ScubaSteve wrote: ↑

Wed Feb 05, 2020 9:46 am

I assume you watched the "TFL" video I watched the other day. First I must say, I try to avoid watching their videos because they misspeak and give out misinformation on a regular bases...but that's beside the point. Secondly, my first thought when watching that was that they attempted to disconnect the sway bar on level ground, which is obviously the correct method. However, being as that the splines on the sway bar could be in a slight bind in their static position, I would say the should have tried swerving the truck a little bit to give sway bar a chance to release if that was in fact the problem. That's not to say there could not have been something more to the issue, however, I believe earlier on in that same video they did have the sway bar disconnected.

Oddly enough I've never had any problems with my sway bar that couldn't be corrected by simply swerving back and forth a little to relieve any binding.

All that said, the Wagon still had the best RTI score even with the bar connected.

They've demostrated they don't even know how or when to use those systems. Some of their earlier videos, they're turning on the front and rear lockers on a dirt road for ZERO REASON. I agree with you. I like those guys, but I cringe a lot becuase yeah. They don't know what they're doing. And it's demostratable. And they're suppose to be an authoritative source.

OffroadTreks wrote: ↑

Wed Feb 05, 2020 10:45 am

They've demostrated they don't even know how or when to use those systems. Some of their earlier videos, they're turning on the front and rear lockers on a dirt road for ZERO REASON. I agree with you. I like those guys, but I cringe a lot becuase yeah. They don't know what they're doing. And it's demostratable. And they're suppose to be an authoritative source.

Right. Definitely want to take what they have to say with a grain of salt. They're more about the show and obtaining views than accurate reporting or reviews.

ScubaSteve wrote: ↑

Wed Feb 05, 2020 11:11 am

OffroadTreks wrote: ↑

Wed Feb 05, 2020 10:45 am

They've demostrated they don't even know how or when to use those systems. Some of their earlier videos, they're turning on the front and rear lockers on a dirt road for ZERO REASON. I agree with you. I like those guys, but I cringe a lot becuase yeah. They don't know what they're doing. And it's demostratable. And they're suppose to be an authoritative source.

Right. Definitely want to take what they have to say with a grain of salt. They're more about the show and obtaining views than accurate reporting or reviews.

I turn my front and rear lockers on - on a dirt road once a month if I haven't used them lately. It's a good practice!

ScubaSteve wrote: ↑

Wed Feb 05, 2020 11:11 am

OffroadTreks wrote: ↑

Wed Feb 05, 2020 10:45 am

They've demostrated they don't even know how or when to use those systems. Some of their earlier videos, they're turning on the front and rear lockers on a dirt road for ZERO REASON. I agree with you. I like those guys, but I cringe a lot becuase yeah. They don't know what they're doing. And it's demostratable. And they're suppose to be an authoritative source.

Right. Definitely want to take what they have to say with a grain of salt. They're more about the show and obtaining views than accurate reporting or reviews.

I instantly thought about the binding too. As you said, it was seemingly flat ground, but even with a bit of torsion, they won't release. Even getting out and hand rocking the cab will do it.

Andre even pushed harder on the button, like THAT would do something. Ramp looked a little rickety too.

Oilbrnr wrote: ↑

Wed Feb 05, 2020 1:30 pm

I instantly thought about the binding too. As you said, it was seemingly flat ground, but even with a bit of torsion, they won't release. Even getting out and hand rocking the cab will do it.

Andre even pushed harder on the button, like THAT would do something. Ramp looked a little rickety too.

Yeah, they pushed the ramp little bit when they brought the Silverado up to it.

About the only thing they do well is run trucks loaded up hills. The information is generally askew with that, but it's hard to screw up how the truck will perform under load, so they are good for that.

they are good because they are on the leading cusp of whats new and whats still under wraps...
A good source to know whats coming, and how it may work, but not as the instruction manual or real application.

Back to the 66rfe, not much out there regarding sprag failures. Dealer says not common and dealer who did repair had not seen this type of failure. Checked with some after market trans experts. Sprag failure rare at best. One trans guy works on BP trucks and they are abused out in the desert along the boarder. Plenty of failures due to extreme heat, long hours, high mileage and abuse, but not the sprag. Perhaps just a fluke. Not sure here to go from here.