Should we even change transmission fluid at all?

[SpeedyV]

I would definitely follow the recommendation of the company that makes the transmission over what Ram says. They are going to know better what is or isn't good for the transmission

Stellantis builds the transmissions under license from ZF, correct? Not arguing, just clarifying.

 

[OCD Solutions]

Here's a more relative article on the subject that deals specfically with the ZF8 transmission and speaks to the points made above.

Gears Magazine - The ZF 8-Speed Transmission Fluid and Filter Change

Changing transmission fluid after the vehicle is out of warranty is important for the life of the transmission. The issue of helping the customer understand that their vehicle’s transmission needs servicing is something different. Especially when we’re talking about the ZF 8-Speed. The dealer...

gearsmagazine.com

 

[SpeedyV]

Here's an article on Automatic Transmission fluid that pertains to the discussion.
Published in 2005 by Allison Transmission for General Motors

https://www.lube-media.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Lube-Tech040-UNDERSTANDINGHOWTHETRANSMISSIONFLUIDRESPONDSTODAILYOPERATIONSPart1of3etal.pdf

Allison is a pretty solid source, based on experience with those transmissions. But I’ll admit that I used to call their 100,000 mile fluid (Castrol TranSynd) “liquid rubies” due to pricing.

 

[GMetal]

Lifetime is not your lifetime. Its the lifetime expectancy of the transmission. Hard use should require a fluid change if you expect the transmission to last a long time. Dont wait for it to break.

Gears Magazine - The ZF 8-Speed Transmission Fluid and Filter Change

Changing transmission fluid after the vehicle is out of warranty is important for the life of the transmission. The issue of helping the customer understand that their vehicle’s transmission needs servicing is something different. Especially when we’re talking about the ZF 8-Speed. The dealer...

gearsmagazine.com

 

[SD Rebel]

Stellantis builds the transmissions under license from ZF, correct? Not arguing, just clarifying.

That's a good question, I know some are supplied and some are built under license, but not sure about the ones supplied in the DT RAMs.

 

[GMetal]

Stellantis builds the transmissions under license from ZF, correct? Not arguing, just clarifying.

Yes in Kokomo Indiana

 

[Gillytickle]

Does it do the ZFs there? The only transmissions I have confirmed for Kokomo is....

850RE: Jeep® Grand Cherokee, Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, Dodge Challenger, Dodge Durango and Ram 1500
850RE GEN2: Jeep Wrangler, Jeep Gladiator
Machined components for the nine-speed transmission
Machined component for SIEVT transmission

Does 845 and 850. Pretty much 8 speed for V6 and 2.0T applications. Not sure where the 8 speed is made for v8s but i believe ZF does them.

 

[SD Rebel]

Does 845 and 850. Pretty much 8 speed for V6 and 2.0T applications. Not sure where the 8 speed is made for v8s but i believe ZF does them.

That's right, the 850RE is Stellantis code for their licensed ZFs.

 

[GMetal]

ZF 8HP transmission - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

ZF8HP75 Second Generation is RAMs Torqueflite8 850RE marketing has to change names I guess
Here are a couple interesting reads

Why ZF's Eight-Speed Is the Best Automatic Transmission

Its capabilities are so broad that it's displacing dual-clutch units, too.

www.caranddriver.com

Getting to know your ZF TCM. Sticky please for updates.

 

[Bpebler]

I was hesitant at first but I’m glad I made this post now. I think we’re all learning a lot here. This is info that would be helpful if included in the back of our manuals.

 

[tech97elec]

I haven’t yet. I wanted to ask some forum members first. I definitely will though when I get the opportunity.

Lol, id ask the guy who does it for a living first.

 

[hemi lover]

The transmission fluid is in there for the life of the vehicle for normal operating conditions. Took this image from my 2020 manual.

Don't do this. My 4th gen I put 220km and the tranny was acting up lost my cruise control as well because of it. Now did fluid change and filter and at 250km it's acting up again probably going to lose the tranny soon. Moral of the story life of transmission until warranty ends. Not big miles. Change the filter and fluid often don't listen to the book in this case. Take it from someone who did.

 

[gmantwo]

Kind of funny when I go to liquid Molly’s webpage and try to find fluid for my truck, my truck is not even listed my fifth generation ram

 

[bigdodge]

Yes in Kokomo Indiana

I know this is an older post but my window sticker states my transmission is made in germany.