The Ram 1500 8-Speed transmission was also used in the 2019 and newer Ram 2500 and 3500 models with the 6.4-liter hemi engine. This how to fluid and filter change video would also apply to those models but with some slight visual differences due to the truck chassis.
@@woodrowhemiway Yes, you would need to go through the same fluid leveling sequence. The fluid leveling sequence from 09:10 onward in the video can be used to get the correct transmission fluid level.
@@everforexcanada5663 Thanks for the suggestion. We will try to create a how-to tutorial on changing the Ram 2500 and 3500 Cummins diesel transmission fluid.
Definitely, I would take it to the dealer. This is not a do it yourself for anyone unless they are truly advanced amateurs or. professionals used to working on Rams. If you mess up the fluid level trying to save a few dollars, before you do, price the cost of a brand new transmission. They don’t rebuild transmissions anymore. It’s like everything else, they take the bad transmission out, put in a factory rebuild.
@@Cruel_Shoesyeah I do my oil changes and everything fluid wise myself, but when it came to 75k miles I dropped my truck off at the dealer. Most people don’t know, but the rams transmissions have a reservoir that keeps the bottom portion of the oil even when fully leveled off. Gotta get a vacuum in there and suck out the shavings and leftover oil.
@@Adam12SD Still better than the 75 2wd K5 Blazer I had. It had a leaking oil pan gasket and the only way to fix it was to pull the engine! Needless to say I just added a quart of oil that leaked out every 10 days. Stupid design.
Just had a successful fluid/filter replacement yesterday for my 2016 Ram 1500. Setting up the jackstands, etc. took longer than expected, but safety always. One lesson learned - the little handpump didn't fit my bottles, but my wife had a little spray bottle from the Dollar General that fit perfectly. I also did two cycles of fill and run the engine - it didn't take as much as I expected the first go round. Thanks for the video!
Thank goodness for this video! While out camping, 16 miles down the Snake River, I hit a rock and cracked the transmission cover. I was able to correctly make all the necessary repairs to my truck while in the field because this video was the first to come up. I was also able to pull my camper and everything back to my home without any extra time or worry, and had a wonderful camping trip even though we had some fairly major issues! Thank You Blauparts!
@@GertuCapur I was able to use my Jeep to pull the truck up onto some rocks getting the transmission as level as possible. Field repair, so we ensured to recheck once we got back to civilization, but we were able to do well enough to get us out of the back country under our own power!
You must not be a technician. First off, this is not a RAM transmission, the transmission is built by a German company that specializes in transmissions. Also, this is no different than the 10 speed found in GM and Ford vehicles. If you really want to get crazy, I'll show you the Mercedes Benz Triptoz transmission which takes 6 hours to fill correctly. Or, the Auidi V10 transmission, which has to be removed from the vehicle. Here is Ford F150 if you'd really like to see a sheet show. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-p96a8_MPwyM.htmlsi=vzEs-YpZmQe1SWV6
Just completed this process on my ‘21 1500 e-Torque Laramie. This video was a HUGE help. Replaced my pan with the bigger PPE aluminum pan with replaceable filter. Everything installed very easily. No leaks and smooth shifting. Thank you for the detailed instructions!
Wow, it can't be more involved and complicated than this! I am sure that stealership mechanics are going to follow every step of this procedure! What a nightmare!
Excellent video, followed the steps to a T on my 2014 ram 1500 laramie longhorn 5.7 hemi. Substantial difference in shifting and running beautifully. Only issue I had was getting transmission leveled. Floor jack and stands didn't quite get it there, ended up using forklift and tire to get it properly leveled. Again thanks again for the video! Very helpful 👌
I just did my tranny fluid change this weekend following this video. It was SUPER helpful. I was able to put in 6 quartz of Valvoline MaxLife and now the tranny shifts so smooth. Thank You!
@@jordanwalter4381 I didn't want to pay for ZF fluid so I made the decision to use a cheaper alternative; Valvoline Maxlife. Did my research and seems like a lot of people are having good outcome with Valvoline MaxLife. So far it's working out great for me and shift like a dream.
This is a great product, the kit is easy to use. Took me a couple hours. My 2015 Ram 1500 has 100k miles on it. I am pleased that it shifts smoother already. I bought the Ravenol kit. The oil was definitely dirty and needed changing. Hopfully this will add life to this truck.
Thanks for this. I’ve read this process but seeing it makes it seem doable. I still think it is wild the owner’s manual says the transmission fluid does not need changed.
This a great video. But honestly, if someone needs it explained that loosen is counter clockwise and tighten is clockwise they probably should not attempt any type of maintenance or repairs.
Thanks guys I do mechanic work myself been doing it now probably 30 some odd years I'm 48 and this video was very helpful very professional and I appreciate it because the cost of everything is going up now and knowing how to do stuff yourself is I was thinking of using Royal purple transmission fluid in my 2019 ram 1500 warlock classic
I just purchased and changed out the fluid in my 2014 1500 with 159K miles. I watched this video several times and made personal notes of the sequences. I've worked on cars for years but at age 72, I trusted notes, better than memory. Approximately 5 qts were drained and added. Make sure the TRANSMISSION is level, not the vehicle. Can't stress that enough. The trans sits at an angle in the frame. I needed to elevate the rear to get the trans level. I used 4 jack stands under the rear since I needed to allow the rear wheels to turn in the procedure. The issue I had was being able to use the hand pump included. It would not fit the bottles of fluid that are made in Europe. I had to improvise and I used a syringe to draw the fluid from the bottles and pump into the trans. I did notify Blauparts of the mismatched pump and bottles and they are working on it. I feel confident following the procedures outlined in the video I was capable of doing a complete change. My trans is shifting smoothly and I look forward to 75K miles of use. Thumbs up to Blauparts.👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
Did you have to lift the transmission due to the cross pipe being in the way? I’m doing mine tomorrow and am nervous about that step 😅thanks in advance for any help or advice 🙏
Hey I’ve done few other vehicles where you needed to fill trans with the pump and hose. Pretty much same technique. Full run check , run check, run check, shift trans run with wheels off ground, check fill. Time consuming.
I've done this a few times already with my 4th gen rams (one has *360K* on it...but with no servicing and the others begin to chatter @ around 130-140K miles probably a lot sooner if you tow).....Just did my 2021 4x4 5th gen: did it in the driveway like before; definitely more of a chore and had to jack up tranny which was really no big deal, but now instead of one tough bolt there's 4. These ZF transmissions are impressive as long as you service them
The temperature cooling process is what takes the longest. I wish he would've told me it could take all day just to stay within the 86-100 degree temps during the draining and refilling process. That's hard to do for a first timer. Plus those pipes are so dang hot 🔥 when putting that drain plug back in.
@@bdm408 No. I have a shallow transmission filter. But it was tight. Just be careful not to break any plastic fins inside the transmission near the sensor when taking the old one off.
I thought the transmission was supposed to be level, not the truck. The transmission is mounted at an angle in the rams. Rear end has to come up about a foot or so According to your trucks stance, and then check for level.
I got mine changed at 50,000 miles. I also tow a my favorite a boat! Differential fluid was changed and the transmission fluid at the dealership. Although they charged me a whopping $650 to get it done which is ridiculous. I have 60,000 miles now …
$650 for the transmission fluid and both the differentials?? Well shoot i just did the differentials and transfer case i wonder how much the would charge for just the trans fluid
It was noted from the instructions that the truck needed to be leveled when it was hoisted. The issue for DIY home mechanics doing this in the garage is how to make the truck level. Most garage are inclined so it could alter the amount of fluid going in. For anyone who has done this, what’s +/- on the fluid? Thanks
I've been looking for that answer myself. Saw in a few places that the transmission needed to be level not the truck and vice versa. Trying to save $500 over here!
@seanblomeley611 ZF has stated the vehicle just needs to be level. Think about it how would the dealership level the transmission? They aren't because there is no way to do that with a lift. Just level your vehicle on jack stands in the garage and it will be fine. Don't over think it. I've done it, hardest part is changing the pan. Adding fluid and measuring is easy.
He did good, but there is two areas he did not address! First, you have a torque converter that has a drain bolt, you have to get the torque converter positioned where the drain bolt is pointed down to enable draining of the converter. Secondly, in the oil cooler lines there is fluid that needs to be removed. You apply air pressure to one of the intercooler lines. This will ensure you have removed ALL the old fluid from the transmission. This type of servicing must be done, with the mindset to not contaminate the new fluid. Also you are supposed to closely examine the old pan filter for metal particulate matter. You can actually use a fine cutting Dremel are part off tool to open up the filter compartment. Inspecting this old filter material will give you an indication of wear and tear. I salvaged an old Mercedes Benz 300SD 1983 transmission that was under water for 4 days from a hurricane here in Houston. Did the above, no damage to tranny! And it had water in tranny, rear differential, and engine . My Mercedes still runs to this day!
You must not be a technician. First off, this is not a RAM transmission, the transmission is built by a German company that specializes in transmissions. Also, this is no different than the 10 speed found in GM and Ford vehicles. If you really want to get crazy, I'll show you the Mercedes Benz Triptoz transmission which takes 6 hours to fill correctly. Or, the Auidi V10 transmission, which has to be removed from the vehicle. Here you go if you'd like to take a look at Ford F150 genius. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-p96a8_MPwyM.htmlsi=vzEs-YpZmQe1SWV6
Adding to this. If you do a poor job like I did, it's worse than not using anything. That's my fault. Just giving a warning. I thought I had the pieces sealed well enough, but the entire area I covered ended up being covered in oil. 😅 Granted, this entire thing has been a nightmare.
I wanted to do this in my trackhawk. I let it drain but when I tried filling it I struggled to get a 1gallon/4quart jug into the trans. Still had a little bit left. I would put it in the gears and run it for some time to empty the pan but I still couldn’t fill it with enough fluid. It’s also 100° outside so I’m guessing that’s why I can’t fill it anymore
I have 115k miles without a service, since I will be towing my dealership said they would pump new fluid through the transmission twice for $280. This is a pretty good deal but won't touch the filter. Would this be sufficient? I really don't want to get involved in all these steps.
Hey you jacked up the transmission to get clearance but the truck rear end needs to be jacked up because the transmission isn’t level in these trucks. You’ll end up being a quart or more low if you just put it on a level lift and don’t take into account the level of transmission pan rail.
they don't come with them because the dealer and manufacturer do not want the public changing the fluid. they want you to purchase a new vehicle every 4-5 years. Once past the warranty period is all they care about.
I just can't see any mechanics doing all these steps on their shops , most likely they're gonna fill it the first time put the plug and move on to next car, I figured i could probably do it myself till i saw you unscrew transmission mount bolts and raised it up
I realize this is an old post but I'm hoping someone will answer. Since this replaces about 2/3 of the transmission fluid, am I correct in assuming this leaves approximately 3 liters of whatever brand of ZF original or ZF compatible ATF is left, mainly in the torque converter? If this is the case, is it ok to mix ZF compatible fluids or is it best to always use the same brand?
I would always use the manufacturers in this case ZFs recommended fluid tbh, there’s some alternatives but I wouldn’t trust using it. Why save a few dollars with the chance of spending a lot more if it jacks the clutch packs/solenoids in the trans.
Hey, I ordered the trans oil, just did my change, but mine only took 5 ? Is that normal ? I did everything step by step, ran thru the gears at about 100 degrees I opened the filler plug and let it drain to a drip then closed and torqued it but I have an entire quart left just want to make sure it isn't supposed to take 6 no matter what
As long as you're accurate in collecting all of the fluid and measuring what you take out, I don't see why you couldn't do that. The issue is that when the transmission pump isn't running, the fluid level in the pan is higher than the drain hole. That would make it pretty difficult to fill at the right amount and replace drain without much loss, not impossible, just hard.
I have a 2017 Ram 1500 V8 Hemi 125000 miles, and I went to the dealer and asked them to replace the transmission fluid, and they said that this truck does not need to replace the transmission oil never because it's a seal transmission.
Thank you so much. This was very easy to do. Not anymore difficult than doing oil changes. Took me 2 hours and that was me just being paranoid throughout because ive never done this before.
To add to this, it made a massive difference on my vehicle. Ram 1500 rebel, 65k miles. Wish I did this at 50,000. Instantly, all shifts are significantly smoother, don't even feel them now.
@bdm408 so... I lifted the truck up on Jack stands and then for the transmission to lift that so the transmission pan will clear and you can pull it off/replace it I used the little scissor jack that came with the truck because it was small enough to operate under there and a 1/2 inch extention with thick walled socket for a sturdy base to push off the jack and onto the spot they show on the video. It's not lifting much weight so it really wasn't sketchy at all.
@@stevenshelp1107 thanks so much for the reply!!! That’s actually a good idea to use the trucks scissor Jack. Smart thinking! Can u explain the 1/2 inch thick socket extension a bit more? Did u place that socket between the top of the scissor Jack and the transmission? Is it just a thick long socket? Thanks again and I appreciate u taking the time to reply.
Awesome video but just wondering why did you change the oil? The dealship told me the transmission oil/filter is good for life for 2017 ram 1500 8 speed transmission
The dealer wants to sell you a new truck in a hundred thousand miles or so. ZF, the company that designed and manufactured the transmission, and who allows Stellantis to build the transmission under license, recommends changing the fluid every 50-75K miles.
Exactly! I did a half fluid change then drove for a week. Then did the filter and fluid the following weekend. You'll never get it all out unless you do a flush.
2015 ram 1500 8 speed. Acquired at 150000. My guess with 2 previous owners atf was never serviced. When not sure it was ever serviced, I heard sometimes best to leave it alone. We had no trany issues and have put on almost 7000 miles. Welcome everyone’s thoughts on what best to do at this point. Second owner tore up front right aisle so we only run rear wheel drive. May consider fix on This later
@@wowdude8244 new dealership opens up in our town by end of summer. Was hoping they offer some discounted services at grand opening and see what they say. A number of RU-vidrs have good videos on how to change it correctly, but quite intense. Still can’t help but to think it needs to be changed anyway as many have suggested too. Now we have about 162 on it.
@timdippel7517 i emailed the ZF makers of transmission they said its risky to do it but worse not to change it because fluid breaks and it doesn't protect components
@@wowdude8244 what do they mean “risky to do”? Do they mean challenging? And did they say what the typical cost would or should be? Certainly be best done on a lift. Have you looked at some of the how to videos on the fluid change.
@timdippel7517 I'd say cost depends on the mechanic , i want to put an aftermarket PPE aluminum pan that holds 2 xtra quarts of fluid with interchangeable filter
unfortunately, because Ram is only concerned about the transmission making it past the warranty....every service dept is completely capable of servicing the transmission, but it's insanely costly if they do it. I had it done years ago before the YT do it yourself videos, and it was about $700 (back in 2017). I do it myself now for a couple hundred bucks at every 60k.
I have an 2016 RAM 1500 HEMI and have been experiencing Transmission over heating for the last couple of years. Dealership will not work on it unless the truck throws a code or worse. I have had them make sure that my transmission fluid was filled correctly. But still experiencing high heat 235* after driving for a few hours. This is not constant but more intermittent. Do you have any suggestions as to what maybe causing it. Dealership says that there is nothing wrong with the temps.
Just got quoted $1000 from a shop to change my fluid. Zf needs to get their crap together when it comes to service procedures. The cheapest pan and fluid i could find was $500 that is ridiculous.
@@blauparts I’m looking forward to it. I do a lot of “moonlight work” on Toyotas and Honda. I’m seeking any additional assistance on transmission service without the need for a flush service. Thank you.
For a complete step-by-step process on changing the Ram 1500 transmission fluid and filter, you can check out our Blauparts.com blog. You can find the link up in our video description.
Regarding the required plumb to earth to correctly gauge the fill, is it the vehicle or the transmission? If the vehicle frame is level, the transmission itself is about 10 degrees out of plumb. I assume it's going to be different for every different type of vehicle these 8HPs are installed in. So which is it, the vehicle frame or the transmission itself?
Probably because what he did is called a transmission service not a full flush. That is what the dealer will do unless you insist on a full flush. The problem with these trannies is that they have a temperature controlled check valve installed in the return(?) line that only opens at a certain temperature to allow for a full flush. You have to know how to bypass the check valve or get it to open just when you need it to. It's difficult but can be done if you know how. Most shops that flush trannies don't have the proper equipment or methods to do it right. You would have to ensure that the shop understands the issue and knows how to deal with it. The shops with the kid down in the pit don't know or care to do it right. In and out and good luck. Some of them will do the flush but won't use the proper fluid that you take to them. They will only use their normal fluid. "We can't put any "strange" fluids through our machine". Also they will not touch your pan in order to replace the filter. Flush only without the pan or filter which is no good. Sure a full flush is better but there are difficulties involved.
I think so. I believe you have to do all these steps then drive it then wait for it to cool back down to the fill range 86-120. Then check the fluid again you will probably have to add another half quart or so. I had to add 5.5 quarts in total through the entire job, but my transmission leaks a bit
I think that’s why people who do this transmission never last long because of the wrong steps. I never change my fluid and still got 300,000 on my 2004 & 2014 no problem so I see no point of changing fluid.
