2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee 8 Speed ZF Transmission Filter & Fluid Replacement How-To

This video will show you how to replace the transmission filter/pan kit and fluid on the fourth generation 2014-2020 Jeeps equipped with the 8 speed ZF automatic transmission. This procedure should also work with other models of Dodge Challenger, Charger, Durango, Chrysler 300, and Jeep Grand Cherokee, Wrangler, Gladiator, and Wagoner using the ZF 8 speed transmission. Parts and fluid used in this video were purchased from Amazon and I have provided the links below. I will also supply a link to the more cheaper Dorman pan/filter kit that will work as well for this vehicle.

[JF-ey]

Per ZF instructions after you install the new pan and fill you are supposed to put in drive run up to 2000 RPM for 5 seconds brake neutral for 5 seconds reverse run up to 2000 RPM then park you have a window to add fluid between 86 to 122 degrease then you remove the fill cap and add fluid and let it drain until it drips not a steady run like you did. You want to make sure you run through the gears to remove the air in trans. This is why all 4 wheels must be off the ground and level. If you don't run through the gears you will short-fill the transmission very important steps.  

The best time of year to change the fluid is in winter or at least no higher than 75 degrees so you have time to run through the gears if it's 90 or more degrees to start you run the chance to exceed the temperature to fill due to the expansion of the fluid. 

I also replaced the pan with a PPE pan adds 2 extra quarts of fluid and you can replace the filter only the next fluid change for $25 Vs buying another cover.

This job requires a lot of steps not unlike the old days of drain and fill but the dealer charges $1200 to change the trans fluid. I also used Amsoil fuel-efficient transmission fluid you will notice 2 gear shifts much smoother.

Great video on set up

[johnsn]

The transmission needs to be level not the truck. Best video I’ve seen on this process. Nice job

[duragactivities]

I ended up using the Dorman transmission pan since AutoZone was having a deal... unfortunately it didn't fit up quite like OEM (Bolt holes were aligned - but it was not seated flush on all sides when I fit it up by hand) but I still went through with completing the installation. It started leaking after a few days. I will be replacing it again but OEM this time...

TL:DR - Get the OEM pan... not aftermarket.

[fckurvtc]

I did this a couple of years back. Your video was spot on, thank you for sharing. For anyone that is going to be doing this, get yourself a chemical strayer, take the nozzle off of the end of the wand and use that to fill the fluid. It will save you time and hand cramps over using the small quart pump shown here.

[anthonysullo]

Lifetime fluid is about the dumbest thing they try to sell to us.

[Lolgingerbread]

Thanks for this video this is exactly what I’ve been searching for. The quality you put into the video is amazing!

[jillkimmel]

My question is a simple one if you measure the exact amount of fluid that came out of the transmission and you put the same exact amount of fluid back why would all those procedures be even necessary?

[Taragustilo]

Excellent video. Makes my F350 look easy. I am guessing, this is the wifes vehicle? Is that the Trailhawk, We got the Trailhawk, really like it, but am dreading when something goes wrong with the variable suspension. Got about 80k on ours, and one of the front rotors warped really bad, started squueking on a road trip, got both rotors turned, brakes are pretty straight forward except for the ridiculous 11mm(7/16) hex needed and the E bolts. I think i am going to invent a way to check the transmission fluid, i dont know something like an oil dipstick, I'll make millions! Thanks again, GOD bless, JESUS is King.

[julespatten]

Used a quarter inch drive torque wrench with a wobbler and was able to get the hard to reach bolts. Really detailed instructions thank you

[bendafixer]

Thank you. I'm going to have to do my '15 Grand Cherokee and this video helped me a lot.

[ronsereda]

I'm hoping to do the same in the near future so many thanks for making this video. Your fill procedure was spot on and you took good care to get it right. The amount you put in compared to the amount that came out also balanced. What puzzles me is when you first took the plug out there was quite a gush of fluid kind of like it was overfilled. Is it correct to assume that this was because the engine wasn't running. When running that "excess" fluid would be circulating throughout the transmission. Would this assumption be correct?

[RushKid]

Thanks for such a detailed video!! I am about to change the "lifetime" fluid in my 2015. I always like to watch a few videos beforehand, in the is case I just needed one... Yours!! Thanks

[Michiganmtb]

Dealership quoted me 490 for the service without a new pan. They are charging me for 7 quarts of fluid. 1.4 hours of labor. Has me wondering what kind of procedure they are planning on following lol. I might try it myself. Thanks for the video !

[Painterboy]

My 2020 was slipping in 3rd & 4th. Rough shift out of park. This definitely fixed it.

[JF]

Just completed mine and I'm not a fan of wrenching on vehicles by any means lol. No leaks! Praise thy Lord Jesus!

[ryanreeves]

Why not just drain and fill and leave oem pan on ??

[JF]

Such a good video! Solid content! I picked up a new filter from the dealer yesterday and got the fluid from Amazon the other day. Tackling this project today, might throw in plugs and the oil filter housing as well. Sigh... lol projects that need to be done.

[daveyt]

I have a 2016 with 170k on it. Looking for a DIY video, this seems nice.

[mechjo]

Great content. As a FYI, went to dealer today and was quoted just over $1, 000 to have this done.

[THETOPGLOCK]

Did you get the instructions with the new pan? I’m about to this to our 2014 GC Overland. I’m reading something about putting the vehicle in “Jack mode” because of the air ride. How are you supposed to run in like that?