ZF 5HP Transmission Oil Change Interval Procedure

Welcome to the ZF Education Center
In this video, we will cover the oil change intervals for 5HP transmissions --
Why to use genuine ZF LifeguardFluid and filters ---
And, provide basic instruction for changing the fluid in the ZF 5HP series transmission.
A lot of discussion has occurred on the topic of oil change intervals for ZF transmissions. It is important to adhere to your vehicle manufacturer's specified change interval and it is very important to use authorized fluids.
ZF LifeguardFluids are designed and tested to retain characteristics through normal lifetime operating conditions per the original equipment vehicle manufacturer's specifications. In instances of extreme driving conditions, special environmental considerations and driving factors, which place an increased load on the transmission, it is advisable to perform a drain and fill between 50.000 and 75.000 miles, or 8 years.

ZF recommends that fluid from the dealer or LifeguardFluid5 be used in all ZF 5HP19 RWD, FWD and AWD variants, 5HP24 transmissions with Green transmission tags. If you have a 5HP18 with a black transmission tag, use Dexron III. If it has a green tag use LifeguardFluid5. If you have a 5HP30 with a black transmission tag, use ATF LA-2634.
Please note that all wheel drive variants contain a different fluid for the differential.
Just like any other part in the transmission, LifeguardFluid5 was engineered specifically for the 5HP series of transmission. The fluid is the means by which all components in the transmission operate successfully: converter function, valve body function, clutch actuation, cooling ability, lubrication, particle suspension and filtration.
Using unapproved fluid may void any applicable warranty, it can lead to poor transmission function/shift quality, advanced wear of components and premature failure.
Do not second guess yourself; use genuine ZF fluid, filters and parts for assured performance.

"Disclaimer:
THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS PROVIDED TO THE REQUESTER ON AN "AS IS, WHERE IS" BASIS, WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND (EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED), INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A SPECIFIC OR GENERAL PURPOSE AND THOSE ARISING BY STATUTE OR BY LAW, OR FROM A CAUSE OF DEALING OR USAGE OF TRADE. ZF DOES NOT ACCEPT ANY RESPONSIBILITIES FOR ANY LOSS OR DAMAGE WHATSOEVER ARISING FROM ANY CAUSE WHATSOEVER IN CONNECTION WITH THE INFORMATION PROVIDED HEREIN, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION, ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, PUNITIVE OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OF ANY KIND, WHETHER ARISING UNDER BREACH OF CONTRACT, TORT (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE), STRICT LIABILITY OR OTHERWISE, AND WHETHER BASED ON THE INFORMATION PROVIDED HEREIN OR OTHERWISE, EVEN IF ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES."

[jtaylor]

This is by far the best one I've seen minus loosening the fill plug before draining. Great video. 4.5 STARS

[martymeyer]

I don't recall seeing in the video, but I suggest you break the fill plug loose first, before draining. That way you know you can get fluid back in. If you have the tools, knowledge and time to repair stripped threads then disregard my comment.

[TheJojo]

Good video. The ATF raises quickly. You got about 5minutes after starting the motor to finish this job. Never turn off the engine after filling. The fill plug is a bit tricky to get back in and needs some feeling. Watch out for the exhaust. It also gets hot very fast.

[paulb]

Thank you so much👍 for your kindness. It's so so useful for my e36 m3 sedan.

[clanaoaarmyofallah]

i wish they would put the different size hex wrench sizes needed for the drain and fill plugs for each model.. im stuck trying to guess the size of my drain plug because it is not 17mm like the fill plug...

[darrylbirdsall]

Impressive, they actually used the metric system. Looks like they're getting with the times.

[petervanbrussel]

Where can I buy that transfer pomp for the bottle?

[mikegsgr]

One thing that wasn't obvious to me, but maybe is implied is to do the final fill with the engine running, made a difference of about 1.5 qt and got rid of a whine I had after I filled with engine off but trans at the right temp.

[Jim-fegl]

Thanks ZF for the video. I have a 1999 XJ8L with ZF 5HP24. Changed the fluid and filter the exact same way. It is true half the fluid is not changed but I figure I can change it again next year with new filter and clean the magnets. The new filter and magnets will catch the remaining debris that was in the other half of the fluid that wasn't drained.

[aki]

Very useful video. Always good to see a video like this from the manufacturer of the product.
A few questions: 
-What is the kinematic viscosity rating the ZF Lifeguard 5 fluid at 40C and 100C? Oddly, this information is not readily available on the internet. 
-Is the ZF Lifeguard 5 fluid the same as the Pentosin ATF 1?
-Is the ZF lifeguard 5 a semi synthetic or fully synthetic fluid?
Thank you.

[juicewrldclips]

Just bought ZF kit from FCP euro. But they were charging 450$. I removed the pan bolts and drain bolt, saved 200$.

[mikejacobs]

Thanks for the video. Im rebuilding my jaguar s t r. I removed the engine to be built at a speed shop. I need to remove the trans now . My question, the bolts at the back connecting the drive train which do i remove ? And os the a shaft that goes into the trans ? Ive never rmoved one before im trying not to break anything. I have a zf 6hp 26 trans .

[fockinausty]

Please upload the instruction video for replacing ZF8HP transmission fluids as well… 🙏

[kowal]

Hello. Thanks for the vid. How many liters do we need to make a change? Im talking about A5S325Z. Thanks

[newsnewsnicoll]

Beautiful video all respect. Please if you can answer me please. I have a bmw 525 tds 1998.Transmission 5HP18.model.A5S310Z. What type of oil do I use to change it? How do I get the oil out of the converter? To make it 97% good a video would be welcome thanks

[mareklesniak]

What't the name of the lubricator ( something....andel? ) you use on filter gasket and why you put it there? Thanks

[chamberlin]

On the BMW E38 7 series 5HP24, if you have an advanced scanner, you can monitor the transmission fluid temperature via OBDII so that you know you've reached 40deg C! I've done this twice with great results (during valve body pressure regulator updating service). Next up is my 840ci with the black label 5HP30! I will be using the special shell equivalent fluid.

[benleone]

Used a paper Gasket Was supposed to be OEM Jag Part # JLM20204. Gasket is leaking, and for lack of a better word is "Junk". Where can I find a Rubber gasket???? Help??? Thanks for the video!

[auggie]

So is the transmission at 4minute mark a 5hp-18 or a 5hp-19? I was told that my car needs the valve body removed for the filter change. I want to find out before i take off the pan. But I have 5hp-18 in my 98 m3 and was wondering if the filter is at the bottom like in this video? Thanks for the content..

[GabeJH]

I have a 2002 BMW 530i automatic with 237, 435 miles. I still haven't check the plate number but I'm pretty sure it's the ZF 5HP19 my question is how much liters/quarts would I need for a drain and fill including filter change? I plan on doing this step first than drive for about 3k miles and than do a drain and fill no filter. Own this car for 6yrs not sure when was the last time fluid was change.