ZF 8HP Transmission Fluid Level Check - No Dipstick

This episode demonstrates the fluid level checking procedure for the ZF 8HP45, 8HP70, and 8HP90 8-speed automatic transmissions used in select Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, RAM, HellCat, BMW, and other brands of vehicles.

TIMELINE:
0:00 Start
0:04 Introduction
0:31 Fluid requirements
1:20 Vehicle and transmission model information
2:10 The transmission oil pan, drain plug and fill plug
2:30 The label with fluid level check instructions
2:49 The fluid temperature requirement 86-122 degrees F (30-50 degrees C)
3:10 Consequences of checking fluid level at an incorrect temperature
3:27 A demonstration of the three-page fluid level checking procedure
3:50 Reading the fluid temperature with a scan tool (engine running)
5:38 Preliminary fluid level check
7:00 Adding fluid to the transmission
7:40 Overflowing fluid dripping out
8:03 Disable traction control
8:08 Apply brakes and select Reverse for five seconds
8:20 Apply brakes and select Drive for five seconds
8:30 Release brakes and accelerate to second gear for 5 seconds
8:50 Apply brakes and select Neutral and raise engine rpm to 2000 for five seconds
9:15 Idle engine and select Park
9:38 Trans fluid temperature at 90 degrees F (32.2 C)
9:56 Removing fluid level check plug again
10:36 Fluid drains from hole to a slow drip
11:56 Additional fluid may need to be added due to cooler thermostatic bypass valve
13:50 The location of the thermostatic bypass valve and its 160 Degree F (71.1 C) operation
15:50 How to compensate for additional fluid needed (See pinned video comment)
16:25 Transmission replacement warnings
18:00 The Chrysler fluid level check does not mention the bypass valve issue
18:14 Video Summary

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
- ZF recommends safely tilting the vehicle towards the driver's side to add an additional 0.5 liters of fluid to compensate for the transmission cooler bypass valve issue discussed in this video.

ABOUT US:

Questions for Teachers:
1. Does the vehicle need to be parked on a level surface or an inclined surface?
2. Does the engine need to be running during the fluid level checking procedure?
3. If the engine must be running, at what engine rpm should the fluid level be checked?
4. If the engine must be running at a specified rpm, how will you verify the proper rpm?
5. If the engine must be off, are there any conditions that must be met before checking the fluid level?
6. Are there any procedures that must be met before checking the fluid level?
7. Does the transmission cooler have a bypass valve? If so, how does it affect the ATF fluid level?
8. At what temperature range should the fluid level be checked?
9. What temperature is being referred to in the previous question? Outside air? Coolant temperature? Transmission fluid temperature?
10. How should you measure that temperature?

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[bljuhl]

Finally someone who knows what they’re talking about, and no background music, thanks for sharing this information

[robfrmny]

What ever engineer that decided this was a great idea to remove the dipstick should be fired and never allowed to design anything again

[jimmcgettigan]

Kudos for an excellent explanation of a truly, absurdly designed process.

[charlieboy]

This did a better job explaining than anybody on YouTube in a wheel chair

[GregBird]

Check your transmission fluid levels in only 47 easy steps!

Wow... crazy.

[dontuno]

John, I think the bypass valve will be a 3 port device providing a "constant volume" system whereas a 2 port valve will provide a variable volume system. If it is indeed a 3 port valve then the transmission oil volume does not vary regardless of whether the valve is open or closed, it simply either flows through the cooler or bypasses the cooler. This is basically very much like what is used in HVAC control and a constant volume prevent head/pump pressure increasing whereas a 2 port system tries to pump against a dead end and the head increases. I'm not sure I've explained it precisely enough but the fundamental is to ask the ZF guy whether the bypass valve is 3 port or 2 port. If 3 port then all is good and no need to worry about oil volume because the volume is constant. As an aside what a cack eyed system ZF seem to have created!

[trevosride]

First time I saw someone who goes to slow pace to explain so clear the procedure I really appreciate you take your time and I hope see more from Chrysler 300 Rwd 3.6 pentastar thanks

[hyeeagle]

You're great professor and person, share $1, 000 dollars class for free. Personally me thank you for your public service. Every time I watch your videos I learned something

[beretta]

This information is priceless.. All that said. The process, simply put is Convoluted. $43 a quart, and the Trans takes up to 6 qt. this cost doesn't include the filter. What in the world was Chrysler thinking.

[jpboileau]

Excellent video. a few points... 1) When the cooler bypass valve is closed, the fluid won't go to the cooler, and when it's open, fluid goes through. 2) If you're just doing a fluid level check without maintenance, the cooler bypass being open or closed won't make a difference as it will remain filled with no air one way or the other. If you' have done maintenance, then driving around until the fluid temp is 180F or higher would ensure that the cooler has been filled.

[davidrobins]

A lot of very important information to know in order to do a transmission fluid change. Of particular note is the fact the fluid is s-p-e-c-i-f-i-c-a-l-l-y for 8 speed transmissions. Thank you for taking the time to clearly explain the full procedure. It is definitely more than a one hour Saturday afternoon job.

[stevefick]

GEEZ! Put a freakin' dip stick back in these things! What a PITA!

[rtdreep]

One of the best car maintenance videos I've ever seen. Every aspect of this, from John's wealth of experience to the clear explanations to the super sharp and well-lit images is exactly what a person needs. Thank you!

[christhefistful]

Great information John very well explained. I installed a trans dipstick and tube on my 2011 F 150 with the 6R80 trans. No more having to play around under the truck next to that hot passenger side converter when checking the fluid level. In my view all manufactures should have an electronic display for the operator of the vehicle to check the transmission fluid level or at least a easily accessible dip stick.

[flbartlett]

Thank you for the excellent educational video. I now know what to look for and avoid in a new car purchase: transmissions that require 2 days to properly check fluid levels.

[devodar]

Excellent tutorial from this amazing technician. It’s a good thing the ZF 8 speed is such a great transmission to use, since it’s not easy to change fluid. At least you can fall in love with the operation of it.

[opmike]

This is a really easy procedure all things considered. It's amazing the prices some shops charge to do this. I've seen people quote upwards of 900 dollars for something an experienced DIY'er can do on a Sunday over a couple of beers.

[edpolkiewicz]

Best video I have seen. Clear explanation and no bs. Some of the other ones just get you off track. I have been a mechanic for a long time but some of this new stuff is a bit confusing! Thank you.

[xrt]

1. I vote for bring back the dipstick. It will achieve the same and show fluid expansion.
2. In all my years of working on cars, I've never seen a trans burn up from overfill(within reason). But all will burn up if under-filled. Remember, the fluid is meant to absorb heat.

[LukeLovett]

This guys knows his stuff!

By the way; these combined AC Condensers/Transmission coolers are known to crack and leak refrigerant, PAG oil and dye at around 100 000 Kms. Drivers will hear the "hiss of death" while driving with the AC on. It's a common issue with all Chrysler/Jeep/Dodge brands (this part is common) and the combined condenser needs to be replaced (there's a few videos on youtube about it and how to complete it). The replacement of the condenser is relatively simple, but i doubt any technician/mechanic will complete the trans fluid check after completion of the job. If it's happened to your CJD vehicle, and you have a new A/C condenser, check your ZF 8HP transmission fluid after the repair. It's NOT a required step in the standard A/C condenser repair in the standard repair manual. Your AC will be nice a cool but the transmission may potentially be low on fluid and may lead to premature failure.

Keep up the great videos.