2016 Ram 1500 8 speed trans

[Blackrock]

Been going all over this new truck of mine and found out something I haven't come across before.
The transmission has engine coolant routed through it to aid in getting it up to optimum operating temp sooner. And here all these years we have concentrated on keeping transmissions running cooler. Engine temp is running at 206 and trans at 177 on a run in to town today.
Did some online research and found out this whiz bang ZF 8 speed is a whole new breed. Has no oil dipstick and uses it's own special oil that is good for the lifetime of the truck.
There are even powered shutters in front of the oil cooler to aid in rapid warmup. They do fail in the open position or are supposed to.
Gonna be interesting to see how this all works out towing in the Arizona heat.

[RBinAlabama]

I Have a 2015 Ram 1500 with the 8 speed tranny behind the V6 EcoDiesel 4X4. Love the truck rides better than my Town and Country Limited. Only pulled with it once about 18 miles RV Dealer to home. Pulled a 27RKSS dry wight 6400 lbs, not a problem pulled a steep grade about 1 mile long, downshifted 1 time. Filled up before picking up the trailer and reset the mileage gauge, checked it when I got home 11.7 miles per gallon. Very pleased with the truck.

[emm-dee]

Ram has been using that transmission for a few years (not sure exactly how many), It has gotten really favorable reviews. Lotsa folks don't like the "hockey puck" gear selector (I personally like it). Unbelievably smooth and with eight gears it keeps the engine in the power band you need. You can use the steering wheel controls to set the maximum gear you want but I'd like to see it allow you to control upshift points.

[bluewoo]

Toyota has it also - has to do with oil viscosity - warming up trans fluid quicker - operating temp is were the least wear will occur IMO. It great you can get a temp read out vs my old gauge.

[Blackrock]

Modern technology at it's best. We were just starting to get these newer trucks into the ADOT fleet when I retired and had some training on the newer features plus the new R1234YA Freon.
I don't even have 150 miles on my truck yet.

[TheGreatWaz00]

You may want to check the maintenance schedule for the trany. I think you need a filter and fluid replacement at either 100000 or 150000 and the cost is near $1000

[lbrjet]

My Ford is different but has the same concept: getting the tranny warm ASAP. No fluid goes through the cooler until it is up to about 160. Then only 10% until 186. Then opens wide and allows all fluid to pass through the cooler. I monitor the temp like a hawk with my Scangauge. The highest temp ever was 204 last July pulling from Phoenix to Flagstaff. Has only been above 200 four times in 22,500 towing miles at 98% of GCWR. I should note that I changed out the fluid and filter at 40K and 80K miles.


2010 F250 5.4L 3.73
2011 Flagstaff 831FKBSS
Equal-i-zer 4pt 12K

[Blackrock]

Originally Posted by TheGreatWaz00

You may want to check the maintenance schedule for the trany. I think you need a filter and fluid replacement at either 100000 or 150000 and the cost is near $1000

Yeah I looked that up. Crazy thing is that the filter is integral to the pan and you change pan and all. Looks like it's the oil that is pricey as well.

[TheGreatWaz00]

Yes. Damn near fell off my chair. !!!

[Blackrock]

Looks like parts will run $335.00 or so. Less with my jobber discount. Oil @ $32 per quart

Robot Check

Valve Body And Related Parts - PAN AND FILTER, Transmission Oil - 68225344AA | Mopar

[aceinspp]

The price we pay for technology Later RJD

[bluewoo]

32 dollars a quart. Good lord thats alota money

[emm-dee]

Originally Posted by TheGreatWaz00

You may want to check the maintenance schedule for the trany. I think you need a filter and fluid replacement at either 100000 or 150000 and the cost is near $1000

Please correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't see any reference to that task in the owners manual scheduled maintenance chart. The only thing is says about transmission inspections or fluid changes refer to the six-speed transmission. No mention about changing, etc., for the eight-speed HP70 transmission.

Is there another chart out there?

[Blackrock]

Yep, no mention of servicing the transmission in the owners manual. What I have found on the net are people saying the same thing and some planning on doing it at 100K miles. Found one guy saying you can use an AMSoil pure synthetic. Don't know about that.
Meanwhile I guess I'll drive mine and see what's happening when I reach 100K if I keep this truck that long.

[Crusadernoob]

FYI, when a manufacturer say's "lifetime" fluid, they mean for the "lifetime" of the warranty. This is how they keep projected maintenance cost's low. No fluid, transmission, brake, power steering, coolant, gear oil, will last a "lifetime" If you plan on keeping ANY vehicle maintenance is the key, you can't overdue it, but you sure can ignore it.

[deartruc]

I'm sure by the time you're ready to think about doing the trany filter amsoil and wolfshead will have the fluid and probably better.

PS I change mine every 40k (two filters and about 8qts for my 545RFE)

[thebrakeman]

Originally Posted by Blackrock

Been going all over this new truck of mine and found out something I haven't come across before.
The transmission has engine coolant routed through it to aid in getting it up to optimum operating temp sooner. And here all these years we have concentrated on keeping transmissions running cooler. Engine temp is running at 206 and trans at 177 on a run in to town today.
Did some online research and found out this whiz bang ZF 8 speed is a whole new breed. Has no oil dipstick and uses it's own special oil that is good for the lifetime of the truck.
There are even powered shutters in front of the oil cooler to aid in rapid warmup. They do fail in the open position or are supposed to.
Gonna be interesting to see how this all works out towing in the Arizona heat.

Trans fluid has been cooled by going thru the engine coolant radiator for a long time now (bulb-type liquid-to-liquid coolers), for the same reason. It gets the fluid up to temp sooner, then helps to keep it there. Passenger vehicles make due with that as the only trans cooling, while proper tow vehicles get an aux liquid-to-air cooler. Sounds like Dodge has tried doing the opposite, pumping the engine coolant thru the transmission. I wonder if it's still the bulb-type coolers, submerged in the trans fluid.

By the way, my 2006 Mounty (Explorer clone) has no dipstick, uses a special synthetic oil, and is considered sealed for life. It does have a very small fill-port at the trans itself, but unless considered severe duty, it should never be touched. That's not really a new thing...well maybe for Dodge.

[thebrakeman]

Originally Posted by lbrjet

My Ford is different but has the same concept: getting the tranny warm ASAP. No fluid goes through the cooler until it is up to about 160. Then only 10% until 186. Then opens wide and allows all fluid to pass through the cooler. I monitor the temp like a hawk with my Scangauge. The highest temp ever was 204 last July pulling from Phoenix to Flagstaff. Has only been above 200 four times in 22,500 towing miles at 98% of GCWR. I should note that I changed out the fluid and filter at 40K and 80K miles.


2010 F250 5.4L 3.73
2011 Flagstaff 831FKBSS
Equal-i-zer 4pt 12K

I really don't think 200F is a big deal for modern transmissions using full synthetic fluids. Anybody with a Ford 6speed auto that I've heard from say their system is happy at higher temps.

When not towing, my Scangage shows 170-175 in the summer. Towing, I'm regularly 200-205F. The first owners towed a single-horse trailer with this SUV, and we tow a 5200 lbs camper. Still running strong.