8 speed zf transmission service, dumb question

[stenerson]

Greetings gents. I've ordered parts for the 8speed fluid change on my 2018 Ram. I've researched threads on this forum and think I got the basics nailed. Raising the rear for level tranny pan rail and the zf procedures for measuring fluid. I plan to do 2 or 3 three drain and fills before putting on new pan/filter. Want to get this done before winter hits.
Here's my dumb question. At one point in procedure I have to "release brakes and slowly accelerate to 2nd gear and hold for 5 seconds." How do I know when I hit 2nd gear? I know that on my steering wheel there are those gear buttons I think for "manual" shifting. Is that somehow involved?
P.S. Haven't committed on fluid type yet. Divided between Maxlife or go for broke and using Amsoil.

 

[Bigskyroadglide]

Put in in manual mode, limit it to 2nd gear, watch your Acceleration and when it gets to 2 then your are done after 5 seconds. Make sure you read the green card, posted n multiple threads.

 

[caulk04]

It'll pretty much immediately be in 2nd, sounds like you are well set.

 

[stenerson]

Thanks guys. So with the rear raised I hit that - gear button on steering wheel and the gear I'm on will display on there, correct? Sorry for sounding like a blockhead, just making sure I understand this.

 

[JHoward]

Thanks guys. So with the rear raised I hit that - gear button on steering wheel and the gear I'm on will display on there, correct? Sorry for sounding like a blockhead, just making sure I understand this.

With your foot on the brake, put your truck into Drive, push to select 1 with the gear minus (-) button on the steering wheel and 1 is displayed being in first, push the gear plus (+) button and it will be in second, 2 is displayed.

Let off the brake and your transmission will only shift from first to second ...

 

[bm02tj]

Turn your traction control off

 

[star_deceiver]

I found you will need to move quick when topping off the fluid and doing the R-N-1-2 shift as the trans warms up quickly. You’ll be over temp if you dawdle.

These make transmission and diff service so much easier. Find one on sale.

 

[stenerson]

With your foot on the brake, put your truck into Drive, push to select 1 with the gear minus (-) button on the steering wheel and 1 is displayed being in first, push the gear plus (+) button and it will be in second, 2 is displayed.

Let off the brake and your transmission will only shift from first to second ...

Cool, thanks!

 

[stenerson]

This attachment is from ALLDATA diy app for my 2018 Ram. Helps me to have a printout handy. It doesn't include the info about leveling the pan rail by raising the rear higher but other than that seems the cover the basics for checking fluid level.

 

[Wild one]

This attachment is from ALLDATA diy app for my 2018 Ram. Helps me to have a printout handy. It doesn't include the info about leveling the pan rail by raising the rear higher but other than that seems the cover the basics for checking fluid level.

Once you get under the truck and see where the fill plug is located,you'll understand why they want the pan rail level.Mentally compare the angle of the trucks transmission,to the way the same transmission sits in a Challenger/Charger etc. which sits virtually level in the chassis,and then think about which transmission will take more fluid if you don't level the trucks pan rail