Normal trans fluid temp

[Barney556180]

I have a new-to-me 2014 ED quad 4x4. I’ve read various threads on transmission temps that suggest 185 degrees F is a good average.
My temp at highway speeds (no towing) range between 210 and 215. Highest I’ve seen is 219.



Is this within the expected operating range?

 

[pacofortacos]

They will say yes, however it is above what most people see - you probably have a bad thermostat in the block on the transmission. At least what I see with the hemi 8 speed setups.

 

[danoday]

Any record on last Trans fluid change? If not, you could probably assume it's original since new. Higher Temps are definitely a sign of fluid break down. Only suggesting since you showing a 132k. Fluid change may be the cheapest and easiest solution since it new to you.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N910A using Tapatalk

 

[Barney556180]

Thanks. [emoji1303]
I don’t have maintenance records, so will get the fluid changed. What’s a good alternative to the OEM for my 8-Spd 8HP70?

 

[Daw14]

There are aluminum pans available, I would start there. Also think Valvoline has an acceptable fluid vs mopar.

 

[HuskerRam]

Check out these discussions. Lifeguard 8 (same as OEM), Valvoline Maxlife, Redline & Amsoil are the most popular alternatives.

https://www.ramforum.com/threads/zf...acement-fluid-poll.168330/page-3#post-2418574

https://www.ramforum.com/threads/shocking-info-zf-fluids.170364/

https://www.ramforum.com/threads/fluid-for-zf-8hp70.170341/

 

[Wild one]

Thanks. [emoji1303]
I don’t have maintenance records, so will get the fluid changed. What’s a good alternative to the OEM for my 8-Spd 8HP70?

Don't be surprised if your local dealer tells you it's not servicable,and is sealed for life.They aren't sealed for life and are servicable,and ZF reconmends servicing the 8 speed between 80,000kms and 130,000kms,or roughly 50,000miles to 80,000miles.Here's the proper level checking procedure after you've dropped the pan and did a pan and fluid swap.Pay attention to the very first highlighted paragraph,you have to jack the rear of the truck up in the air a fair bit to get the transmissions pan rail level. These are the instructions that come with a "brand new" 8 speed from the dealer,not a rebuilt tranny.Cost me a pile of money to get these instructions,lol

 

[Tim Garceau]

Thermal Bypass valve isn’t functioning properly, these 8hp70s should not run that hot during unloaded commuting. Once it’s replaced service the fluid/pan.

Here is another thing to consider.
https://revmaxconverters.com/product/2014-2020-dodge-ram-8hp70-8hp75-transmission-cooler-thermostat-bypass/#iLightbox[]/0

 

[Wild one]

By the looks of it,you have the 3.6 Pentastar engine,which means you'll have the little 8HP45,but as far as i know everything that applies to the 8HP70 also applies to the smaller 8HP45 when it comes to transmission temps and service intervals.

 

[Different Drummer]

I have the same year truck, same engine / Trans. Temps under normal driving are 181*F - 188*F. I have nowhere near your miles though. ( 41,300 at present ). After all I have read and researched I am planning on doing a filter/pan and fluid change around 50,000 miles.
I would bet yours has never been changed. I would get it done ASAP. I would also send some used fluid out for analysis. With that many miles on the oil I would consider doing a second drain and fill only at a very short interval to dilute out the old fluid that remained after you did the first change.
Good luck, and let us know how it goes. Especially interesting would be a transmission fluid analysis report.

 

[Barney556180]

FYI, my 2014 is a 3.0 ltr EcoDiesel with the 8-Spd 8HP70.

 

[Wild one]

Thermal Bypass valve isn’t functioning properly, these should not run that hot during unloaded commuting. Once it’s replaced you should service the fluid/pan.

Here is another thing to consider.
https://revmaxconverters.com/product/2014-2020-dodge-ram-8hp70-8hp75-transmission-cooler-thermostat-bypass/#iLightbox[]/0

You springing for the Rev Max kit Tim?

 

[Barney556180]

There are aluminum pans available, I would start there. Also think Valvoline has an acceptable fluid vs mopar.

Appreciate the comments. I’m going to get a fluid/filter change.

I looked around for aluminum pans with no luck: Have any links?
Thanks.

 

[Tim Garceau]

By the looks of it,you have the 3.6 Pentastar engine,which means you'll have the little 8HP45,but as far as i know everything that applies to the 8HP70 also applies to the smaller 8HP45 when it comes to transmission temps and service intervals.

Trans runs ~175 in the winter months, probably start with option 2(removing the valve) next spring once it warms back up and compare aggressive running temps. I do like the heating feature for commuting all season, so we’ll see what the real world results are on the plate.

 

[Wild one]

Appreciate the comments. I’m going to get a fluid/filter change.

I looked around for aluminum pans with no luck: Have any links?
Thanks.

You'll have to check into whether it fits your 8HP45,i think it does,but i'm not totally positive though.

PPE ZF 8HP70 Heavy-Duty Aluminum Transmission Pan (xtremediesel.com)

 

[Barney556180]

One more question: What is the transmission capacity? How many Ltr/qts do I need for drain fluid change.
The manual does not give the trans capacity...

 

[clint440]

Trans runs ~175 in the winter months, probably start with option 2(removing the valve) next spring once it warms back up and compare aggressive running temps. I do like the heating feature for commuting all season, so we’ll see what the real world results are on the plate.

Wow 175? Nice, I wish I was in the 170s. I run between 181-185.

I wonder how much cooler the number 2 option is? Be nice if that was a solid 10 degree drop, I'm like you where I like the idea of the thermal management system for daily driving/commuting but have it run about 10 to 15 degrees cooler.

 

[Tim Garceau]

Wow 175? Nice, I wish I was in the 170s. I run between 181-185.

I wonder how much cooler the number 2 option is? Be nice if that was a solid 10 degree drop, I'm like you where I like the idea of the thermal management system for daily driving/commuting but have it run about 10 to 15 degrees cooler.

shutters are still fully intact too, Milodon 180 coolant thermostat. Photo taken at the end of my 40 mile commute

 

[crash68]

I have a new-to-me 2014 ED quad 4x4. I’ve read various threads on transmission temps that suggest 185 degrees F is a good average.
My temp at highway speeds (no towing) range between 210 and 215. Highest I’ve seen is 219.



Is this within the expected operating range?

Not sure how fast your running or do you have the winter front on? All the temperatures are elevated from where most run except the oil. I'm usually 204°F coolant, 185°F-192°F trans, and 212°F oil. My trans while towing usually gets up to 200°F even with 8K lbs behind me.
I mentioned the winter front, most can get away with running it when the temps are in the low 40°s, the manual states 32°F also there is not about a 10°F difference between the oil and coolant. The transmission cooling is done by the top couple of rows of what is also the AC condenser
If the winter front isn't on, I would be thinking thermostat and/or water pump. Make sure the coolant level is at or above the seam in the degas bottle.

 

[EdGs]

One more question: What is the transmission capacity? How many Ltr/qts do I need for drain fluid change.
The manual does not give the trans capacity...

I have the 8HP70 in my 2015 1500 with the 5.7L

Dealer told me capacity was 8.7 qts.

My drain and fill (using OE Mopar pan) was 5-1/4 qts.

Have no idea what 8HP45 takes though.

What I have read on this forum is that ones who use the deeper aluminum ppe pan use about 2 qts. more.

YMMV