Shift into Drive is slow

[GrahamC]

Hi folks,

I have to back out of my drive up hill. When it's cold out, when I shift from reverse to drive there is a couple of seconds of delay before it actually engages. Just started last cold season. Normal? 2017 1500 5.7 4x4 89k. Thanks in advance

 

[Tach_tech]

How long is the engine running before you put it in gear?

 

[GrahamC]

I usually start it and wait a minute or two but it's still cold.

 

[jws123]

You could be a little low on fluid have you checked it?

 

[GrahamC]

You could be a little low on fluid have you checked it?

I'll take a look in the AM, thanks for the suggestion.

 

[huntergreen]

It's not an easy process to check the level on the 8 speed.

 

[jws123]

It's not an easy process to check the level on the 8 speed.

Do they not have dip sticks? never had a 8 speed lol my jeep is annoying no dip stick.

 

[GrahamC]

It's not an easy process to check the level on the 8 speed.

I didn't know that... But now that I think about it, I don't remember seeing a dip stick for it. Guess that's part of it being a sealed system.

 

[huntergreen]

I didn't know that... But now that I think about it, I don't remember seeing a dip stick for it. Guess that's part of it being a sealed system.

there is a you tube that shows the process. Includes jacking up the rear so the trans is level. I do miss having a dipstick.

 

[huntergreen]

Do they not have dip sticks? never had a 8 speed lol my jeep is annoying no dip stick.

No, no dipstick.

 

[Travelin Ram]

My truck has the 8 speed and I’ve not experienced that. IIRC you are slightly beyond ZF’s recommended mileage for a fluid change, so consider that. Chrysler says it’s lifetime fluid, because they’ll sell you a new truck when the transmission reaches the end of it’s life.

I also recently read a post linking an article which describes how a tech with the right scan tool and knowledge can scan the transmission to determine the wear on clutches and give you a health status report so to speak. Without opening the trans.

 

[Badger 13]

During your short "warm up" time, set your parking brake and put the trans in neutral. See if that helps.

 

[EdGs]

+1 on the transmission fluid level check, even though it is a PITA on the 8 speed.

 

[indept]

As far as fluid level check, an easy way is check for leaks or signs of previous leaks. If the trans is low it must have leaked out. If all looks dry then it's most likely ok. It's not as accurate as actually checking the level but it's a good indicator.

 

[Joseph Godvin]

Normal !!

 

[Tom McClellan]

Gotta love a dipstick

 

[Atcer2018]

For the OP, the slope of your driveway is your friend if you need to check the fluid level on the ZF 8 speed auto. Watch a few YouTube vids on checking the transmission fluid levels. There is a machined lip area along the side of the transmission housing to place a small six inch level so you can determine if the transmission is level. The truck doesn’t have to be level, just the transmission. Instead of jacking the back end up you just use the incline of your driveway to get the tranny level. PITA to get it figured out the first time but once you do just mark your driveway so you have a reference for subsequent checks. Also if you have the evic dash you can monitor the tranny temp for the fluid level check procedure.

 

[Rizzo]

Hey, I noticed that with mine as well but its brand new. I noticed it on the way home from the dealer. It is a noticeable lag compared to my '14 with the 8spd.

 

[ram1500rsm]

It might be normal if the temp outside is freezing or close to it. But with that much miles you should start planning to change that fluid anyways. Is about time with 90k miles.

 

[bellaireroad]

It might be normal if the temp outside is freezing or close to it. But with that much miles you should start planning to change that fluid anyways. Is about time with 90k miles.

Yep, normal when it’s cold


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