Transmission fluid change??

[Killingbugs]

Looking to buy a 2015 1500 Ram Laramie with 109k miles.
Asked deaker to change transmission fluid.
He says the transmission is "sealed" and there is no need to change fluid.

I don't have the owners manual yet. So is that true or BS???

 

[tidefan1967]

Total BS! I believe ZF who is the original manufacturer recommends changing the fluid and filter at 70-80K miles. There are many threads on the forum and YouTube on how to do it. If you plan on paying someone to do it it could cost as much as $800.

 

[EdGs]

^^^^^this

 

[indept]

The 8 speed IS a lifetime fluid. That said, not changing it will significantly decrease it's lifetime.

 

[EdGs]

This is what my 'lifetime' fluid looked like compared to new OE fluid at 108,000 miles. Got her with 28,600 on the odo.

NO towing, and NO hauling by me either.

 

[ripping r]

does not say if its 1500 or 2500 and up. that makes a differents.

 

[EdGs]

I chose OE fluid and parts for mine, but quite a few here use aftermarket pans and other fluids with good results.

Your call.

 

[kurek]

I don't think the 68rfe or Aisin transmission are advertised as "sealed" are they? And I think the manual was an option on HD trucks through '18

 

[John Jensen]

1500 is lifetime, which FCA considers is 100,000 miles.

 

[ripping r]

I don't think the 68rfe or Aisin transmission are advertised as "sealed" are they? And I think the manual was an option on HD trucks through '18

no but it is a dealer. so no telling what they would say or do.

 

[John Jensen]

Aisin is
Replace fluid every 24 months or 30,000 miles

Replace sump filter every 48 months or 60,000 miles

 

[Killingbugs]

Its a Ram 1500.
Gonna call Monday and try to convience them it needs done or I'm keeping my check for $30k!!

 

[indept]

This is what my 'lifetime' fluid looked like compared to new OE fluid at 108,000 miles. Got her with 28,600 on the odo.

NO towing, and NO hauling by me either.View attachment 463860

If I didn't have the lifetime warranty I would change it with Maxlife. Thats a full synthetic compared to the Mopar which is a synthetic blend if I recall correctly. And it's way cheaper.

 

[EdGs]

I have read on here that the maxlife is really good.

I am out of warranty now, so we will see on the next go-round

 

[Wild one]

Its a Ram 1500.
Gonna call Monday and try to convience them it needs done or I'm keeping my check for $30k!!

Tell them a 1,000 less and do it yourself. That way you know its been done.

 

[kurek]

Its a Ram 1500.

I guess there is one other variable that wasn't mentioned... a 2015 1500 could still have the RFE transmission which is not even marketed as Lifetime. I think the manual says something like 110k miles or near it.

If your truck has the **** shifter it's the 8 speed with "Lifetime" fluid, if it has the column shift it's the RFE with conventional maintenance practices.

Edit: oh wow the new forum rules censor out a type of handle starting with K and ending with b... must be a British programmer what a kn0b!

 

[EdGs]

I was going to spend the money for a local dealer to do it.

Called them to schedule an appointment. Someone was supposed to call me back, but never did.

Called them again, same promise, same no callback.

Did it myself, with guidance from others on this forum (thank you all). I know it is done, and done properly.

 

[Killingbugs]

Agreed to split the cost to have the fluid changed.
Cost with all discounts over $650.00
Now waiting on Mopar to ship the pan.

Hope it is a new design with a drain plug.

 

[BWL]

It actually has a drain plug, but the filter is integrated into the pan so to change the filter you change the pan. If you hear a whine coming out of the trans on hard acceleration have them re-check the fluid as that's a good indicator it's low. Seems to be a common mistake given the complicated fluid check procedure on a change.

 

[BWL]

I have read on here that the maxlife is really good.

I am out of warranty now, so we will see on the next go-round

One of the members here got 700,000 out of his ZF pulling travel trailers for a living using maxlife changed every 60,000 miles and the trans didn't fail. Just was cheaper to throw in a low mileage used than replace the solenoid pack that failed. Sure about the maxlife just not the change interval. That was enough to convince me the fluid was good enough.