ZF 8 speeds tranny issues

[Mooseknuckles]

Hello! I have a Ram 1500 Classic 2020 with the ZF 8speed trans. I’m experiencing some issues with my transmission. First off, it started to kick while putting in reverse. The dealer did a reflash but only fixed the problem temporarily. Then it started to flash in my dash cluster( shift back to P) while shifting into R. After 3 times unsuccessfully shifting into R, a check engine would pop up. Then… when the truck is cold (unused for a while) the 3rd gear will act up with high RPM and knocking into 4th gear. And finally, recently, the tranny will be stuck into the 3rd gear… it’s intermittent, will not decelerate either shift into 4th. I need to restart the truck to fix it. So I used my alfaOBd to check the codes and their meaning…
P1DA8
P1D92
What’s your thoughts about my issues? Sorry for the long text. Thx guys

 

[CanuckRam1313]

What's your current mileage?
Have you ever had the fluid level checked?
Have you ever had a transmission fluid & filter change?

 

[turkeybird56]

@CanuckRam1313

DITTO ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ this..

But shows he has a 2020 and up yer way. Sounds like a tranny software issue unless he just got a bad transmission. The ZF's been pretty good, but with as many made, there are bound unfortunately to be issues. The codes he printed shows tranny issues. Clutch issue means a rebuild, partial or complete unfortunately.

ADDED: Makes me happy and knock on wood that I got a pre-covid built truck.

OPS REPORT SHOWS:

Kilometer 109102
Mile 67792.84

NOT SURE on Canadian warranties, so not sure if he is good or not on drivetrain warranty.

 

[DILLIGAF]

If its not under warrenty, Just get a new 8 speed from a junk yard. Way cheaper then a rebuild.

 

[CanuckRam1313]

@CanuckRam1313

DITTO ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ this..

But shows he has a 2020 and up yer way. Sounds like a tranny software issue unless he just got a bad transmission. The ZF's been pretty good, but with as many made, there are bound unfortunately to be issues. The codes he printed shows tranny issues. Clutch issue means a rebuild, partial or complete unfortunately.

ADDED: Makes me happy and knock on wood that I got a pre-covid built truck.

OPS REPORT SHOWS:

Kilometer 109102
Mile 67792.84

NOT SURE on Canadian warranties, so not sure if he is good or not on drivetrain warranty.

Standard Canuck warranty on powertrain is 5-years or 100,000Km's - which ever occurs first.
Unless he's got an extended warranty... He's SOL for warranty.

 

[Mooseknuckles]

What's your current mileage?
Have you ever had the fluid level checked?
Have you ever had a transmission fluid & filter change?

109k KM. And no, I haven’t yet. Sent it an inspection before the 100k/5yrs warranty and the dealer said no need to, and everything was just fine… which isn’t I looked afterwards into checking the tranny oil level, but after looking at the procedure, it seems a pain in the ass. And seems like the damage is already done

 

[Mooseknuckles]

@CanuckRam1313

DITTO ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ this..

But shows he has a 2020 and up yer way. Sounds like a tranny software issue unless he just got a bad transmission. The ZF's been pretty good, but with as many made, there are bound unfortunately to be issues. The codes he printed shows tranny issues. Clutch issue means a rebuild, partial or complete unfortunately.

ADDED: Makes me happy and knock on wood that I got a pre-covid built truck.

OPS REPORT SHOWS:

Kilometer 109102
Mile 67792.84

NOT SURE on Canadian warranties, so not sure if he is good or not on drivetrain warranty.

It’s seems like internal damage indeed… luckily I purchased the extended warranty for 3yrs/60k KM.

 

[Mooseknuckles]

It’s seems like internal damage indeed… luckily I purchased the extended warranty for 3yrs/60k KM.

BTW, I bought my truck pre-covid

 

[Mooseknuckles]

If it’s not under warranty, Just get a new 8 speed from a junk yard. Way cheaper than a rebuild.

I luckily purchased an extended Powertrain warranty 3yrs/60k KM knowing that I would probably have manifold/cam lifters/cardan shaft drive/ inner shaft differential issues

 

[Mooseknuckles]

Standard Canuck warranty on powertrain is 5-years or 100,000Km's - which ever occurs first.
Unless he's got an extended warranty... He's SOL for warranty.

I did purchased the extended warranty . 3yrs/60k KM on powertrain. For a modest pricing tag: 3500$

 

[Mooseknuckles]

I did purchased the extended warranty . 3yrs/60k KM on powertrain. For a modest pricing tag: 3500$

What do you mean by “**** outta luck”? You think they wouldn’t honour the drivetrain warranty if the tranny has to be replaced?

 

[CanuckRam1313]

109k KM. And no, I haven’t yet. Sent it an inspection before the 100k/5yrs warranty and the dealer said no need to, and everything was just fine… which isn’t I looked afterwards into checking the tranny oil level, but after looking at the procedure, it seems a pain in the ass. And seems like the damage is already done

A standard dealer check will NOT open up any fluid orifice to check for fluid level and/or condition.

Most dealers will tell you that the transmission is a "lifetime fluid".. which is UTTER B..S..!!
We here will all advise you with 100% certainty that the trans fluid and filter MUST be changed on a regular basis to ensure dependability and longevity.

If your current dealer will not check the trans fluid level AND condition AND provide a formal report (they will charge you for this..but who cares..) then find another dealer, period!

Were I you, I'd have the fluid level checked and condition, and were I a betting man, I'd say the fluid and filter need replacing.

The caveat to this is that IF there is an actual transmission mechanical issue..then look to have a formal "warranty" claim file opened at the dealer level and action from there!

EDIT - provided your powertrain warranty is still valid (standard or extended).
If not, then seek a top notch transmission shop who is intimately familiar with this specific transmission, and have a full rebuild done, and get their extended transmission warranty.. AND install the @caulk04 transmission cooler bypass valve, too!

Finally, I, and others here will STRONGLY recommend that you also install the @caulk04 transmission bypass upgrade which will drop your trans temps by about 30deg/cel.

Our transmissions inherently operate hot, and as we all know, heat is the #1 killer of transmissions!

 

[caulk04]

Still a 6/60 power train warranty right? Unless you're over on miles it should be covered anyway.

If you end up SOL with warranty, I'd be at the very least putting a cheap aftermarket pan/filter and cheap fluid (max life Valvoline) filled up correctly.

 

[CanuckRam1313]

^^^ THIS!!

OEM or Valvoline MaxLife trans fluids are the optimal ones to use for our transmissions.

Don't skimp on aftermarket trans filters..go OEM (NOT openly contradicting @caulk04 recommendation on a less costly trans filter kit - I'm just an advocate for OEM in critical transmission components, or PPE as the only aftermarket alternative, again, IMPO ).
... OR...
get the PPE pan and filter kit (only aftermarket product most here would ever recommend) as it holds appreciably more fluid, the trans filter can be replaced by itself (the OEM is the entire pan and filter assembly), and it cools the transmission further due to it being aluminum and having external cooling fins integrated into its design and construction.

 

[caulk04]

I'm only suggesting it as a test, to see if that helps or not. Hate to waste the money on good stuff if something internal is roached.

 

[CanuckRam1313]

I'm only suggesting it as a test, to see if that helps or not. Hate to waste the money on good stuff if something internal is roached.

100% agreed, Brother!
I don't disagree whatsoever in terms of just testing to see, I'm 100% aligned

 

[Wild one]

Before you spend a bunch of money,try disconnecting the battery posts for a bit (step on the brakes,and turn on the headlights to drain the system when the battery is disconnected) and see if it does anything.A battery disconnect will reset the transmission adaptives,doubt it'll do much,but worth a try before spending money on a transmission service .

 

[Marshall]

Being it is on ext. warranty, I would make the dealership fix, change it, rather then screw around changing oil/ pan, now if it was off warranty, then changing it would be a good idea, if a reflash don't help.