This episode demonstrates the fluid level checking procedure for the ZF 8HP45, 8HP70, and 8HP90 8-speed automatic transmissions used in select Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, RAM, HellCat, BMW, and other brands of vehicles.

TIMELINE:
0:00 Start
0:04 Introduction
0:31 Fluid requirements
1:20 Vehicle and transmission model information
2:10 The transmission oil pan, drain plug and fill plug
2:30 The label with fluid level check instructions
2:49 The fluid temperature requirement 86-122 degrees F (30-50 degrees C)
3:10 Consequences of checking fluid level at an incorrect temperature
3:27 A demonstration of the three-page fluid level checking procedure
3:50 Reading the fluid temperature with a scan tool (engine running)
5:38 Preliminary fluid level check
7:00 Adding fluid to the transmission
7:40 Overflowing fluid dripping out
8:03 Disable traction control
8:08 Apply brakes and select Reverse for five seconds
8:20 Apply brakes and select Drive for five seconds
8:30 Release brakes and accelerate to second gear for 5 seconds
8:50 Apply brakes and select Neutral and raise engine rpm to 2000 for five seconds
9:15 Idle engine and select Park
9:38 Trans fluid temperature at 90 degrees F (32.2 C)
9:56 Removing fluid level check plug again
10:36 Fluid drains from hole to a slow drip
11:56 Additional fluid may need to be added due to cooler thermostatic bypass valve
13:50 The location of the thermostatic bypass valve and its 160 Degree F (71.1 C) operation
15:50 How to compensate for additional fluid needed (See pinned video comment)
16:25 Transmission replacement warnings
18:00 The Chrysler fluid level check does not mention the bypass valve issue
18:14 Video Summary

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
- ZF recommends safely tilting the vehicle towards the driver's side to add an additional 0.5 liters of fluid to compensate for the transmission cooler bypass valve issue discussed in this video.
- You must use the correct fluid in this transmission. The fluid must meet ZF-LIFEGUARDFLUID 8 (ZF No. S671 090 312) specifications. See https://aftermarket.zf.com/remotemedi...

ABOUT US:
Weber State University (WSU) - Department of Automotive Technology - Transmission Lab. We teach current vehicle technologies to our automotive students at Weber State University and online. For more information visit: http://www.weber.edu/automotive

See my dipstick video for details on dipstick usage    • How to use a Transmission Dipstick  

This video was created and edited by Professor John D. Kelly at WSU. For a full biography, see http://www.weber.edu/automotive/J_Kel...

Questions for Teachers:
1. Does the vehicle need to be parked on a level surface or an inclined surface?
2. Does the engine need to be running during the fluid level checking procedure?
3. If the engine must be running, at what engine rpm should the fluid level be checked?
4. If the engine must be running at a specified rpm, how will you verify the proper rpm?
5. If the engine must be off, are there any conditions that must be met before checking the fluid level?
6. Are there any procedures that must be met before checking the fluid level?
7. Does the transmission cooler have a bypass valve? If so, how does it affect the ATF fluid level?
8. At what temperature range should the fluid level be checked?
9. What temperature is being referred to in the previous question? Outside air? Coolant temperature? Transmission fluid temperature?
10. How should you measure that temperature?

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