Automatic Transmission fluid change interval s on 2021 JT

[Maximus Gladius]

That statement contradicts ZF's position on this topic. Where do you find this information?

I would just stick with ZF advise on this. I asked the tranny shop about the “relearn” procedure and there is the one done with the Wi-Tech devise but is done at Chrysler and there’s another different relearn that’s automatic during the test drive after an oil change or flush. He did agree with ZF that in can cause issues but not every time and the Wi-Tech relearn isn’t always done. They consider it if hard shifting is felt after but if it’s fine, it’s not done. I don’t understand it all or get all the ways a relearn is done but I’d suggest you just watch for signs the shifting is different or harder…it may need the dealership to relearn it.

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[Maximus Gladius]

You know, you could always get the dealership to do a pan drop and have their blessing. I was offered 2 pan drops to get the glycol out at $3400, my cost. I said no thanks. The book tells me to “change the oil and filter if the oil is contaminated”. I read that as “one application, not multiple attempts. If the oil is “contaminated” with water etc…doing a pan drop doesn’t change the oil in the torque converter so then you just recontaminate the fresh oil. It’s not as bad but still, you want it out in one go so I opted for the flush. Dealership wouldn’t do the flush and said “drive it into the ground”. Sorry, I don’t read those instructions in the book. That’s simply careless and destructive instructions. My warranty was voided for “using non Mopar oil”. I used code compliant and “equivalent” AMSOIL and the all powerful DSM threw a tantrum and voided the trans warranty and then realizing he had much more destructive reach, voided my entire drivetrain “for using non Mopar oil” in all my components. That’s the hard and fast of it and he is wrong for stepping outside Chrysler’s rule mandates and we will see soon enough how this plays out.

 

[Mr._Bill]

That statement contradicts ZF's position on this topic. Where do you find this information?

I don't remember where I read it. It is recommended as part of the dealer change procedure. Part of the factory 'learn' process is the transmission adjusting to the fluid it was filled with. I don't notate where I find what I read on the subject, as I plan to pay the dealer to do a fluid and filter change between 60k and 75k miles (if I still have the truck).

Unless ZF is actually manufacturing the transmissions Jeep installs, their advice as the original designer has to be weighed against what the warranty provider tells you to do, especially if warranty coverage is a concern.

 

[Maximus Gladius]

So, the oil is “good for the life of the transmission”. …question has to be asked…
What fails first, the oil or the component?

 

[Mac]

Meh, I wouldn’t mess with it, I just read the manual and it specifically says not to even check the fluid level or change it. Ever.
This transmission seems pretty solid, very rare to read about any issues with it on here or the JL forum.

 

[Mr._Bill]

So, the oil is “good for the life of the transmission”. …question has to be asked…
What fails first, the oil or the component?

Does it really matter? If it is under warranty, and you desire warranty coverage, you have to follow the directions from the warranty provider.

If warranty is not a concern, then follow the directions of the manufacturer. If those are not available, then from the designer.

The fluid tends to breakdown first, leading to component failure. Changing the fluid before its breakdown point extends the life of the component. Knowing the breakdown point of the fluid in use is critical for making a change decision. ZF provides a change interval based on their design and fluid recommended for use. Jeep says their fluid doesn't need changed, under typical use conditions.

 

[Maximus Gladius]

Does it really matter? If it is under warranty, and you desire warranty coverage, you have to follow the directions from the warranty provider.

If warranty is not a concern, then follow the directions of the manufacturer. If those are not available, then from the designer.

The fluid tends to breakdown first, leading to component failure. Changing the fluid before its breakdown point extends the life of the component. Knowing the breakdown point of the fluid in use is critical for making a change decision. ZF provides a change interval based on their design and fluid recommended for use. Jeep says their fluid doesn't need changed, under typical use conditions.

This is well said. You point out both camps. First one is the "I have warranty"...until you go through it's life having done nothing but read in the book to do nothing and warranty runs out and is not there for you anymore and your component is all wore out and chances are high youre looking at replacement costs. In this camp is also the service techs that can't duplicate your issues but tell you "you have a great warranty" and those issues really come alive after warranty runs out and chrysler no longer cares about it. You then shrug the shoulders and say "who cares" I'm trading in anyway and some other poor sap ends up being hoodwinked by the sales staff and now it's their problem. But maybe there's a "warranty". Warranty can also be refused by FCA simply looking at your file, seeing they've spent far too much fixing other components on the truck then denying warranty because what's broken is "a wearable" part and that's their way out.

The second camp you describe knows they have warranty but maintenance and care is top priority. For me, I know that break-in period is essential for all the tolerances to seat themselves and in that process, there's a lot of shit and grit floating around in suspension, some caught in the filter, some not but the grit has one purpose and that is to tear apart the internals. You said it perfectly...
"The fluid tends to breakdown first, leading to component failure. Changing the fluid before its breakdown point extends the life of the component. Knowing the breakdown point of the fluid in use is critical for making a change decision." Well said.

This camp doesn't want to use warranty, in fact, they want the component to last long after warranty runs out. Oil doesn't get more slippery and cleaner as time and miles go on. So "don't touch it ever" makes just as much sense as the dealership saying "just drive it into the ground, you have a great warranty".... again, until you don't. It's reckless belief ideology and instruction.

My driving starts in the 80's. I was very involved in the mechanical care on my vehicles and this good maintenance proactive practice was formed. We shall see if good habits prevail. I know what happens with bad, deferred or do nothing habits do.

 

[Nitroexpress]

Does it really matter? If it is under warranty, and you desire warranty coverage, you have to follow the directions from the warranty provider.

If warranty is not a concern, then follow the directions of the manufacturer. If those are not available, then from the designer.

The fluid tends to breakdown first, leading to component failure. Changing the fluid before its breakdown point extends the life of the component. Knowing the breakdown point of the fluid in use is critical for making a change decision. ZF provides a change interval based on their design and fluid recommended for use. Jeep says their fluid doesn't need changed, under typical use conditions.

My desire to do this fluid/filter change is based on a few things.
- The warranty for the transmission from Stellantis lasts until 5 years or 60,000 miles. I'm quite confident that the transmission will be fine during that period. I'm almost to 50k and have no issues. However, ZF recommends a fluid and filter change at 60k, exactly the moment Stellantis is no longer on the hook for repairing or replacing.
- Even with an extended warranty I don't feel comfortable. My personal experience with dealerships and warranty's is completely miserable. Even if it doesn't cost me money, it costs me (valuable) time and frustration.
- "Jeep says their fluid doesn't need changed" inspires little confidence for me. They don't have some magic, long lasting fluid that ZF can't replicate, they have the exact same fluid that ZF recommends changing. I guess I choose to trust the German engineers who designed the equipment more than Fiat...Chrysler....Stellantis.
- "Under normal operating conditions" - This is another word play that means what? They don't spell it out in regards to what might be abnormal. For things like engine oil it's considered "Severe use" if it's used in a "dusty or Off road environment". I operate in those conditions.
- Assuming I continue to have a good experience, I plan to keep the vehicle for an extended period. Once I'm done with it as a daily driver, it will likely be put to ranch use and replace some of the Polaris Ranger fleet (talk about maintenance and repair headaches - -> Polaris...).
- While this is my first .....I'll call it Chrysler vehicle, My Ford experience with transmissions has been dismal. "Sealed" F-150 transmission that came from the factory underfilled, Ton's of "can't duplicate the problem" trips to the dealer under warranty until they wore me down and the transmission went bad after warranty. No help from FoMoCo, or 4 of their shitty dealers. This is but one of many examples of dealership failure.

I'll admit at this point I'm probably obsessing too much, and could probably never touch the transmission and be fine "for the life of the vehicle", but I guess having a bunch of vehicles and machines has me in the mindset of performing maintenance. To me, this is like U joints with no grease Zerk. They are lifetime lubed too. They are also the U joints that fail the most and I replace with serviceable joints.

 

[rharr]

at the end of the day, change your fluid with a fluid that has the same color as the factory fluid and a similar smell. Basically just use the mopar stuff, buy it online and don't tell anyone. If the trans goes bad it will be that much harder for a tech to discover any work was done in the first place. KEEP A LOW PROFILE

don't round off bolts using poorly fitting tools ect...

 

[ShadowsPapa]

I just got my '22 JTR and in about 6-7 years it will have 50K on it. By then I'll be ready to get a new one and I'll be in my middle 70's. Not going to even think about the tranny fluid change.

IMO, no reason TO think of it. Did you know that the MOPAR 904, 998 and 727 of the late 70s and early 80s maintenance interval was 100,000 miles for normal driving, they only suggested more frequent for hard use or towing.
Those weren't even "sealed" and the bearings and friction materials were nothing like today, the fluid today is far superior to what was used then.
I'm not going to sweat it.
Besides, if you change it - you change only part of it. Even changing it 3 times you still have a certain amount of original fluid in the transmission and converter.
I've decided for the hassle, the cost, and my experience with transmissions over the years - unless I get into some hard use with mine, or did more frequent towing or towing with a much heavier load, I'm following the book.
How many of these transmissions have blown up?
How many members have had these die - I mean just ordinary use, or even towing use? How many tow in hills, and haven't had a transmission problem? How many Jeep vehicles are on the road with this transmission - and don't have any issues?
If a 998 or 727 can go over 50K, why can't these?

 

[Nitroexpress]

Well... I've had no luck locating an OEM filter. It seems all the Mopar dealers use what appears to me is the same ordering system. That system will take an order, charge you, then several days later say the part is not available. Nobody knows when this will be available. I guess this is Jeep's way of reinforcing the "don't change the fluid" recommendation?


During this period of thinking I have the filter and gasket coming, I ordered 6 quarts of expensive Mopar 8/9 speed fluid that will have to wait on a filter and associated parts.

 

[Hootbro]

I ordered 6 quarts of expensive Mopar 8/9 speed fluid.
Nobody knows when this will be available. I guess this is Jeep's way of reinforcing the "don't change the fluid" recommendation?

The Euro vehicle parts houses carry the ZF branded 8 Speed fluid and usually keep it in stock. That is just what the MOPAR stuff is relabeled.

 

[Nitroexpress]

The Euro vehicle parts houses carry the ZF branded 8 Speed fluid and usually keep it in stock. That is just what the MOPAR stuff is relabeled.

I realize my wording doesn't make sense. I got the Mopar fluid, no problem. It's the filter that is unavailable. I'll fix my post. Thanks for the help though.

 

[Hootbro]

I realize my wording doesn't make sense. I got the Mopar fluid, no problem. It's the filter that is unavailable. I'll fix my post. Thanks for the help though.

Check with All Mopar Parts. They are a vendor here and is who I got my filter from last year when I did the fluid change on my 2020 JT. They tend to actually stock stuff themselves when other dealers are just ordering from distribution warehouses and giving false hope.

 

[Nitroexpress]

Check with All Mopar Parts. They are a vendor here and is who I got my filter from last year when I did the fluid change on my 2020 JT. They tend to actually stock stuff themselves when other dealers are just ordering from distribution warehouses and giving false hope.

When I go to www.allmoparparts.com it doesn't come up with the part number (68417054AB) during a search or when I choose the vehicle and choose maintenance parts. When I choose the "replacement parts" button, it takes me to the generic Mopar parts catalog that all the dealers use. This is the one that will take your order and payment then let you know days later that it's not available.

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