References to ZF-Approved ATF Equivalents for 850RE Automatic Transmission

[g2020]

This post contains:

• Four documents related to ZF-approved ATF equivalents for the ZF 8HP50 / Chrysler TorqueFlite 850RE automatic transmission
• Advice on ATF for the automatic transmission (and manual transmission) from the Jeep Gladiator owner's manual
• Key considerations on ATF for the automatic transmission, including sections on Testing and Installation
• Country of origin - automatic transmission

Quick summary: For a quick summary of ATF equivalents for the automatic transmission, see this summary of ZF-approved ATF equivalents for Jeep Gladiator

***If you like, join this forum***

Requirement from Gladiator owner's manual: "Use only Mopar ZF 8 & 9 Speed ATF Automatic Transmission Fluid or equivalent."
Part name and number: MOPAR 8 & 9 Speed ATF Automatic Transmission Fluid, part number 68218925AB
Note: Part number 68218925AB is manufactured, under license from ZF, for sale & distribution under the MOPAR brand; there is no MS-number; ZF owns the formula and manages the approvals
Other options:

- See section 1.10.1 in my post, Links to Prices of Fluids & Filters for Jeep Gladiator, in which three ZF-approved exact equivalents (including MOPAR) and several aftermarket options are listed​

- See "Notes on aftermarket options", at the end of section 1.7 in the same post​

- See my post on fluid equivalence​

ZF Reference Documents

1. ZF List of lubricants TE-ML 11, pp. 4-5 (sections related to Stellantis/MOPAR and 8HP50/850RE); blue = search term for this attachment
Link to original file on zf.com: https://aftermarket.zf.com/lubricants/en/te-ml_11-en.pdf
Topics covered: Approvals, equivalents, compliance, and compatibility
Section tags: 850RE, 8HP50, approval, approved, ATF, automatic, Chrysler, compliant, equivalent, fluid, Gladiator, Jeep, MOPAR, Stellantis, TorqueFlite, transmission, ZF
Note: Part number 68157995AA, associated with LifeguardFluid 8 on this list, is not specified for the Jeep Gladiator and has been replaced by 68218925AB

This image shows the bottom of page 4 and the top of page 5
>>> Click or download this image to zoom in on it:

Note regarding doc #1 above:
- ZF approval number ZF005946 is the de facto material standard for ZF LifeguardFluid 9 (AA01.500.001), MOPAR 8 & 9 Speed ATF Automatic Transmission Fluid (68218925AB), and a limited number of other (ZF-approved) vehicle manufacturer brands of ATF; each OEM brand of ATF associated with this approval number is equivalent to the others listed by ZF (see doc #1, above), and may be used in the ZF 8HP50 / Chrysler TorqueFlite 850RE automatic transmission

2. ZF LifeguardFluid 9 - PDS (Product Data Sheet), 2 pages
Link to original file on zf.com: https://aftermarket.zf.com/lubricants-datasheets/lifeguardfluid-9/pdb_zf-lgf9_20191025_eng.pdf
Topics covered: Compliance, compatibility, service intervals, limitations, and properties
Note: MOPAR 68218925AB is an exact equivalent to ZF LifeguardFluid 9

>>> Click or download this image to zoom in on it:

3. ZF LifeguardFluid 8 - PDS (Product Data Sheet), 2 pages
Link to original file on zf.com: https://aftermarket.zf.com/lubricants-datasheets/lifeguardfluid-8/pds_zf_lifeguardfluid_8_en_20170920.pdf
Topics covered: Compliance, compatibility, service intervals, limitations, and properties
Note: ZF LifeguardFluid 8 is not an exact equivalent to MOPAR 68218925AB, but it is the original ZF-approved and ZF-branded lubricant for the ZF 8HP50 / Chrysler 850RE automatic transmission

>>> Click or download this image to zoom in on it:

4. Service Information, Oil change kit for ZF 8HP automatic transmission
Full document: SOURCE_GladiatorPilot23_FILE_NAME ZF oil change kit.pdf (attached at end of this post) or c6f6d6c4-a254-11ef-a30a-00505690da53.pdf (latest version of same file on ZF website; if link is broken, please use attachment)
Page 1 of 6: On this page, see three causes of very high operating temperatures (and the need for much shorter service intervals):

Advice from the Jeep Gladiator Owner's Manual

This is a summary of docs 5-7 below:

- In the owner's manual, advice on ATF for the automatic transmission is for "normal" vehicle use, and relates exclusively to the "lifetime oil" comment on page 1 of the ZF LifeguardFluid 9 PDS (doc #2 above)
- Jeep states that the factory-fill ATF in the transmission will, under normal operating conditions, provide satisfactory lubrication for the "life of the vehicle"
- Unlike the ZF PDS, the Jeep Gladiator owner's manual does not provide a service interval for the automatic transmission for severe duty (including off-road use) or trailer towing
- Note: Although "the fluid level is preset at the factory and does not require adjustment", a Jeep dealer can check the fluid level in the automatic transmission using "special service tools"

- There is an excellent video, produced by the Department of Automotive Technology at Weber State University, that 1) describes the fluid level checking procedure for the automatic transmission; also see SECTION 12 - ATF LEVEL CHECK in a separate post on pan drop instructions​

- ZF guidance is listed first in this post because guidance on the service interval (for ATF for the automatic transmission) for severe duty / off-road use / trailer towing is completely absent from the owner's manual

- To be fully informed, we need to know what the owner's manual says on this topic
- The following three pages contain all that is said about ATF for the automatic transmission in the owner's manual, and can be found in the online version by searching for "ATF"
- The same three pages also include advice on the manual transmission; in addition, the service interval for the manual transmission, for severe duty / off-road use / trailer towing (not shown here), can be found in the SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE section of the owner's manual

- The online version of the owner's manual for any Gladiator can be found by clicking SELECT A VEHICLE at any of next three links

5. Owner's Manual - Page 261 (1st of 3 excerpts from online version of 2020 Jeep Gladiator owner's manual)
Link to owner's manual: https://www.mopar.com/en-us/my-vehicle/vehicle-information.html?redirect=om

>>> Click or download this image to zoom in on it:

6. Owner's Manual - Page 262 (2nd of 3 excerpts from online version of 2020 Jeep Gladiator owner's manual)
Link to owner's manual: https://www.mopar.com/en-us/my-vehicle/vehicle-information.html?redirect=om

>>> Click or download this image to zoom in on it:

7. Owner's Manual - Page 288 (3rd of 3 excerpts from online version of 2020 Jeep Gladiator owner's manual)
Link to owner's manual: https://www.mopar.com/en-us/my-vehicle/vehicle-information.html?redirect=om

>>> Click or download this image to zoom in on it:

Key Considerations on ATF for Automatic Transmission

An experienced member of this forum advised me on significant parts of this section. While I am an experienced analyst and have got my hands dirty doing other (simpler) jobs, I could not have written this advice without his input.

Service Interval

• 5/60 Powertrain Warranty still in effect, NORMAL driving: Changing ATF for automatic transmission not required (see doc #6 in this post, above)
• 5/60 Powertrain Warranty expired, NORMAL driving: Consider changing ATF for automatic transmission at 93K miles (or a bit sooner) and then every 93K miles (see doc #2 in this post, above)
• SEVERE duty or TRAILER TOWING: Change ATF for automatic transmission every 42,000 miles +/- 5,000 miles (for an explanation of this range, see section called "ATF for automatic transmission" in my post on Key Info)

Why have we heard that the service interval for the automatic transmission is 60,000 miles?​

​

My best guess is that this service interval is the mileage endpoint of the power train warranty. I pressed Google AI several times to produce a document (not an opinion on a forum) that clearly states 60,000 miles (or a close equivalent in kilometers). Finally, Google AI gave up and admitted that 60,000 miles is a "hallucinated number" based on "a commonly accepted, proactive recommendation from the aftermarket community for severe-duty use". Translation: "It's repeated so many times that we believe it."​

​

With that said, I believe that a 60,000-mile service interval for Severe Duty can be too late to prevent oxidation and the onset of varnishing. As mentioned above, I also believe that this number was not picked out of a hat, but rather represents the endpoint of the power train warranty (5 years or 60,000 miles, whichever comes first). Take this a step further, and some hard-core, off-road vehicle owners use 50% of the power train warranty interval (2.5 years or 30,000 miles, whichever comes first) as a Severe Duty service interval.​

​

So, our broad & unofficial Severe Duty service interval range is between 30,000 miles and 60,000 miles. Also as mentioned above, my estimate for Severe Duty is 42,000 miles +/- 5,000 miles.​

Warranty Coverage

• For a dealer installation, the warranty on MOPAR 8 & 9 Speed ATF (68218925AB) covers damage to other parts for 24 months (see item #1 in "Attachments", at end of Key Info)
• For DIY, the warranty on MOPAR 8 & 9 Speed ATF (68218925AB) does not cover damage to other parts (see section 1.10.1 of Warranty Coverage)
• For DIY, the warranty on each of the other ZF-approved equivalents, such as ZF LifeguardFluid 9, does not cover damage to other parts (see 5th paragraph in Warranty Coverage)
  • For DIY, I was unable to find a ZF-approved equivalent (including MOPAR) with warranty coverage of damage to other parts
• For DIY, each of the warranties on some aftermarket options, such as AMSOIL SS FE ATF, ROYAL PURPLE MAX ATF, and Valvoline MAXLIFE MV ATF, covers damage to other parts (see section 1.10.1 of Warranty Coverage)

Technical Considerations

• For DIY, there are technical advantages to continuing to use MOPAR 8 & 9 Speed ATF (68218925AB), or a ZF-approved equivalent, even though warranty coverage is limited to product replacement
• According to a knowledgeable member of this forum, the additive package in AMSOIL SS FE ATF is closer (than that of Valvoline MAXLIFE MV ATF) to the additive package used in MOPAR 8 & 9 Speed ATF (68218925AB)
• A transmission flush is not recommended after many miles because varnish may be present; instead, a pan drop, or a series of pan drops over time, is recommended
  • A typical pan drop will require up to 6.5 quarts (pan drop refill capacity; exact amount can vary)
  • Dry fill capacity is 9.5 quarts (see bottom of Page 2 of 5 in internal dealer spec sheet); exact amount can vary
  • Sequential pan drop ATF replacement rate
    • For replacement rates, see Section 15 in Pan Drop Instructions; replacement rate diminishes rapidly after each pan drop
    • Drive vehicle between 500 and 1,000 miles between jobs
  • When switching to an aftermarket brand (not ZF-approved), a minimum of four sequential pan drops is recommended to replace the additive package, or chemistry, present in ATF for the automatic transmission
  • The automatic transmission oil pan & oil pan gasket are reusable, and a new automatic transmission oil filter (new is recommended) is available for individual sale
    • It is always good to have a new oil pan gasket on hand in case the existing gasket gets punctured, crimped, or torn
    • It appears that the automatic transmission oil pan is not available for individual sale, but the transmission oil pan and filter (kit) also includes a gasket

Installation Options

1. An automatic transmission service performed by a dealer will be expensive, but it can be the safest option
2. For DIY after the Powertrain Warranty expires, there are experienced members of this forum who continue to use MOPAR 8 & 9 Speed ATF (68218925AB), or a different ZF-approved equivalent, because each is an exact match to the OEM original
3. For DIY after the Powertrain Warranty expires, there are other experienced members of this forum who switch to AMSOIL SS FE ATF, ROYAL PURPLE MAX ATF, or Valvoline MAXLIFE MV ATF, because these aftermarket options can be less expensive and the warranty covers damage to other parts
4. For DIY before the 5/60 Powertrain Warranty expires, a case can be made to install one of the aftermarket options, mentioned above, as early as possible, and continue to use your chosen ATF (to show exclusive usage since the transmission was new); this will provide you with (aftermarket) warranty coverage of damage to other parts, but can potentially set up a legal dispute between FCA/Jeep and the manufacturer of the aftermarket ATF in case there is problem with the automatic transmission
   1. Note: In the table in section 1.10.1 of Links to Prices, I state that "DIY Voids [5/60 Powertrain] Warranty" for any fluid; in this case, I am siding with advice from a small sample of dealers, but some aftermarket manufacturers, such as AMSOIL, (strongly) infer that, in the United States, they will (in my opinion) act on your behalf in case of a warranty claim; I borrowed this opinion from an experienced member of this forum
5. For DIY at any time, have the old & new fluids tested by a lab; if possible, the testing should be performed by the same lab that the manufacturer of the new fluid uses; the lab results on your ATF can serve as crucial evidence in case of a warranty claim

Testing

• For fluid level, "an authorized dealer can check your transmission fluid level using special service tools" (see doc #6 in this post, above)
  • Also see SECTION 12 - ATF LEVEL CHECK in a separate post on pan drop instructions
• For fluid quality, the owner's manual does not say anything about checking fluid quality
• We are able to test the quality of the ATF in the automatic transmission by sending a sample of the ATF to a lab

Requirements:​

1. Tools: Protective eyewear & gloves, 8 mm Allen wrench, 8 mm Allen socket, ratchet, torque wrench, automotive fluid extractor, rags, level work space
2. Torque: 26 ft-lbs for fill plug
3. Test kit: From a reputable lab
4. Items I needed to buy (for about $100 total): 1) NEW bottle of ATF (MOPAR 68218925AB), 2) NEW automotive fluid extractor, 3) fluid test kit (usually sent to you for free)
   1. Note: Fluid extractor should only be used for ATF from & for the automatic transmission
5. Outside/ambient temperature BELOW 86°F (BELOW 30 degrees °C)
   1. Lower is better

Process:​

IMPORTANT: Review ALL of these steps before you begin​

CAUTION: You will be be taking a small sample of ATF from, and adding back the same amount of ATF to, the most complex component in your vehicle; please work quickly but carefully​

1. Wear protective eyewear & gloves
2. Get a test kit from a lab (two reputable labs are listed below)
3. Document this process every time: Keep receipts, take photos, document transmission temperature, ambient temperature, date, who performed the service (full name if it's not you), and exact location of vehicle
4. Do not start vehicle until you see START VEHICLE below
5. Your vehicle should be cold (or completely cooled off, for those of us who live in a hot climate) before starting this process; it is best to let your vehicle sit overnight
6. For the bottle of ATF, shake well before starting vehicle, and do not open bottle until you use it
7. Make sure that the vehicle frame is level; the front end of the frame should not be higher than the back end
8. BEFORE turning the fill plug, clean the fill plug and the area around the fill plug; this: 1) helps to create a pristine work space with no chance of contamination, and 2) allows the 8 mm Allen wrench to fit as if the fill plug were brand new
9. BEFORE turning on vehicle: 1) Prepare tools, test kit, and work area, and 2) turn fill plug counter-clockwise a SINGLE TURN to release torque on fill plug and speed up process after vehicle is turned on
10. You will have limited time to complete the steps in this process; please work as quickly as possible without making mistakes
11. Do not start vehicle until you see START VEHICLE below
12. Preview of steps (after starting vehicle): 1) remove fill plug, 2) extract small amount of ATF, 3) put ATF in test bottle, 4) properly seal test bottle, 5) add back EXACT same small amount of new ATF, 6) clean fill plug and area around fill hole, 7) reinstall fill plug using proper torque (26 ft-lbs), turn off vehicle, and 9) test drive vehicle (this should merely be a formality)
13. Carefully turn fill plug so that you do not leave marks on the transmission or the fill plug
14. When extracting a sample of ATF from the automatic transmission (at the proper LOW temperature) with the engine running, fluid should never come out; however, don't panic if some ATF comes out (at the proper LOW temperature) because it means that extra ATF is being expelled (this is GOOD, overfill was BAD); all of the ATF will not come out; advise your dealer if automatic transmission (factory-fill) was overfilled
15. Vehicle MUST be running when pulling (small) sample of ATF
16. Transmission temperature MUST REMAIN BELOW 86°F (BELOW 30°C) during the ENTIRE fluid extraction & add-back process
17. Immediately after extracting ATF, take note of the EXACT amount of ATF that was removed
18. When extracting ATF, point fluid extractor tube straight down past the threads of the fill hole
19. When adding back ATF, use ATF from (new) bottle of MOPAR 8 & 9 Speed ATF (68218925AB) or from a (new) bottle of the brand of ATF already present in the automatic transmission (SHAKE WELL BEFORE USING)
    1. After opening new bottle of MOPAR 68218925AB, it can be kept until the next transmission service / pan drop is performed
20. When adding back ATF, make sure that the amount added back is EXACTLY the same as the amount removed
21. Before reinstalling fill plug, carefully clean fill plug and area around fill hole
22. START VEHICLE
23. After starting vehicle:
    1. Remove fill plug
    2. Extract small amount of ATF
    3. Put ATF in test bottle
    4. Properly seal test bottle
    5. Add back EXACT same small amount of new ATF
    6. Clean fill plug and area around fill hole
    7. Reinstall fill plug using proper torque (26 ft-lbs)
    8. Turn off vehicle
    9. Test drive vehicle (this should merely be a formality)
24. Lab testing can be performed by any reputable lab, including Blackstone Laboratories Inc or POLARIS Laboratories (AMSOIL uses Polaris Laboratories)
25. If doing an automatic transmission service (including a pan drop), using the same lab as the one used by the manufacturer of the new ATF can be helpful in case of a warranty claim
26. If doing an automatic transmission service (including a pan drop), testing both old & new ATF (two separate tests) will show the condition of the old & new ATF from each automatic transmission service to the next

Installation

Disclaimer: There are at least some who will say "don't try this at home"; however, reviewing the following guidance is a good first step before asking someone with experience to walk you through the process​

​

Recommendation: Wait until after the 5-year / 60K-mile power train warranty on your vehicle expires to consider DIY and/or using a claimed equivalent​

​

Tips:​

• Loosen fill plug first
• Use MOPAR 8 & 9 Speed ATF (68218925AB), ZF LifeguardFluid 9 (AA01.500.001), or equivalent
• Double-check torques
• Watch your temperatures
• Know the pattern before you begin: There is a specific pattern for installing the bolts
• Parts
  • Always replace the automatic transmission oil filter
  • Have a new oil pan gasket on hand in case the existing, reusable gasket gets punctured, crimped, or torn
  • If you prefer not to clean and reuse the oil pan, the transmission oil pan and filter are sold as a kit, and the kit includes a gasket
• For the latest service interval guidance from ZF (updated since the video in option 2, below, was released in 2021), and my estimate for SEVERE duty or TRAILER TOWING, see section called Service Interval, above
• For good measure, review the practices outlined in the section called Testing, above; your work space should be level and clean

Option 1: Complete written instructions, with reference docs and photos ***Recommended***​

​

Pan Drop / Drain & Fill Instructions for ZF 8HP50 or Chrysler TorqueFlite 850RE Automatic Transmission​

by @g2020 (me) and @Maximus Gladius​

- @Maximus Gladius has used this standard process to perform no fewer than eight pan drops on his two Jeep Gladiators​

​

Option 2: Article & Video on fcpeuro.com​

​

How to Change the Oil in a ZF 8-Speed Transmission​

- Details in the video are documented in the article​

- The folks at FCP Euro published this article & video on how to do a pan drop in October 2021; @Viper501 originally posted a link to this article & video in a separate thread​

​

Option 3: Instructions from ZF​

​

- The attachment at the end of this post (also on the ZF website as c6f6d6c4-a254-11ef-a30a-00505690da53.pdf, and entitled Service Information, Oil change kit for ZF 8HP automatic transmission) is a six-page document, published in March 2022, that describes the ATF Level Check procedure (part, but not all, of a pan drop) using tables, process flows, and schematic diagrams; this file is also described as item #4 in the first section of this post, ZF Reference Documents​

​

Option 4: Service and Repair Manual​

1. Sticky thread (model years 2021-2024)
   1. This is a third-party version with torques listed in each job description; a diagram of files for the automatic transmission is missing
2. Additional thread (model years 2021-2024) ***Recommended link to Service and Repair Manual***
   1. Also a third-party version, with torques listed in each job description
   2. ALL FILES available at link to Google Drive in post #1, and zipped version of all files available in post #2; easy to navigate
      1. See file called: AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION 8HP50_850RE Automatic Transmission (Service Information).pdf
   3. Also see post #9 for same files posted to sticky thread for Torque Values
   4. These four posts (including the one in the Torque Values thread) deserve more likes!

Country of Origin - Automatic Transmission

These are the manufacturing locations of the ZF 8HP50 / Chrysler TorqueFlite 850RE automatic transmission, installed in the Jeep Gladiator. The following list also appears in my reply to a different thread.

Kokomo, Indiana plant: Stellantis manufactures the Chrysler 850RE automatic transmission, under license from ZF, at this Stellantis plant​

- This is the origin of the automatic transmission installed in most Gladiators equipped with a gasoline engine; some exceptions may have occurred as a result of supply chain issues during the COVID era​

​

Gray Court, South Carolina plant: A joint-venture between ZF and Stellantis manufactures the ZF 8HP50 automatic transmission at this ZF plant​

- Most or all 8HP50 automatic transmissions manufactured at this plant are for vehicles other than the Gladiator​

​

Saarbrücken, Germany plant: ZF has manufactured the ZF 8HP50 automatic transmission at this ZF plant​

- This is the origin of the (ZF 8HP75) automatic transmission installed in Gladiators equipped with a diesel engine​

- Most 8HP50 automatic transmissions manufactured at this plant have been for vehicles other than the Gladiator​

- With ZF converting this plant to electric drives, it is unclear whether the 8HP50 is still manufactured in Germany​

References

https://www.amsoil.com/about/guarantee/​

https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a...s-eight-speed-automatic-transmission-from-zf/​

https://www.fcpeuro.com/blog/how-to-change-the-oil-in-a-zf-8-speed-transmission​

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/lifeguardfluid-9-automatic-transmission-fluid-1-liter-zf-aa01500001​

https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/...force-system-browser=1&force-system-browser=1​

https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/forum/threads/-2020-2023-jt-gladiator-torque-values-all-of-them-in-one-place.67915/​

https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/...eep-gladiator-jt-service-repair-manual.78342/​

https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/...-jt-service-repair-manual.78342/#post-1279109​

https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/...-jt-service-repair-manual.78342/#post-1279121​

https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/...-jt-service-repair-manual.78342/#post-1279420​

https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/...-gladiator-8-speed.96104/page-13#post-1592909​

https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/...erval-s-on-2021-jt.47662/page-14#post-1380504​

https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/...ransmission-service.77295/page-4#post-1266915​

https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/forum/threads/fluid-equivalence-ranking-system.88315/​

https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/...-fluid-why-is-this-needed.90701/#post-1456674​

https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/...-service-and-repair-manual-free-online.78333/​

https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/...-manual-free-online.78333/page-2#post-1279734​

https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/...-manual-free-online.78333/page-2#post-1280002​

https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/...o-on-fluids-filters-for-jeep-gladiator.89959/​

https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/...s-of-fluids-filters-for-jeep-gladiator.89283/​

The following link is also listed in the next section as Pan Drop Instructions: ​

https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/...queflite-850re-automatic-transmission.105825/​

https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/...e-automatic-transmission.105825/#post-1698046​

https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/forum/threads/warranty-coverage-of-damage-to-other-parts.93882/​

https://www.mopar.com/en-us/my-vehicle/vehicle-information.html?redirect=om​

https://store.mopar.com/oem-parts/mopar-automatic-transmission-fluid-68218925ab​

https://store.mopar.com/oem-parts/mopar-transmission-oil-filter-68417054ab​

https://store.mopar.com/search?search_str=68362041AC​

https://store.mopar.com/search?search_str=68522534AA​

https://media.stellantisnorthamerica.com/newsrelease.do?id=322​

https://www.sustainable-bus.com/components/zf-saarbrucken-electric-drives-production/​

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kokomo_Transmission​

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ZF_8HP_transmission​

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ZF_Friedrichshafen​

Direct link to updated version of six-page attachment to this post (entitled Service Information, Oil change kit for ZF 8HP automatic transmission, file name on zf.com c6f6d6c4-a254-11ef-a30a-00505690da53.pdf; earlier version attached to this post as SOURCE_GladiatorPilot23_FILE_NAME ZF oil change kit.pdf):​

https://aftermarket.zf.com/app/cont...nary/c6f6d6c4-a254-11ef-a30a-00505690da53.pdf​

https://aftermarket.zf.com/lubrican...uid-8/pds_zf_lifeguardfluid_8_en_20170920.pdf​

https://aftermarket.zf.com/lubricants-datasheets/lifeguardfluid-9/pdb_zf-lgf9_20191025_eng.pdf​

https://aftermarket.zf.com/lubricants/en/te-ml_11-en.pdf​

Related Posts by the Same Gladiator Owner

Oils, Fluids & Filters -- Lists & Guides For Jeep Gladiator​

(Formerly: Fluid & Filter Series of Posts on Jeep Gladiator)​

This post is a collection of links to my articles on fluids & filters for a Jeep Gladiator​

​

Pan Drop / Drain & Fill Instructions for ZF 8HP50 or Chrysler TorqueFlite 850RE Automatic Transmission​

This is a set of written instructions on how to do a pan drop on a Jeep Gladiator or Wrangler 2018+. Reference docs and photos are also included.​

​

My Monthly Maintenance: Power Steering, Automatic Transmission, Radiator​

In this post, I describe & justify three jobs that are or were part of my monthly maintenance routine.​

Attachments

File name: SOURCE_GladiatorPilot23_FILE_NAME ZF oil change kit.pdf
Version: ZF Service Information Oil change kit for ZF 8HP automatic transmission March 2022

- Name of updated version of same file on zf.com as of May 2026: c6f6d6c4-a254-11ef-a30a-00505690da53.pdf​

- Name of updated version of same file attached to Pan Drop Instructions: pan drop 010 ZF Service Information Oil change kit for ZF 8HP automatic transmission November 2024 original file name 50130 EN.pdf​

Sponsored

 

[Hootbro]

I think there is like 5 or less ZF licensed fluids for the ZF 8 speeds. That being said, there is nothing special about it other than like the -42c cold flow properties of it.

Any Dexron VI or Toyota WS standard fluids work well in these transmissions with most makers of these fluids using the "compatible" or "recommended" language for use in the ZF 8 speeds. Out of warranty or not being risk adverse, I have no problem using these fluids in place of the licensed fluids.

 

[g2020]

I think there is like 5 or less ZF licensed fluids for the ZF 8 speeds. That being said, there is nothing special about it other than like the -40c cold flow properties of it.

Any Dexron VI or Toyota WS standard fluids work well in these transmissions with most makers of these fluids using the "compatible" or "recommended" language for use in the ZF 8 speeds. Out of warranty or not being risk adverse, I have no problem using these fluids in place of the licensed fluids.

Agreed. To assist with finding the right stuff, I have added a section called "Other options" to the original post above. Each aftermarket option that is listed in my post on prices (and not ZF-approved) is a part-to-part, "claimed equivalent".

 

[typejeepgladiator]

Hi, the Mopar 8 & 9 ATF fluid bottle - is it a standard quart bottle or wide mouth one so I can buy the correct fluid pump? Thanks

 

[g2020]

Hi, the Mopar 8 & 9 ATF fluid bottle - is it a standard quart bottle or wide mouth one so I can buy the correct fluid pump? Thanks

Standard. I suggest that you buy the pump after you have your hands on the bottles of fluid for the pan drop.

This is for anyone who reads this thread:

Disclaimer: There are at least some who will say "don't try this at home"; however, reviewing the guidance in the original post, above, is a good first step before asking someone with experience to walk you through the process

Recommendation: Wait until after the 5-year / 60K-mile power train warranty on your vehicle expires to consider DIY and/or using a claimed equivalent

Also see:

Visualizing a pan drop, and reasons for multiple fluid fill & fluid level check steps
- The guidance in this reply does not cover all of the details of the pan drop procedure
Reason for final fluid level check (TBV)

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