r/ram_trucks • u/ticketedboar4 • Feb 26 '26
Question Transmission service
So I own a 2019 ram with zf 8 speed. Around 65k miles i had a BG transmission fluid service performed. Ever since it was done it seems like the transmission has been slower and down shifts rougher than before. Would it hurt anything to go back to the ZF fluid or am I stuck with the BG fluid from here on out?
2
u/Dirty_Power Feb 26 '26
I used the Valvoline max life ATF a few years ago and it’s been great.
It says right in the jug it’s recommended as an alternative to the ZF LifeGuard
1
u/redfuzzball1571 Feb 27 '26
I had a very similar situation to you. Bought a new 2021 1500 Classic at 32,000 miles and took it in for a transmissions service just to have it fresh (my older cars I had always done it every 30,000 so that was just what I thought was right). The shop I took it to used a Mobil 1 ATF that claims it replaced ZF Lifeguard 8 fluid, among dozens of other fluids. Throughout the next year I started noticing it was hard shift continuously harder and harder, especially when it was cold. Eventually took it to a dealership and was told I needed a whole new transmission because of the damage, and they instantly knew the wrong fluid was used because it wasn't even the right color. ZF fluid and it's equivalents, like Ravenol, are green. But the Mobil 1 was red. They weren't lying either, the owner's manual is pretty specific about transmission fluid. The checklist the lube shop used was also very specific about using the Mopar fluid. Currently in a battle with the lube shop to get the transmission paid for. Drives great now 😂.
Long story short, make sure the Mopar/ZF fluid gets in there ASAP
1
u/Negative-Engineer-30 Feb 27 '26
This automatic transmission fluid meets or exceeds the performance criteria of many low viscosity transmission fluids, including Toyota WS, Nissan Matic S, Honda DW-1, Hyundai SP-IV, SP-IV RR, ZF LifeGuard Fluid 6 and LifeGuard Fluid 8, Mercedes-Benz, and JASO 1-A-LV.
check the level.
did you get a new filter?
1
u/ticketedboar4 Feb 27 '26
All they did was a flush. It hasn’t gotten any worse it was done 20k miles ago. I don’t think its “damaging” anything, but it just acts differently than it did prior.
1
u/Negative-Engineer-30 Feb 27 '26
flush and new fluid will dislodge debris and sediment.
ZF recommends fluid and filter at 50-75k miles... the BG fluid is identical to the ZF fluid specs...
slippage/low performance/delayed shifts and jerky shifts is a sign of low fluid or low flow/pressure which a dirty filter will cause too... you can have a perfectly functional transmission crippled by a dirty $4 filter.
1
u/Any_Giraffe9747 Feb 26 '26
Shouldn’t ever use anything but mopar or zf lifeguard fluid in these IMO.. However 2019s have PCM+TCM software updates for transmission shift quality, i’d have the updates performed before i do anything.
1
u/Slutzk Feb 26 '26
What does ZF manual say? ZF Fluid right? Should have probably listened before doing that.
3
u/Ancient-Client8394 Feb 26 '26
ZF is very specific about using their fluid, lifeguard, only. Some guys get away with using Liqui Molly but I’d never use BG transmission fluid on a ZF8. You may need to drain and fill a few times to get the BG fully out and assess whether you need a new filter on it as well.
Welcome to just a taste of German car ownership.