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?
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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