How-To: Jeep JL Wrangler & JT Gladiator 8-Speed Transmission Fluid & Filter Change (2018–2026)

⚠️ Important, Read the below FIRST in this 8 speed automatic fluid & filter change how-to: 1. Park on level surface 2. Pressure Wash the transmission pan flange area to where dirt doesn’t contaminate threads on disassembly. 3. Pan's bolt torquing sequence. See left image. https://aftermarket.zf.com/media/mast... 4. These steps ensure safe, accurate fluid filling without having to engage the driveline precariously while in the air. Why is this is in the service manual? The service department has access to lifts & they aren’t going to drive every customers vehicle to get the last bit of air out of the torque converter & valve body circuits so they do this for speed, convenience, & most importantly, lower liability exposure (accident risk) aside from a final test drive and re-check of fluid level. ⚠️ AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE: I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases made through the links below (including Amazon links) at no extra cost to you. 🛠️ TOOLS: TEKTON 3/8 Inch Drive Micrometer Torque Wrench https://amzn.to/45nghX0 TEKTON 1/4 Inch Drive 90-Tooth Micrometer Torque Wrench https://amzn.to/4wuxuJb TEKTON 3/8 Inch Drive 6-Point Socket and Ratchet Set, 46-Piece https://amzn.to/4wZ6eDF TEKTON 3/8 Inch Drive x 6 Inch Wobble Extension to get around that exhaust https://amzn.to/4bKJ4s7 TEKTON 3/8 Inch Drive x T40 Torx Bit Socket https://amzn.to/4c8IDbp TEKTON 1/4 Inch Drive (F) x 3/8 Inch (M) Adapter https://amzn.to/4xA8roP TEKTON 1/4 Inch Drive x 6 Inch Ratchet https://amzn.to/4qekUfH TEKTON 3/8 Inch Drive x 10 mm 6-Point Socket https://amzn.to/3UgEhbP TEKTON 3/8 Inch Drive x 8 mm Hex Bit Socket https://amzn.to/3U0dcJU As to sprayer, the ones with the angled sprayer end are a couple dollars more so here's an option CHAPIN 1-Gallon Deluxe Garden Sprayer, Anti-Clog Performance https://amzn.to/3S6vbxQ This video goes through the full process from pan removal to torque sequence (in the description here above), fluid filling, & ensuring your transmission is completely air-free & properly topped off. I’ve done this 3 times with consistent results. Step-by-Step Refill Summary on level parking surface: Cold fill & cycle through all gears multiple times to purge air from valve body & torque converter. Hold each gear ~15 seconds (longer than service manuals minimum). Check fluid levels while idling, top off as needed. Take a short drive to fully circulate fluid & remove remaining air. Allow the vehicle to cool & recheck within the 86°–122° F range. (See below) Final check confirms proper fill — typically only ~½ quart additional is needed. THE LOWER the trans temp while idling, the more you’ll need to add. The higher the fill temp is, the less fluid you'll be able to get into the case, as would be indicated by reaching the bottom of the fill hole sooner with hot fluid than cooler fluid. I chose to follow the ZF instructions but use the low end of the temp range to have more fluid mass, manage fluid temp fluctuations better (slower), & with the extra mass, disperse fluid temp through the case better. • Using ZF Lifeguard 8 or Mopar 8&9 speed transmission fluid with an expansion rate of 1.4% & a 9-9.5qt capacity we’re talking no more than 4.5 fl oz’s difference here between adding at 86F and 122F. Parts List: Transmission Fluid: Life Guard Fluid 8 (7 Liter) is currently less (8/26) than Mopar & it's the transmission designers own brand. Even though you end up with an extra qt I chose this seller because they've been on Amazon over 10 years unlike the other company at 5 years & the volume of reviews is higher, 369 vs 10. 4.8 stars https://amzn.to/4xLpRPD Transmission Filter(always lookup by VIN): https://parts.allmoparparts.com/oem-p... Transmission Pan Gasket: https://parts.allmoparparts.com/oem-p... If you need to replace the pan (damage?), you can get this whole Mopar kit that comes with the pan, filter, nuts, magnets, & gasket. Part # 68362041AC The factory fill transmission fluid is NOT a lifetime fluid if you plan on keeping it a long time. 0:00 Parked on Level Surface 0:33 Remove Skid Plate 1:00 Remove Fill Plug 1:26 Drain Pan Used 1:54 Stop the Drip from plug 2:02 Removing the Pan 3:24 Inspection 4:09 Remove the Filter 4:19 Remove the Gasket 5:06 Cleaning 5:21 Old vs Revised Gasket 6:09 Installing the New Filter 7:12 Reinstall Magnets 7:22 Lube Filter O-Ring 7:39 Clean Pan Bolts 7:49 Reinstall the Pan 11:11 Torque Sequence(Pic in Description) 11:44 Initial Transmission Fill 12:48 Warming Up Fluid/Going Through Gears 14:07 2nd Fluid Top Off 14:44 Plug/ Short Drive/ Final Top Off 14:56 Cleanup/Reinstall Skid 15:17 See Old Fluid & Tools Needed 19:19 Part Numbers Needed #jeep #jeeplife #jeepwrangler #jeepgladiator #wrangler #transmission #automatictransmission #howto #ZF8speedautomatic #maintenance #carmaintenance