2017 Pacific Intermittent Long Shift

[racer12306]

Van has just under 105,000 miles on it. No, the fluid has not been changed or checked. I don't believe it's readily serviceable, I know there's a widget that I can make, maybe buy, to check the fluid level.

This is the ZF9 transmission.

The transmission does not want to shift, but as simple as lifting off the gas will cause the upshift to occur. Based on her info, I'd take a guess it's somewhere around the 3-4 or 4-5 shift. Unfortunately, I have not experienced it first hand, however, my wife has experienced this a handful of times over the past couple months. It doesn't seem to have any pattern. No other symptoms. She drives it a couple days a week and I generally only drive it one day a week for 30 miles.


Quick Google returns something about transmission relearning for something similar. A simple software thing, I'm willing to do, much more than that makes me want to get rid of the vehicle. Don't really feel like chasing a problem that doesn't trip any codes.

Anyone experience this? I know we have a couple Chrysler dealer people here, can't remember their name to ask direct.

 

[MattPersman]

Fluid worn. Needs changed. Likely software update as well and a quick learn to finish it off

These are finicky transmissions as is

 

[racer12306]

Fluid worn. Needs changed. Likely software update as well and a quick learn to finish it off

These are finicky transmissions as is

Thanks

How much of a process is changing the fluid on this transmission? It's been a great piece up until a couple thousand miles ago.

 

[Marcozi]

At that mileage I recommend you look into a fluid exchange (not a fluid flush) and a filter change. Also, have the shop scan the transmission computer for codes and update the firmware to newest version.

 

[Elroy the Brave]

Thanks

How much of a process is changing the fluid on this transmission? It's been a great piece up until a couple thousand miles ago.

 

[Elroy the Brave]

You can also "reset" the transmission so it will shift better:

 

[nicholas]

Van has just under 105,000 miles on it. No, the fluid has not been changed or checked. I don't believe it's readily serviceable, I know there's a widget that I can make, maybe buy, to check the fluid level.

This is the ZF9 transmission.

The transmission does not want to shift, but as simple as lifting off the gas will cause the upshift to occur. Based on her info, I'd take a guess it's somewhere around the 3-4 or 4-5 shift. Unfortunately, I have not experienced it first hand, however, my wife has experienced this a handful of times over the past couple months. It doesn't seem to have any pattern. No other symptoms. She drives it a couple days a week and I generally only drive it one day a week for 30 miles.


Quick Google returns something about transmission relearning for something similar. A simple software thing, I'm willing to do, much more than that makes me want to get rid of the vehicle. Don't really feel like chasing a problem that doesn't trip any codes.

Anyone experience this? I know we have a couple Chrysler dealer people here, can't remember their name to ask direct.

Change that fluid....it's not that hard.
Use a fluid transfer pump....
ZF says to change the fluid ever 60k.

Don't listen to Chrysler.

 

[KrisZ]

It’s a high time to change that fluid. After that do the reset and it should go back to normal.

 

[nicholas]

You might actually want to do 2 or 3 drain and refills - - - - - -
Any Indy garage could do this.......

Or you buy a fluid transfer pump.
It gets easier the more you do it.

Van transmission take a lot of abuse - - - - - give it new fluid.

 

[4WD]

Change that fluid....it's not that hard.
Use a fluid transfer pump....
ZF says to change the fluid ever 60k.

Don't listen to Chrysler.

I’ll run my filter 60k & change it on the 3rd spill & fill of LG8 …
Guess I’m not listening to either of them …

 

[racer12306]

For anyone following, got the fluid change today.

Initial impression is a smoother all around transmission.

I didn’t use the video above, I used the official fill plug. I checked the fluid before draining and the level was in range. Drained it in a graduated drain pan and added back in about that much and then ran through the gears and checked.

I can definitely see this being very possible with a pump through the fill hole. Really easy to access the fill plug through the driver wheel area.

Plan to do the reset this evening or tomorrow as well. Time will tell if it’s fixed.

 

[SatinSilver]

How much fluid were you able to drain out of it?

 

[racer12306]

How much fluid were you able to drain out of it?

Right about 3.5qts

 

[racer12306]

Changed the fluid again today because the condition improved but was still present.

Fluid is clean enough now it’s PITA to read on the dipstick. Had to wipe it on a white towel and measure on the towel

Did the reset again so we’ll see how this goes. I’ll likely change it again at the next oil change in about 2000 miles.

 

[meep]

Nice. 2-3 changes is good. If it still persists, I would consider dosing it with a small dose of lubeguard red. However, I would deviate a little from the instructions. It’s a 10oz bottle and 10oz treats 10 quarts, which is probably about what’s in the unit. I would start at 1/4 bottle and drive for a couple of weeks and then re-evaluate.