8-Speed Automatic Transmission Assembly for 2015-2018 Chrysler & Dodge

A quick look at your own vehicle makes sure the right transmission shows up:

• Verify the 8th digit of the VIN is 'G' (confirming the 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine).
• Physically confirm the vehicle is All-Wheel Drive (AWD) by checking for a front driveshaft, front axles, and a transfer case.
• Locate the stamped tag on the left-hand side of the transmission case to confirm the model designation is 845RE.

What the install really takes — plan and budget with confidence:

Special tools this job needs:

• Pass-thru Connector Tool (Mopar P/N 10377A)
• wiTECH, AlfaOBD, or AppCar FCA Scan Tool
• Transmission Jack

Budget for these consumables at install:

• Mopar ZF 8 & 9 Speed ATF (P/N 68218925AA / 68218925AB) or ZF Lifeguard 8
• Integrated plastic oil pan, filter, gasket, and pan bolts assembly
• Torque converter input seal
• Axle or driveshaft seals removed during install
• Professional cooler-line flush solvent

What your vehicle’s computers will need after the swap:

What’s involved: VIN writing and TCM Adaptive Relearn (Quick Learn)

The TCM is integrated into the valve body and is VIN-locked to the donor vehicle. You must write your vehicle's VIN to the replacement TCM using wiTECH, AlfaOBD, or AppCar FCA to prevent communication fault codes and limp-in mode (locked in 6th gear). A TCM Adaptive Relearn (Quick Learn) is also mandatory to calibrate clutch fill pressures.

Pro tips for a smooth first start-up — hand them to whoever does the install:

• Torque Converter Seating: Must click three distinct times to fully engage the pump. Forcing the bellhousing bolts tight without full seating will crack the aluminum fluid pump.
• AWD Fluid Fill Access: The front propeller shaft completely blocks access to the fill plug on AWD models and must be removed to check or fill fluid.
• Strict Temperature Window: Fluid level must be checked with the engine running, vehicle level, and transmission fluid temperature strictly between 30°C and 50°C (86°F to 122°F).
• Emissions Rolls Test Mode: Required on AWD models to spin wheels on a lift to purge air from cooling lines without triggering traction control faults.
• Plastic Pan Torque: Pan bolts require a very low torque spec (10 Nm / 89 in-lbs) in a specific crisscross sequence to prevent cracking the plastic pan or stripping threads.

Easy to get right once you know them:

• Using ATF+4 or generic multi-vehicle fluids instead of the required ZF Lifeguard 8 / Mopar ZF 8 & 9 Speed ATF.
• Skipping the VIN programming and TCM Quick Learn procedure, resulting in limp-in mode or harsh shifting.
• Reusing the old plastic pan and clogged integrated filter, which starves the new unit of oil.
• Over-torqueing the plastic pan bolts and cracking the pan.
• Neglecting to clean and grease the AWD output splines, leading to fretting and stripping.
• Ordering an AWD transmission for a RWD vehicle or vice-versa.

Not issues with the units on this page — the manufacturer documented these for every transmission of this family, wherever you buy one. Handy for your installer: