8-Speed Automatic Transmission Assembly for 2016-2017 Dodge Charger - Rear

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

• Confirm the 8th digit of the vehicle's VIN is 'G' (3.6L Pentastar V6 engine).
• Confirm the vehicle is Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD); this unit will not fit AWD models.
• Verify the transmission sales code on the door jamb body code plate or build sheet is DFL or DFG.

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

Special tools this job needs:

• Professional scan tool with real-time transmission fluid temperature reading and Quick Learn capability
• Fluid fill pump
• Low-range torque wrench (for 10 Nm / 89 in-lbs)
• Pass-thru electrical connector release tool (Mopar P/N 10377A)
• Transmission jack
• Engine support bar

Budget for these consumables at install:

• Mopar 8 & 9 Speed ATF (P/N 68218925AA) or ZF Lifeguard 8 fluid (Do NOT use ATF+4)
• 9.0 to 9.7 quarts of fluid (for complete dry system fill)
• New plastic oil pan assembly with integrated filter, gasket, and new drain/fill plugs
• Torque converter seal (front pump/input shaft seal)
• Axle seals
• Professional transmission cooler line flush solvent

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

What’s involved: VIN-specific programming alignment (EGS/immobilizer marriage) and TCM adaptive relearn (Quick Learn).

The TCM is integrated into the internal mechatronics unit and is locked to the original vehicle's VIN security system. If using the replacement TCM, a dealer-level scan tool (like wiTECH) must be used to align the VIN to prevent the vehicle from entering limp mode or refusing to shift out of Park. If reusing your original TCM/valve body, VIN programming is not required, but a scan-tool-based Quick Learn adaptive relearn is still mandatory.

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

• Torque Converter Seating: The torque converter must be fully seated onto the input shaft and pump gears (clicking/dropping back three distinct times) before bolting the transmission to the engine. Failure to do so will crack the front oil pump upon mating.
• Fluid Fill Temperature Window: Fluid level must be checked and finalized via the side fill plug while the engine is idling in Park and the fluid temperature is strictly between 30°C and 50°C (86°F to 122°F).
• Cooler Thermostat: Some vehicles have a transmission cooler thermostat opening at higher temperatures (e.g., 75°C). The engine must run long enough to open the thermostat and fill the cooler before the final level check.
• Pan Torque Sequence: Plastic pan bolts must be torqued to exactly 10 Nm (89 in-lbs) in a crisscross pattern starting from the center to prevent warping and leaks.

Easy to get right once you know them:

• Using ATF+4 instead of ZF Lifeguard 8 or Mopar 8/9-speed fluid, which causes severe clutch slippage and ruins the unit.
• Checking the fluid level with the engine off, which leads to severe underfilling.
• Skipping the mandatory VIN programming/alignment step, leaving the vehicle stuck in Park or limp mode.
• Reusing the old plastic pan and integrated filter from the donor unit instead of installing a brand-new kit.
• Failing to flush the transmission cooler lines, causing old metallic debris to contaminate and destroy the replacement unit.

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: