Wow, this a very discussed and I'd say a bit controversial subject.
Dodge says don't service.
ZF the manufacturer recommends a service interval at I believe 93,000 miles...they list it in KMs.
Mines at 207,000 and I haven't touched it yet...so I think I'm going to just ride it out at this point.

The problem is the fill process is quite involved and not as easy as just empty and refill as there is no dipstick so you have to know the fluid temps and run the vehicle on a lift to properly fill it. Going to need 2 people to do the job IMO.
If you allow someone to service it who doesn't understand the proper process or is just wanting to do a quick change I think you're asking for trouble. That's the issue to me at large, its a higher probability of someone causing damage doing a fluid change than leaving it if alone...especially if you're not having any shift issues.

 

The vehicle runs great overall, and I’m not experiencing any major transmission issues. However, I’ve started to notice that under light throttle, the 1-2 shift feels a bit harsh or abrupt at low speeds. It’s not slipping or hesitating, but it’s definitely not as smooth as the other shifts

 

Well you can change it out yourself or have a shop/dealer change, just make sure they are familiar with the procedure and use the correct fluid. Filter replacement requires a new pan as its integrated into it and a bit tricky to remove, but all straight forward.
Oh, and prepare for $ shock as the ZF trans fluid is expensive...as is the pan.
Valvoline makes a compatible trans fluid that some shops use in place of the expensive ZF fluid to reduce cost.

 

Yeaa I work In jeep and one of the head mechanics told me that changing ur transmission at a high mileage we’ll mess it up it’s a myth

 

Hey, what’s up group!

I have a 2019 Dodge Durango R/T with about 161,600 miles on it. It’s still running great, but I had a question:

I’ve never touched the transmission or serviced it in any way—no transmission fluid changes or anything like that. I’ve owned it since brand new (0 miles).



Do you think I should go ahead and change the transmission fluid now, or leave it alone since it’s been fine so far?

I had it changed at 75k miles through my independent shop that does the ZF trans drain and fill on Mopars regularly. I bought a new aluminum pan with filter, the Mopar gasket, and the ZF fluid and then gave it all to them along with ZF instructions. Everyone will have a different opinion, it is your choice.

 

I will just throw this out there re:trans fluid service. I had a leak from the trans on my BMW M3. The BMW independent garage told me it wasnt bad but fixing it was a big deal. I was having the R/T serviced and brought up the situation with the BMW. He said he would fix the leak and flush and refill the trans. I told him I thought flushing was a no no on high milage trans. (146K). He said that was true when shops were doing high pressure flushes. His process uses the pressure at which the trans operates. I had him do it and a few hundred miles later all is good and it may be all in my head but the shifts might be a little crisper. My two cents.

 

You made a mistake if you didn't replace the pan and filter.

 

Yea we did not want to change the pan because of the high mileage

 

Josh:
It sounds like your mechanic did not want to fool w the pan. At that mileage, I would have done the pan which gets you a new filter. Since you did not, and had good results, I'd leave it be for now, and get the pan done the next time, around 200k ish, if you still have it by then.

Don

 

Yea that’s our plan once I reach 190 replace all fluids again

 

Foolish. High mileage has nothing to do with a filter change. Changing the oil might.

 

Has anyone had transmission issues covered under the Mopar Lifetime Warranty and never changed their fluid?

 

CD:
Dodge says that the fluid is a "lifetime fill", so they really don't have grounds to say anything unless there are obvious signs of abuse?

Don