Keeping Your Beast Running Smooth: Your 2020 Ram Transmission Fluid Change Guide
Hey there, fellow Ram owner! So, you've got yourself a mighty 2020 Ram, right? Whether it's a trusty 1500, a heavy-duty 2500, or a commanding 3500, these trucks are designed to work hard and play hard. And like any serious piece of machinery, they need some TLC to keep them running in tip-top shape. Today, we're diving into a maintenance topic that often gets overlooked, or maybe just plain feared, but it's absolutely critical for your truck's longevity and performance: a 2020 Ram transmission fluid change.
Now, I know what you might be thinking. "Transmission fluid? Isn't that one of those 'lifetime' fluids?" Or maybe, "That sounds complicated, can't I just ignore it?" Well, let's chat about it, because while it might seem a bit daunting, understanding why and how to approach this service can save you a ton of headaches and money down the road. We're going to break it down in a way that feels like we're just talking shop in the garage, not reading a stuffy manual.
Why Your Ram Needs Fresh Blood: The "Why" Behind the Change
Let's cut to the chase: your transmission is one of the most complex and expensive components in your truck. It's what takes all that glorious power from your engine and sends it to the wheels, making your Ram move. And the transmission fluid? It's the lifeblood of that intricate system.
Think of it this way: the fluid isn't just a lubricant, though it does an amazing job of keeping all those gears, bearings, and clutch packs from grinding themselves into dust. It also acts as a hydraulic fluid, enabling your transmission to shift gears smoothly and efficiently. Plus, it's a crucial coolant, carrying away heat generated by all that friction and movement. Over time, this fluid breaks down. Heat, friction, and sheer mileage degrade its protective qualities, making it less effective at lubricating, transferring power, and cooling. It gets contaminated with tiny metallic particles from normal wear and tear, and it can even start to smell burnt.
Ignoring a transmission fluid change is like asking for trouble. You're setting yourself up for potential slipping gears, hard shifts, overheating, and ultimately, a very costly transmission rebuild or replacement. And trust me, nobody wants that bill. So, while some manufacturers might use the term "lifetime fluid," what they really mean is "lifetime of the warranty period," or perhaps the "lifetime before catastrophic failure due to neglect." For our hard-working Rams, a proactive approach is always best.
When to Make the Move: Timing Your 2020 Ram's Fluid Refresh
This is where your owner's manual becomes your best friend. Seriously, crack it open! For most 2020 Ram models, especially those with the very common 8-speed automatic transmissions, the recommended service intervals can vary based on your specific usage. Generally, for normal driving conditions, you might see recommendations anywhere from 60,000 to 100,000 miles.
However, and this is a big "however," if you regularly put your Ram through its paces – think heavy towing, hauling massive loads, frequent off-roading, or driving in extreme temperatures – those intervals should be significantly shortened. We're talking more in the 30,000 to 50,000-mile range. It's like changing the oil on a race car more often than a commuter sedan, right? Your truck works harder, so it needs more frequent attention.
Beyond mileage, pay attention to what your truck is telling you. Are shifts feeling a bit sluggish or harsh? Is there a delay when you put it into drive or reverse? Are you hearing any weird whining or clunking noises that weren't there before? These are all potential red flags that your transmission fluid might be past its prime. Another tell-tale sign is checking the fluid itself (if your 2020 Ram still has a dipstick – many modern ones don't!). If it's dark brown or black, smells burnt, or has a lot of particulate matter, it's definitely time for a change.
Gearing Up: What You'll Need for the Job
Alright, so you've decided it's time. Good call! Now, let's talk about gathering your arsenal. This isn't a job you want to start halfway and realize you're missing something critical.
The Essentials: Fluid and Filter
First and foremost, you absolutely, positively must get the correct transmission fluid. For most 2020 Rams with the 8-speed automatic (like the 8HP75 in the 1500 or the A8/8HP75 in the HD models), you're going to need Mopar ATF+4 or an equivalent fluid that explicitly states it meets the MS-9602 specification. Do not skimp here! Using the wrong fluid can quickly lead to catastrophic transmission failure. Check your owner's manual again for the precise fluid type and capacity. You'll likely need somewhere in the ballpark of 6-8 quarts for a pan drop and filter change, but it's good to have a little extra on hand.
You'll also need a new transmission filter and a pan gasket. Many filter kits come with a new gasket. Some transmissions use multiple filters (internal and external), so confirm what your specific 2020 Ram needs.
Your DIY Toolkit and Safety Gear
Safety first, always! * Safety glasses and gloves: Transmission fluid is nasty stuff, and you don't want it in your eyes or on your skin. * Jack and jack stands: Your truck must be securely supported on a level surface. Never rely solely on a jack! * Large drain pan: This isn't an oil change; you'll have more fluid coming out, and it's likely going to be messier. A 10-quart pan is a good start. * Wrench and socket set: To get that drain plug (if you have one) and the transmission pan bolts off. * Torque wrench: Crucial for tightening the pan bolts and fill plugs to spec. Overtightening can warp the pan or strip threads; undertightening means leaks. * Fluid transfer pump or a long, narrow funnel with tubing: Modern Ram transmissions often don't have a traditional dipstick tube for filling. You'll typically fill through a dedicated fill plug or even the drain plug hole, requiring a pump to get the fluid back in. * Clean rags and brake cleaner: For cleanup. * Maybe a pry tool or gasket scraper: For getting the old pan gasket off.
The Nitty-Gritty: Your Step-by-Step 2020 Ram Transmission Fluid Change
Okay, deep breath! You've got your gear, you're mentally prepared. Let's get to it.
Safety First, Always!
Park your Ram on a flat, level surface. Engage the parking brake. Block the wheels. Then, using your jack, lift the front of the truck high enough to comfortably work underneath, and securely place jack stands under the frame. Give it a good shake to ensure it's stable.
Draining the Old Stuff
If your transmission pan has a drain plug (some do, some don't for the 2020 Ram), place your drain pan underneath and remove the plug. Let the old, dark fluid drain completely. If there's no drain plug, you're going to have to carefully loosen all the pan bolts (leaving a few in place at one end to act as a hinge) and carefully pry one side down to let the fluid drain out. This is usually the messier option, so be prepared!
Pan Prep & Filter Swap
Once the fluid is mostly drained, remove the remaining pan bolts and carefully lower the pan. There will still be some fluid in it, so be ready. Inside the pan, you'll find a magnet (or several). This magnet collects metallic shavings from normal wear. Clean it thoroughly! Also, scrape off any old gasket material from both the pan and the transmission mating surface on the truck. Get it spotless.
Next, locate the transmission filter(s). These usually just pull straight down or are held in with a bolt or two. Install the new filter, ensuring it clicks or seats properly.
Buttoning Her Up
Place your new pan gasket onto the clean transmission pan. Carefully lift the pan back into place, aligning it with the bolt holes. Start all the bolts by hand to prevent cross-threading. Then, using your torque wrench, tighten the bolts to the manufacturer's specified torque. Do this in a crisscross pattern to ensure even pressure and prevent leaks. Replace the drain plug if you removed it, and torque it to spec as well.
The Refill: Getting the Level Just Right (No Dipstick? No Problem!)
This is often the trickiest part for modern Rams. For an 8-speed, you'll typically fill through a fill plug located on the side of the transmission housing, or sometimes even through the drain plug hole (using a special adapter). Use your fluid transfer pump to slowly add the new Mopar ATF+4.
The crucial part here is getting the fluid level correct. You generally need the transmission fluid to be at a specific operating temperature for an accurate reading. Start the truck, let it warm up, and then with the parking brake engaged, slowly cycle the gear selector through all the gears (P-R-N-D) pausing for a few seconds in each. Then, leave it in neutral or park (check your manual!) and check the fluid level at the fill plug. For many Rams, you add fluid until it just starts to weep out of the fill hole when the truck is level and at temperature. This process can be a bit iterative, adding a bit, checking, adding more. It's better to be slightly underfilled and add more than to overfill.
Final Checks
Once you think the level is good, lower your truck, clean up any spills, and take it for a short test drive. Pay attention to how it shifts. Get it fully warmed up again, then double-check for any leaks around the pan gasket or fill plug.
DIY or Dealership? Deciding Your Path
So, after reading all that, you might be thinking, "Wow, that's a bit more involved than an oil change!" And you'd be right. A transmission fluid change on a 2020 Ram, especially without a dipstick and with specific temperature requirements for checking the level, can be a bit more challenging for the average DIYer.
Going DIY: The upside is clear: cost savings. You'll save a significant chunk of change on labor. Plus, there's a certain satisfaction that comes with wrenching on your own truck and knowing the job was done right with the parts you chose. When to DIY: If you're comfortable working under your truck, have the right tools (especially a torque wrench and fluid pump), and are meticulous about following instructions (like consulting your owner's manual religiously for fluid type and torque specs), then absolutely go for it!
Going Pro: On the flip side, taking your Ram to a trusted mechanic or dealership has its advantages. They have specialized tools, lifts, and often diagnostic equipment to ensure the fluid is at the exact right temperature for checking. They also have the experience to spot other potential issues while they're under there. When to Go Pro: If you're short on time, lack the specific tools (like a quality torque wrench or fluid pump), aren't confident in your mechanical skills, or simply prefer to leave complex jobs to the experts, paying a professional is a perfectly valid and often wise choice. The peace of mind alone can be worth the cost.
Wrapping It Up: Keep That Ram Roaring!
No matter which route you choose – DIY or professional – the most important takeaway here is this: don't neglect your 2020 Ram's transmission fluid change. It's a vital part of maintaining your truck's health, ensuring smooth shifts, extending the life of a critical component, and ultimately, protecting your investment.
Your Ram is a workhorse, a loyal companion, and a significant investment. Giving its transmission the clean, fresh fluid it needs is one of the best ways to thank it for all the hard work it does. So, go ahead, plan that fluid change, and keep your beast roaring strong for years to come!