ZF 8HP Transmission Solenoid Replacement

[@lokionarma3645]

Damn man what a hero - I had zero idea where to get these solenoids for my 8HP50 - This video has given me the confidence to do this job myself. Gonna save myself a ton of money because of you. You got my subscription. Keep the content coming sir.

[@JohnsonMotorsports]

Glad I could help!

[@jlboyer0]

As a BMW owner you never know what diy you’re going to have to be watching on any given day. Good tutorial

[@JohnsonMotorsports]

😂 Very true! Thanks!

[@Jayanit]

Hi Grant, been following your channel for a while now. You have never ceased to impressive me with your capabilities in repairing, modifying , and maintaining that BMW F10 in all you videos. Great work!

[@JohnsonMotorsports]

Thanks man! I appreciate the kind words and support!!

[@thisfoomikey4526]

Ive been going nuts trying to find the solenoids. Jesus tossed your video on my recommendation. My 14 jeep gc been a pain in the ass, wish ive seen this before i did my transmission oil swap. Thanks G!

[@JohnsonMotorsports]

Glad it helped!!

[@CadillacKenny]

Great job Grant! I’m having the same hard shifting on my 8HP70 Ram 1500 and will most likely order this kit first. Trans mechanics all want to replace the whole transmission for $5000 to even upwards to $10K! I don’t have that kind of money first of all, and my cynical butt just don’t believe that’s necessary. I’m hard shifting from 3rd to 4th gear. Hopefully this solenoid kit will save me quite a bit of money and drive more comfortably. Sure appreciate it!

[@JohnsonMotorsports]

Sounds good. Report back and let me know if that helps.

[@CadillacKenny]

Hate to drop the $500 if I’m wasting my time and they don’t fit. I feel like they should, but who knows?

[@KaziSolo]

​@MkwShadowFTW did it fit? Im thinking of ordering the same kit for a jeep

[@beastyjorge3842]

Did it work?

[@Blacktop.Band0]

@@CadillacKennydid it work?

[@BlvckPapa]

Found this channel today,great content

[@JohnsonMotorsports]

Thanks!!!

[@BurrNinja]

Those wheels are beautiful cant wait to see the final!!!

[@JohnsonMotorsports]

Thanks bro! Me too!!!😁

[@iamepimethus]

That had to be a pain in the ass without a lift! Excellent job

[@JohnsonMotorsports]

Yeah, it was. 😂

[@turbospool]

Awesome video as always! I got this in my short list of projects!!

[@JohnsonMotorsports]

Knock it out bro!!

[@turbospool]

@@JohnsonMotorsports i will… I’ll be sure to have a catch pan for when i drop the mechatronics too (thanks to your video, I know to expect that Noah’s arc flood of ATF lolol).

[@JohnsonMotorsports]

@@turbospool Definitely!!!

[@galanikola]

Subscribed!

[@JohnsonMotorsports]

Thanks for your support

[@JDMsohc]

Thanks for this video! Question, were you throwing any codes before this?

[@JohnsonMotorsports]

No, I didn't have any codes.

[@Zukgod1]

Did the seal kit come with the solenoids? I'm not finding them anywhere.

[@JohnsonMotorsports]

I bought the seal kit from the same place as the solenoids. There is a link to the site in the video description.

[@aimen2020]

Hi Grant, awesome job you're the only one who tackled the zf8hp45 in details specifically where to get the parts. I'm wondering what exactly the problems you had with your transmission. just got a used car with 135k car jerks down shifting during stopping and a little slipping on any gear while driving.

[@JohnsonMotorsports]

So I was getting harder shifts from time to time, plus I have XHP and would review the adaptations periodically. The Adaptations showed the transmission module was compensating for wear, especially in 4th gear. One day I decided to reset my transmission adaptations (which I do not recommend) and after that I started getting drivetrain malfunctions and the transmission would even stop shifting in and out of 4th gear, until the codes were cleared.

[@exoticreflexs6719]

@JohnsonMotorsports how did you fix it after reseting the adaptions? I did the same thing and now it down shifts hard in 2nd gear like around 20 25mph so I just wait and let the transmission relearn?

[@JohnsonMotorsports]

I did the solenoid replacement done in this video. Reset adaptations again and it’s been good.

[@exoticreflexs6719]

Did you do a relearn procedure or did you just drive it and let it learn on its own? And if you just drove it did it get better like the shifts because I know once you do a reset some shifts can be hard..?

[@itz_dxve]

did you do an Solenoid replacement? Mine jerks a little too while downshifting..

[@ProGamer13443]

Also! Great job on the video! Thank you

[@JohnsonMotorsports]

Thanks

[@fedism]

nice vid!

[@JohnsonMotorsports]

Thanks!

[@anthonydmorse]

excellent video....running a X3 F25 and looking to diagnose gearshift issues. very informative. Thank you. 🙏 edit: Question - what App are you using to get the adaptions readings??

[@stevelibby3]

Hi Grant, were you noticing delayed shifting prior to installing these? I have XHP flashed stage 3 and I have been noticing some delays over time but not sure if it’s due to the need for a flush or the solenoids, or both. I’ve got about 88,000 miles on the vehicle and the previous owner didn’t do any modifications. so I suspect my upgrades and occasional aggressive driving would burn up the oil but I’m not sure about the solenoids. Did you get codes indicating that they were faulty or would you say this is something that should just be done? I will be doing my flush soon and have everything on the way including Hot shot’s Secret Adrenaline PS 4 fluid. Of course there is the better safe than sorry approach but I noticed the solenoid kit is about $450. So if there’s a way to test if I actually need to replace them, that’s what I’m hoping to learn.

[@wstevenson2004]

Did this repair get rid of the hard shifts? I have a 2006 BMW 750 LI. Mine is hard shifting from 1-2 or 2-3. I'm not sure, but it goes away once I drive a few miles. I assume it's because the car is warming up.

[@JohnsonMotorsports]

This initially helped with my hard shifting, however my transmission still failed. I’m not sure if it was due to the service being so late in the life of the transmission or if it was just the huge increase in torque I as putting down on this high mileage car.

[@wstevenson2004]

@JohnsonMotorsports you did say you were adding turbos so I'm thinking it was the added power. Thanks

[@itsJustDaniel]

is this possible with the Jeep ZF 8HP95 ? can't seem to find the solenoids anywhere

[@JohnsonMotorsports]

This should be the same. From what I understand. I would reach out to CTSC and inquire if the kit will work.

[@shaneswartz6053]

Thanks for this video brother, very helpful. I used it to swap my "supposed" bad mechatronics with a known working one, but the new/replacement has me still throwing the same exact code, and I still can't drive my car. I have a 2013 F30 335i, 8HP, and I'm throwing one single code "EGS 420641 - Parking lock defectively engaged: plausibility, driver's command/sensor feedback." I ran through ISTA diagnostics and at the end it said "replace mechatronics". Well, apparently that wasn't my problem because I still can't shift in to any gears. Whenever I try to put it in R, D, or N, it just kicks back to P. Do you have any knowledge on the parking lock by chance? Thanks!

[@nhlakaniphon.1095]

Hello, I’m having the same issue, did you manage to find the problem? Mine also doesn’t want to shift gears and the diagnostic says I have a bad mechatronic that needs to be replaced.

[@shaneswartz6053]

@@nhlakaniphon.1095 yessir, ended up needing to replace my entire transmission. Problem is now fixed, no codes and it runs great.

[@JaysonFlores-d1p]

Grant im getting the transmission malfunction error in my f10. I mostly notice hard down shifting from 2-1. My f10 is at 145,000 miles and getting clutch A disrupted code. So I bought the pan replacement kit but im also now thinking of replacing mechatronics while I am down there. Let me know your thoughts if possible.

[@JohnsonMotorsports]

That is tricky. I would say you may be too far along for a transmission service. Do you know if there has been previous transmission service?

[@JaysonFlores-d1p]

@@JohnsonMotorsports Not to my knowledge. Is it still worth replacing the mechatronics ?

[@krassidimitrov2]

I have an F11 2.5xD with the Zf8hp.. I have a kick in the "ass" in downshifting 6th to 5th.... everything works really fine, just a bad kick when i downshift 6yh to 5th... Is that solenoid ?

[@JohnsonMotorsports]

It’s definitely could be. Have you checked you transmission adaptation values?

[@chudak27]

When you purchased solenoids set, are these new or remanufactured? Seems like everything I see now is remanufactured… thank you for your time!

[@M3_YAS_MARINA_AUS]

hey love ur videos i got a bmw x5m f85 im from australia cars got 150tho Km and drives perfect only thing is that when i come to a complete stop and after say 10-15 or so seconds the car feels like it down shifts or like jerk kinda movement but im not moving do you think it could be the solenoids? thanks

[@JohnsonMotorsports]

Possibly. Are you getting any codes?

[@M3_YAS_MARINA_AUS]

no codes at all

[@M3_YAS_MARINA_AUS]

@@JohnsonMotorsports no codes and doesnt do it in Neutral

[@asusb7577]

Did you use any software or app to reset the "transmission adaptations" after doing this job? Did your car start shifting better immediately or it took some time for the computers to adapt to the new parts and fluid viscosity?

[@JohnsonMotorsports]

I used Ista to reset the adpatations. The car had issues at first but started to shift better the longer I drove. Hindsight, it was having issues because my transmission was on its last leg.

[@sebastianreams7239]

So your trans ended up being replaced anyways? ​@@JohnsonMotorsports

[@JohnsonMotorsports]

@@sebastianreams7239 Yes sir. Too far gone.

[@dmcwilli40]

Hi Grant. Great video. I have a 2013 BMW 535i with 125K miles. I believe the transmission solenoids need replacing. The car runs great at 70 to 80 mph; however, if I accelerate, the transmission fault warning light pops and reduces the power. What do you think? Too I live in Atlanta looking for good mechanic to do the work.

[@JohnsonMotorsports]

What codes do you get?

[@BurrNinja]

Where did you find the seal part numbers? Realoem didnt list anything for the trans.

[@JohnsonMotorsports]

I just found the seals here, but didn’t use all of them. Not sure where some went. www.thectsc.com/products/sealing-sleeve-and-adapter-kit-8hp45/his/x/xhis-8hp70h/xh-280-109.html

[@johnt.6085]

Did you discover the exact placement for the mechatronics connector seal kit O rings?

[@jeffjeff8562]

Was your shifting problems happening in all shifting modes? Like if you're running it in full automatic and in manual, or was it happening only in manual, or was it happening only during hard acceleration, etc,etc? I have the same trans in my 550i, it shifts hard only while in manual mode, but in automatic, it shifts smooth.

[@ProGamer13443]

Hey brother. Didn’t see a video on where all the seals went. Except for the sleeve that goes in the megatronics

[@JohnsonMotorsports]

There where a few sleeves that I could not find a location for. I basically just used the solenoid sleeves and the connector sleeve.

[@mdisuandi4561]

Hi Grant, how rough was the shifting before the replacements?

[@JohnsonMotorsports]

It was actually more of an issue with random harder shifts. Typically 3-4 or 4-5.

[@oscararmenta1593]

Hay man. Have not been able to find seal and sleeves for 8HP. Have you replaced them?

[@JohnsonMotorsports]

Did you check the link in the video description?

[@NFSgamingEvo]

Hello ,nice video,did you get the check engine light on

[@JohnsonMotorsports]

After I did my first fluid swap, I reset adaptations (which was a mistake) I ended up with multiple drivetrain malfunctions and CELs. That’s the main reason I decided to swap out solenoids.

[@TonyElyod]

My Zf8 gearbox in my Jaguar xf, intermittently sticks in 2nd gear. I use paddles to shift up. Not getting any codes on screen. Would you say this is the problem

[@JohnsonMotorsports]

How many miles on the transmission? You may be having issues with solenoid pressure.

[@ProGamer13443]

Hey brother I’m trying to get valve body back in and not able to get the shifter part to move.

[@JohnsonMotorsports]

Were you able to fix this?

[@firstreview8171]

how long did this take you to do?

[@JohnsonMotorsports]

Not sure. I wasn’t in a hurry and did this over a weekend.

[@firstreview8171]

what did u use to reset ur adaptions im gonna buy a scan tool and tackle it this weekend

[@JohnsonMotorsports]

@@firstreview8171 I reset my adaptations with Ista. It was a bad idea. 😂

[@firstreview8171]

@JohnsonMotorsports fr it’s known to not reset your adaptions unless you have replaced any of the transmission modules first because it’s learning new adaptions to the TCM.

[@unknownuser954]

I’m in the middle of swapping my tcm from my old transmission into my new/used transmission and I can’t for the life of me get my original tcm back into my new/used transmission is there a specific way you are supposed to put it back in I also have Zf8

[@JohnsonMotorsports]

Did you figure this out?

[@igortanyarascovschi1225]

hi @JohnsonMotorsports My 2013 bmw 8 hp45 speed gearbox never been serviced (175000miles). I decided to change the oil because almost always had a bad shifting when slowing down the car and then accelarating feeeling a jerk(i would guess from 2 or 3 rd gear). do you think changing solenoids could fix the problem? Ths

[@JohnsonMotorsports]

Yeah, it could definitely help. That’s what did it for me, however I think my actual solenoids were still good. I’m pretty sure it was the orings around the solenoids that weren’t allowing the system to hold the pressure.

[@igortanyarascovschi1225]

@@JohnsonMotorsports is there any chance i could buy the orings for ssolenoids? Couldn’t find any Thanks very much for your video

[@JohnsonMotorsports]

I bought my solenoid kit from here. You can try to just replace the orings. That’s up to you. www.thectsc.com/catalog/kits-109.html

[@letstalk3390]

Did you experience really hard downshifts ? If so any way to get in contact with you we have the same car same miles and I’m stuck, might order eBay solenoid kit .

[@JohnsonMotorsports]

I think we talked on the Facebook group, however you can DM me on IG as well. My link is on the about page of this channel.

[@mewanksta11]

whats with the zf pressure regulator box?

[@ANDRIANIRINAStephano]

Hi Master. I have p17f900 in my a8 2016. Gear stuck on P. This solenoid will resolve my problem ?

[@JohnsonMotorsports]

I’m honestly not sure. What is the p17f900 code for?

[@ANDRIANIRINAStephano]

@@JohnsonMotorsports P17F900 parking lock mechanical malfunction

[@MrStephgenie]

Follow

[@JohnsonMotorsports]

🤔, I’m really not sure. Do you have Xhp? I would check the adaptation values. Could give you a clue if the dme is having to compensate for the loss in solenoid pressure.

[@axeppo]

Great video! Out of curiosity, ca how much have you spent on modififying/imrpoving the F10?

[@JohnsonMotorsports]

No clue! Not keeping track because I don’t want to know. 😂

[@CarlosGuzman-bs1vi]

My f30 gears are slipping only after 2-2.5 rpms. Do you think will solve the problem? I believe it’s the same transmission as this?

[@JohnsonMotorsports]

Have you looked into what your transmission adaptations are showing?

[@CarlosGuzman-bs1vi]

no how do I do that? I actually switched the valve body but now I have a drivetrain malfunction. When I switch gears to drive or reverse it goes back to parking. Any help?

[@JohnsonMotorsports]

@@CarlosGuzman-bs1vi You can check adaptations in xhp or Ista. So you pulled the Mechatronics and replaced the entire unit? Did you have the new Mechatronics coded to the vehicle?

[@CarlosGuzman-bs1vi]

@@JohnsonMotorsports no i didn’t. How can I do that? It actually works now but I got a check engine light come on with all these codes. Do you know how I can code it?

[@JohnsonMotorsports]

You will need to contact someone that can remote code your vehicle Evan Goyuk or RVG Performance could help you out. I will reach out and get a quote.

[@MultiJugulator]

Hi there. Thanks for the video. I am about to buy an oil pan from FCP Euro and solenoid kit from CTSC - just like you did. The only thing is that sealing kit which cost another 50 bucks. Did you change them? I mean not the one that you had problems with installing, but other 3 little seals and one sealing tube. I want to be sure if I have to buy that kit. Because I already have an adapter and can buy tube separately. Thanks in advance!

[@JohnsonMotorsports]

No, the smaller orings didn’t get used. It was only the connector sleeve. Also, make sure you watch how much fluid is removed in this process. When you drop the mechatronics unit, you will lose additional fluid. When I refilled initially, I don’t believe I had enough fluid added back to the transmission and thus I ran the transmission with low fluid.

[@MultiJugulator]

@@JohnsonMotorsports Thank you for the reply! This will help me a lot. I am going to buy 10 liters of fluid to get it refilled properly. Btw did the shifts up and down become smooth after that procedure? Is there smth that didn't change?

[@JohnsonMotorsports]

Shifts are perfect now, no real issue’s other then when I first started I had additional noise from running on low fluid. It seems some of the noise has subsided, but I’m not sure I’m out of the woods. Also, I don’t think 10 liters is necessary, but I could be wrong.

[@MultiJugulator]

@@JohnsonMotorsports Thanks again Grant! I really appreciate that. I did fluid change several times on e39, e60, therefore I know that 10 liters is needed for total fluid change. Cheers!

[@jessevos5109]

This transmission comes equipped with an intercooler system. If the fluid never exceeds 98°C for extended periods. In theory you can filter the fluid and reuse it. As it is not a viscous fluid.

[@JohnsonMotorsports]

Yeah, that makes sense in theory but I think it exceeds the 98*C in standing traffic and such when the cooler isn’t seeing airflow.

[@jessevos5109]

@@JohnsonMotorsports Mine never goes over 85

[@JohnsonMotorsports]

That’s great.

[@F10_Jaber]

Hey i have the same car as you, car drives pretty decent but only issue I have is when I’m in first gear, the car accelerates normal but then all a sudden it stops the revs for a second and then continues to accelerate again. This is only in my first gear, each other gear is pretty good. It’s kind of concerning to me. I’m considering replacing the solenoids but I was wondering if you can give me any opinion ?

[@JohnsonMotorsports]

That’s really interesting. Are you tuned at all? Xhp transmission tune will show you your adaptation values.

[@F10_Jaber]

@@JohnsonMotorsports i am not tuned at all whatsoever. I also notice during each shift it will like lose torque or power for like a split second, really only 2nd to 3rd to 4th. Everything after that is pretty smooth.

[@drummr8]

​@@F10_Jaberdid you fix your shifting issue?

[@rubenaguilera4527]

Where u Buy the selenoide

[@JohnsonMotorsports]

The link to the solenoids are in the video description.

[@adamgreenmgturb]

Same kit for 525d 8speed zf

[@JohnsonMotorsports]

I’m think so, but you will want to double check.

[@factsoverfeelings9228]

My values are saying too low right now . Do know exactly what that means but I know it’s no good. I’m having weird shifts, kick In butt upon slowing down. Then sometimes car drives good. Sometimes bad. I’m getting new valve body/solenoids and changing mechatronic sleeve . Hopefully that’s my solution

[@JohnsonMotorsports]

What have you done recently to the transmission?

[@factsoverfeelings9228]

Did a pan and fluid change last year. It was driving fine. Suddenly last week while driving a little hard Transmalfunction malfunction came up. “Gear-ratio monitoring in fixed gear clutches B and D disrupted”. Finding the parts seem to be the hardest part for 8hp45 .

[@moe-o3d]

Bro i swap the transmission control unit and solenoid at the same way but the car won't start no crank nothing and i have power any idea please

[@JohnsonMotorsports]

Are you sure your transmission connection is good. You have to make sure the sleeve is fully seated or the connection is broken.

[@Gejoepee]

Hello bro, Was that a permanent solution or did the clunk come afterwards? I am asking this to know whether the parts quality is good as I am in Dubai.

[@JohnsonMotorsports]

The solenoids helped for some time, but I had to replace the transmission around 7 months ago.

[@Gejoepee]

@@JohnsonMotorsports Appreciate your honest feedback. Around how many months did that last?

[@JohnsonMotorsports]

@Gejoepee It lasted around 6 months, but keep in mind I’m well above stock hp & tq. Even on stock turbo my custom E50 tune made 520 ft tq.

[@Gejoepee]

@@JohnsonMotorsports I get it. Thanks

[@STUDl0]

*is your transmission still shifting properly?*

[@JohnsonMotorsports]

Yes, shifting great now!

[@STUDl0]

@@JohnsonMotorsports *thanks for the reply. I also have zf8 and get hard shifting from 1-2 and 2-3. But after around 1 mile its smooth shifting again. Do you think i need to replace all solenoids also or just do oil change?*

[@JohnsonMotorsports]

@@STUDl0 How many miles are on the transmission and has it ever been serviced before.

[@STUDl0]

@@JohnsonMotorsports *the car has 125000 miles. I bought the car used. I think its never been service before*

[@fivesfe]

What were your before and after adaptation values?

[@fivesfe]

Nvm, just watched to the end.

[@JohnsonMotorsports]

Glad you found it.

[@rubenaguilera4527]

Bro where is the link

[@JohnsonMotorsports]

Link is in the video description.

[@rafaluiz1679]

Hi, i dont think new solenoid are needed, only the seals, a lot of people on the forums say that only the seals are needed to be replaced

[@JohnsonMotorsports]

Are you talking about the orings for the solenoids? I thought of that but wanted to make sure everything was in the best shape for the new larger turbo. The solenoids came out way to easy, so at minimum I would have had to source all the orings for each solenoid.

[@rafaluiz1679]

@@JohnsonMotorsports Yes, the orings of the solenoid, they slided because as you saw, they are'nt doing their job anymore. But if you think about, it was way faster to simple remove the older ones and replace with new solenoids, you would have take more time to measure and time to change every single oring. I had XHP installed and i felt with xHP installed you can fell the transmission shiffting, the dealer had updated the transmission software and now i can't fell the shifts anymore, only on sport/sport+. I am thinking if i will flash xHP again.. I think not, will leave the transmission with the OEM software, it appear they had revised the transmission software.. It is on par with xHP shifting velocity.

[@deleteduser3749]

100% agreed. I fixed the hydraulic suspension on my 2003 S600 merely by changing the fluid, filter, and o-rings. Yes, it takes more time but I fixed a thousands dollar problem for tens of dollars. I'm going to take the time to source new o-rings myself. Surprised nobody has made a kit yet.

[@JohnsonMotorsports]

Nice!!!

[@ShowMeWhatINeedToKnow]

Did this fix your problem?

[@JohnsonMotorsports]

Temporarily. I believe my transmission was way past the 60k interval recommended by ZF and the fluid change I did was a nail in the coffin. I replaced the transmission around 6 months after this solenoid change.

[@ShowMeWhatINeedToKnow]

@@JohnsonMotorsports - thanks! Sorry to hear about the trans going out though.

[@JohnsonMotorsports]

I appreciate it. It is what it is! I am throwing a lot more power its way.

[@AhmenElect999]

You have to change the fluid on these transmissions no longer then 100k miles or 115k maximum. These transmissions will go bad if the fluid is not changed once the car gets past 140k miles especially if you drive it hard. If you can’t verify that the fluid was changed and the car is past 100k miles don’t buy it

[@JohnsonMotorsports]

Agreed

[@gilgonzalez5902]

Yup definitely but if you get the car for cheap then it may still be worth it because this solenoid/sleeve kit and fresh fluid and filter will have the trans shifting like new again.