in ECO mode my DD is unbearable. So I have not driven in ECO mode since February, my hand reaches to turn it off as a reflex when my seat moves forward from easy entry. I am getting used to it now, but that beast hangs in high gears on deceleration. Drives perfect when you are on the gas for sure when not in ECO mode

 

That's because ZF actually makes the tranny for the Hemi. Chrysler builds the tranny (zf design) for the V6. Some crucial knowledge and design didn't make it over from ZF from what i've heard. Chrysler also modified the design for the ones they build to coincide with the equipment and process they already have at their Kokomo plant. It was a cost saving measure to be sure. Probably saved them a ton of $$, but likely is going to cost them in reputation.

Horrible business decision. Right when they're just starting to come around and rolling out new and innovative products like the 8 and 9 speeds. So so close and then they shoot themselves in the foot.

Hopefully will get better with ZF building their new plant in South Carolina and building them there.

BTW, if you're thinking about a new 2015 Chrysler 200 like me, get the V6. The transmission is made by ZF.

 

I'm dealing with this same issue on my '14 Durango since 7000 miles. Last week I took it into the dealer for the second time, they wouldn't replace the valve body, but they did give me the STAR case info below:

Who else is currently experiencing this?


STAR Case: #S1421000013
Release Date: 4/9/2014
Symptom: Harsh 2-1 downshift
Diagnosis:
1.) Perform Service Bulletin 21-012-14
2.) Did the 2-1 downshift harshness improve?

 

If your new tranny didn't solve the problem, it doesn't make sense that the dealer would keep replacing them. Replacing bad transmissions with bad transmissions is a bit futile. They need a fix. It sounds so far that some firmware, and maybe a revised valve body might do the trick. The next question might be: when are they going to start doing this to all of them? Fortunately the transmission is covered by the power train warranty, so you don't have much to worry about, and Chrysler has a lot to worry about -- for a long time.

 

I have a 2013 ram v6 with the german imported zf 8 speed tranny. It has the same issue as you guys described. Harsh 1-2 upshifts on occasion and many more 3-2 and 2-1 downshifts being the worse. Its not just the chrysler made ones.

 

I believe the V-6 gets a ZF designed and licensed 8 speed that is built and modified be chrysler whereas the Hemi gets the 8 speed ZF8hp70 that is not modified and comes from Germany.

Marty

 

It states right on my window sticker that the tranny is from germany. I have the ZF 8HP45. Chrysler makes the 845RE for the v6.

 

Well I can't argue with that! So what vehicles get the RE version?

Marty

 

2012 charger, 300, Early 2013 rams all got the german made ones. Sometime in 2013 they switched to Chrysler modified ones for Rams. 2014 and newer should all have 845re.