🔧 Durango - Transmission Fluid & Filter (Pan) Service

On your Durango’s 8-speed automatic, the filter is built into the transmission pan, so a proper service is a pan-and-fluid change. The fluid level is set through an overflow/check procedure at a specific fluid temperature, so the “fill amount” is not just a simple pour-in.

Assumption: Your Durango has the Chrysler 8-speed (845RE) with an integrated filter/pan design.

Difficulty Level: Advanced | Estimated Time: 2.0-3.5 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Support the SUV with jack stands on a solid, level surface—never rely on a floor jack alone.
• ⚠️ Transmission fluid can be hot. Let it cool enough to work safely, and wear gloves and safety glasses.
• ⚠️ The fluid level check requires the engine running—keep hands, hair, and clothing away from moving parts.
• ⚠️ Keep the vehicle level front-to-rear and side-to-side during filling, or the level will be wrong.
• Disconnecting the battery is not required for this service.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Wheel chocks
• Safety glasses
• Nitrile gloves
• Drain pan (10-quart minimum)
• Shop rags
• Torque wrench (in-lb/Nm capable)
• Ratchet
• 8mm hex bit socket
• Torx T30 bit socket
• 13mm socket
• Plastic trim tool
• Fluid transfer pump (specialty)
• OBD2 scan tool with transmission temperature data (specialty)

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• 8-speed transmission pan with integrated filter and gasket - Qty: 1
• 8-speed automatic transmission fluid (Mopar-spec 8&9-speed ATF) - Qty: 7-9 quarts
• Transmission drain/fill plug seal (if equipped separately) - Qty: 2
• Brake cleaner - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on a level surface. Use wheel chocks and keep the shifter in Park.
• Raise the SUV and set it on jack stands so it sits level. Level matters for correct fluid level.
• Have your OBD2 scan tool ready to read transmission fluid temperature (this is the temperature of the fluid inside the transmission).
• Lay out a big drain pan—removing the pan can dump fluid quickly.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Access the transmission pan

• If your Durango has an underbody shield, remove it using a 13mm socket and a ratchet.
• Position the drain pan under the transmission pan.

Step 2: Remove the fill plug first (important)

• Locate the transmission fill plug on the side of the transmission case/pan area.
• Use an 8mm hex bit socket with a ratchet to loosen and remove the fill plug.
• If the fill plug won’t come out, stop. You don’t want to drain it and then find out you can’t refill it.

Step 3: Drain the fluid

• Remove the transmission drain plug using an 8mm hex bit socket and ratchet.
• Let the fluid drain until it slows to a drip.

Step 4: Remove the transmission pan (filter is attached)

• Use a Torx T30 bit socket and ratchet to remove the pan bolts.
• Support the pan with one hand as you remove the last bolts.
• Carefully lower the pan into the drain pan—more fluid will spill.

Step 5: Clean the sealing surfaces

• Use a plastic trim tool and shop rags to clean the transmission mating surface (where the pan seals).
• Spray brake cleaner on a rag (not directly into the transmission) and wipe until clean and dry.
• Make sure the old seal/gasket is fully removed if it stuck to the case.

Step 6: Install the new pan/filter assembly

• Position the new pan/filter up to the transmission.
• Start all bolts by hand to avoid cross-threading.
• Tighten bolts in a crisscross pattern using a Torx T30 bit socket.
• Final tighten with a torque wrench: Torque to 8 Nm (71 in-lbs).

Step 7: Reinstall the drain plug

• Install the drain plug using an 8mm hex bit socket.
• Final tighten with a torque wrench: Torque to 8 Nm (71 in-lbs).

Step 8: Fill the transmission (initial fill)

• Insert the hose from your fluid transfer pump (specialty) into the fill hole.
• Pump in approved 8-speed ATF until fluid begins to run back out of the fill hole.
• Install the fill plug finger-tight for now using the 8mm hex bit socket.

Step 9: Level-setting procedure at temperature (the critical part)

• Connect your OBD2 scan tool (specialty) and monitor transmission fluid temperature.
• Start the engine (keep foot on brake). With the engine idling, slowly shift: P-R-N-D, pause 2 seconds in each, then return to Park.
• With the engine still idling and the SUV level on stands, remove the fill plug using the 8mm hex bit socket.
• Using the fluid transfer pump, add ATF until it flows out as a thin stream.
• Target temperature window: 30°C to 50°C (86°F to 122°F) while checking level.
• When the fluid reduces to a steady drip/very thin stream within that temp window, install the fill plug.
• Final tighten with a torque wrench: Torque to 8 Nm (71 in-lbs).

Step 10: Reinstall shields and lower the SUV

• Reinstall any underbody shield using a 13mm socket and ratchet.
• Carefully lower the SUV from the jack stands using the floor jack.

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✅ After Repair

• Start the engine and check underneath for leaks around the pan and plugs.
• Road test 10–15 minutes. Confirm smooth shifts and no warning lights.
• Recheck for leaks after the test drive.
• If you have a scan tool, check for transmission-related codes and clear any that were set during service.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $450-$850 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $180-$380 (parts only)

You Save: $270-$470 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 2.0-3.5 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

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