RAM RHO Transmission Issue

[itsmekylep]

I’d like to think Ram will acknowledge that something happens with a lift and maybe provide a software patch. But it’s probably wishful thinking.

I’m going to wait until this new “big” update comes out in the next 3 ish weeks to see if that helps, before I remove the kit.

 

[Scottie2Hottie]

Interesting. Like the truck is using a gyroscope or some sensor on the suspension that puts the truck in a different mode.

 

[itsmekylep]

Interesting. Like the truck is using a gyroscope or some sensor on the suspension that puts the truck in a different mode.

Yaw sensors maybe

 

[Elonmsk]

Interesting. Like the truck is using a gyroscope or some sensor on the suspension that puts the truck in a different mode.

Bingo. It’s just wild right?

 

[Elonmsk]

That sucks. I don’t want to take mine off. It looks so much better leveled. There’s a vendor on Facebook that was having the issue after installing ADS suspension, but he said it started shifting normal. So who knows. Just curious how many labor hours did they charge you to remove?

My dealer performed a ride height calibration as well. The calibration worked fine, but didn’t solve the issue.

Where did you see this about ADS?

 

[itsmekylep]

Where did you see this about ADS?

It’s a guy on Facebook that has a shop
In Tucson. I saw it on one of the RHO pages

 

[itsmekylep]

It’s a guy on Facebook that has a shop
In Tucson. I saw it on one of the RHO pages

 

[Faze]

wow that's crazy.. now is this all still covered by warranty when the reason of the issue was custom mod?

 

[itsmekylep]

wow that's crazy.. now is this all still covered by warranty when the reason of the issue was custom mod?

The problem it’s causing would not be covered. As it’s an aftermarket part covering it. I’d still like an answer as to what about the lift causes the issue. I just want the knowledge.

 

[itsmekylep]

I can’t get a response back from Foutz, but maybe a bigger company like eibach can start looking into a solution if the guys that have eibach reach out to them?

 

[Adub]

Maybe reach out to lifted trucks too. They have three on the web right now with those kits.

 

[itsmekylep]

Maybe reach out to lifted trucks too. They have three on the web right now with those kits.

The problem is they may not even know the issue exists. So those 3 trucks might all have shifting issues.

A dealer may not test it, or admit it. The info still stands. I’ve yet to hear from someone that doesn’t have the issue with a 2+ lift

 

[Elonmsk]

It’s definitely those actuator arms on the front suspension. Under heavy throttle, the front is still going to lift, I’m sure it’s thinking “oh we’re in full send mode, hold gear”

 

[itsmekylep]

It’s definitely those actuator arms on the front suspension. Under heavy throttle, the front is still going to lift, I’m sure it’s thinking “oh we’re in full send mode, hold gear”

But it shouldn’t! Time for you eibach boys to contact eibach! They’ll save us. lol

 

[White RHO]

wow that's crazy.. now is this all still covered by warranty when the reason of the issue was custom mod?

They covered it for me I guess because I’ve been asking if the problem had anything to do with springs since I dropped it off almost 3 months ago. I’ve lifted/leveled many trucks over the years without any problems but this truck is different. Shift points change in different modes and has sensors that older trucks don’t have. After replacing the trans and going back and forth with star with no fix I asked again for a ride height calibration. When that failed they put the stock springs back on. Thankfully they covered it. You’re right though usually customer mods aren’t covered.

 

[White RHO]

But it shouldn’t! Time for you eibach boys to contact eibach! They’ll save us. lol

Hopefully they take care of us! I put a call in to Eibach this evening. Hopefully I hear back from them tomorrow. I’ll definitely keep everyone posted.

 

[frogjbm]

I’m not sold on the lift causing this. I personally think it’s related to transmission module or some sort of module failing.

Until it can be proven the lift removal somehow fixes this scenario, it’s purely hypothetical.

There are known issues with these transmissions across the country, not just RHO specific, and guess what, this exact issue is listed as a known problem. The issue is, most dealers are stupid as fuck and nobody knows how to change a God Damn air filter these days, much less troubleshoot with some degree of intelligence.

Some suggestions below, I’m leaning to either 1, 2, 3.


1. Transmission Control Module (TCM) Calibration or Software Issue

• Symptom: Harsh or delayed shifting, failure to shift at WOT.

• Fix: Check for any software updates or reflashes for the TCM. A dealership can diagnose and update the module if needed.


2. Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) or Accelerator Pedal Sensor

• Symptom: Incorrect readings at WOT can confuse the TCM and delay or prevent shifting.

• Fix: Scan the truck with a diagnostic tool to check for TPS error codes or erratic voltage behavior.


3. Valve Body or Solenoid Issues (ZF 8-Speed Transmission)

• The 2025 Ram RHO uses a version of the ZF 8HP transmission.

• Symptom: Solenoids sticking or valve body faults can prevent proper gear engagement.

• Fix: Requires scan tool diagnostics, possibly a valve body service or replacement.


4. Low or Dirty Transmission Fluid

• Symptom: Overheating or insufficient pressure can delay shifting.

• Fix: Check the fluid level and condition (burnt smell or dark color = bad). Top off or replace fluid as needed.


5. Cold Transmission or Torque Management Strategy

• Newer trucks often have torque management and shift logic to delay shifts under load if the transmission is not at optimal temperature.

• Fix: Let the truck warm up. If it consistently fails to shift even when warm, there may be a deeper issue.


6. Adaptation Learning or Reset Needed

• The transmission adapts to driving behavior. Aggressive driving might cause shift logic to behave oddly if it’s not “learned” correctly.

• Fix: A dealer can perform a reset of adaptive transmission learning.


7. Mechanical Failure or Internal Transmission Damage

• While unlikely on a new 2025 model, internal clutch pack or band failure could cause shift issues.

• Fix: Transmission teardown and inspection—last resort if all else fails.


Known/Reported Issues with the ZF 8HP75 (Newer Models)

1. Delayed or Harsh Shifts

• Symptoms: Harsh 1-2 or 2-3 shifts, especially under load or cold starts.

• Cause: In many cases, this is linked to adaptive learning or TCM software bugs.

• Fix: Dealership TSBs (technical service bulletins) or software updates often resolve this.


2. Shift Refusal at WOT (Wide Open Throttle)

• Symptoms: Transmission stays in first gear or delays the 1-2 shift at WOT.

• Cause: Throttle input misinterpretation or torque management calibration issues.

• Fix: TCM flash update, sometimes accompanied by engine control module (ECM) updates for coordination.


3. Torque Converter Lockup Shudder

• Symptoms: Shudder or vibration at low RPMs or when shifting into higher gears under light throttle.

• Cause: Fluid degradation or software controlling converter clutch lockup too aggressively.

• Fix: Fluid flush with correct ZF Lifeguard 8 fluid, software reflash, or (in rare cases) torque converter replacement.


4. Transmission Overheating Warnings

• Symptoms: Overheating messages or limp mode under moderate towing or hill climbs.

• Cause: Some tuning or sensor calibration issues with thermal management, especially on high-output models.

• Fix: TSBs issued on some models to address temp thresholds and fan logic.


5. Intermittent No-Shift or Stuck in One Gear

• Symptoms: Transmission won’t shift out of a gear or stays in a lower gear.

• Cause: Valve body solenoid issue, or rare internal pressure control problem.

• Fix: Dealer diagnostics needed—some units have had valve body replacements under warranty.

 

[itsmekylep]

They covered it for me I guess because I’ve been asking if the problem had anything to do with springs since I dropped it off almost 3 months ago. I’ve lifted/leveled many trucks over the years without any problems but this truck is different. Shift points change in different modes and has sensors that older trucks don’t have. After replacing the trans and going back and forth with star with no fix I asked again for a ride height calibration. When that failed they put the stock springs back on. Thankfully they covered it. You’re right though usually customer mods aren’t covered.

I Totally get why they covered yours.

 

[Scottie2Hottie]

I’m not sold on the lift causing this. I personally think it’s related to transmission module or some sort of module failing.

Until it can be proven the lift removal somehow fixes this scenario, it’s purely hypothetical.

There are known issues with these transmissions across the country, not just RHO specific, and guess what, this exact issue is listed as a known problem. The issue is, most dealers are stupid as fuck and nobody knows how to change a God Damn air filter these days, much less troubleshoot with some degree of intelligence.

But didn’t a member just post when he removed the lift, his truck now shifts normal?

 

[itsmekylep]

I’m not sold on the lift causing this. I personally think it’s related to transmission module or some sort of module failing.

Until it can be proven the lift removal somehow fixes this scenario, it’s purely hypothetical.

Some suggestions below, I’m leaning to either 1, 2, 3.




1. Transmission Control Module (TCM) Calibration or Software Issue

• Symptom: Harsh or delayed shifting, failure to shift at WOT.

• Fix: Check for any software updates or reflashes for the TCM. A dealership can diagnose and update the module if needed.



2. Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) or Accelerator Pedal Sensor

• Symptom: Incorrect readings at WOT can confuse the TCM and delay or prevent shifting.

• Fix: Scan the truck with a diagnostic tool to check for TPS error codes or erratic voltage behavior.



3. Valve Body or Solenoid Issues (ZF 8-Speed Transmission)

• The 2025 Ram RHO uses a version of the ZF 8HP transmission.

• Symptom: Solenoids sticking or valve body faults can prevent proper gear engagement.

• Fix: Requires scan tool diagnostics, possibly a valve body service or replacement.



4. Low or Dirty Transmission Fluid

• Symptom: Overheating or insufficient pressure can delay shifting.

• Fix: Check the fluid level and condition (burnt smell or dark color = bad). Top off or replace fluid as needed.



5. Cold Transmission or Torque Management Strategy

• Newer trucks often have torque management and shift logic to delay shifts under load if the transmission is not at optimal temperature.

• Fix: Let the truck warm up. If it consistently fails to shift even when warm, there may be a deeper issue.



6. Adaptation Learning or Reset Needed

• The transmission adapts to driving behavior. Aggressive driving might cause shift logic to behave oddly if it’s not “learned” correctly.

• Fix: A dealer can perform a reset of adaptive transmission learning.



7. Mechanical Failure or Internal Transmission Damage

• While unlikely on a new 2025 model, internal clutch pack or band failure could cause shift issues.

• Fix: Transmission teardown and inspection—last resort if all else fails.

I admire the unwavering support you have in the idea that the lifts aren’t causing this, but right now with the examples we have available to us, it’s pretty clear that it is.

Again, not a single person with a 2+ kit can come on here and say their truck is perfect, every launch, every time. Yet we have a handful of guys that can confidently say their truck is not right after the 2+ kit.

I’m not trying to argue by any means and I would love nothing more than to keep this kit and blame the truck, but there just isn’t enough info (yet) to say otherwise. I’m not blaming Foutz or Eibach either.

Now, that’s not to say Ram isn’t “listening”
and can quietly fix the problem with a software patch sometime down the road. Fingers crossed.