The 4-speed automatic transmission ZF 4HP18 was produced at a German company from 1987 to 1998 and was installed on many popular front-wheel drive models such as Alfa Romeo 164, Peugeot 605. This gearbox was also installed on front-wheel or all-wheel drive versions of the Audi 100, A6, A8.
4HP family: 4HP14, 4HP16, 4HP18, 4HP20, 4HP22, 4HP24.
Specifications
| Production years | 1987 – 1998 |
| Type | automatic transmission |
| Number of gears | 4 |
| Type of drive | front / all wheel / rear |
| Engine volume, l | up to 3.0 |
| Torque output, Nm | up to 280 (350) |
| Recommended oil | Total Fluide AT42 |
| Oil capacity, liter | 8.3 |
| Partial replacement, liter | 4.0 |
| Maintenance | every 60 000 km |
| Gearbox lifespan, km | ~400 000 |
| Weight, kg | 4HP18Q – 86 4HP18FLE – 97 4HP18FLA – 136 |
In 1987, ZF introduced a new 4-speed automatic transmission with hydraulic control, in two versions: 4HP18Q for front-wheel drive models with a transverse engine and 4HP18FL for models with front-wheel drive and a longitudinally mounted power unit. In 1991, a couple more versions appeared: 4HP18FLE or 01K for front-wheel drive Audi models and rear-wheel drive Porsche models, as well as 4HP18FLA or 01F for all-wheel drive Quattro modifications.
In 1994, the most sophisticated version with electronic control, the 4HP18EH, debuted.
Gear ratios ZF 4HP18
Using the example of a Audi 100 1993 with a 2.8 liter engine:
| Main | 4.09 |
| 1st | 2.579 |
| 2nd | 1.407 |
| 3rd | 1.000 |
| 4th | 0.742 |
| Reverse | 2.88 |
Using
The transmission was installed on:
- Alfa Romeo 164 (Type 164) in 1989 – 1998;
- Audi 100 C4 (4A) in 1992 – 1994;
- Audi A6 C4 (4A) in 1994 – 1997;
- Audi A8 D2 (4D) in 1994 – 1996;
- Citroen XM I (Y3/Y4) in 1989 – 1998;
- Dodge Monaco 5 (B29) in 1989 – 1992;
- Eagle Premier 1 (B29) in 1987 – 1991;
- Fiat Croma I (154) in 1988 – 1996;
- Lancia Kappa I (838) in 1994 – 1998;
- Lancia Thema I (834) in 1989 – 1994;
- Peugeot 605 I (Y30) in 1989 – 1999;
- Porsche 968 I (968) in 1991 – 1994;
- Renault 25 (B29) in 1988 – 1992;
- Saab 9000 I (YS3C) in 1987 – 1998.
Disadvantages of the ZF 4HP18 gearbox
- This is a very durable automatic transmission and with frequent oil changes it has a huge resource, but sooner or later it will require a rebuild with replacement of the torque converter clutch, brake band, burnt clutches, as well as the oil pump and turbine shaft bushings.
- At especially used gearboxes, burst pistons and intermediate shaft bearings are replaced, and sometimes the damper spring of the brake band piston is destroyed.
Frequently asked questions about the ZF 4HP18
What type of transmission is the ZF 4HP18?
The ZF 4HP18 is a 4-speed automatic transmission for front-wheel, all-wheel and rear-wheel drive cars.
When was the ZF 4HP18 produced?
The ZF 4HP18 was produced from 1987 to 1998.
How much torque can the ZF 4HP18 handle?
Maximum torque, Nm: up to 280 (350). It is used with engines up to 3.0 liters.
How much oil does the ZF 4HP18 take and which one?
The ZF 4HP18 takes 8.3 liters of oil (4.0 liters for a partial change). Recommended oil: Total Fluide AT42.
How often should the ZF 4HP18 be serviced?
Recommended service interval: every 60 000 km.
How long does the ZF 4HP18 last?
With proper maintenance, the ZF 4HP18 typically lasts about 400 000 km.
How much does the ZF 4HP18 weigh?
Weight, kg: 4HP18Q - 86; 4HP18FLE - 97; 4HP18FLA - 136.
What are the gear ratios of the ZF 4HP18?
Using the example of a Audi 100 1993 with a 2.8 liter engine: final drive 4.09, 1st 2.579, 2nd 1.407, 3rd 1.000, 4th 0.742, reverse 2.88.
What cars was the ZF 4HP18 installed on?
Alfa Romeo 164 (Type 164) in 1989 - 1998; Audi 100 C4 (4A) in 1992 - 1994; Audi A6 C4 (4A) in 1994 - 1997; Audi A8 D2 (4D) in 1994 - 1996; Citroen XM I (Y3/Y4) in 1989 - 1998; Dodge Monaco 5 (B29) in 1989 - 1992 and 8 more (see the full list above).
What are the common problems of the ZF 4HP18?
This is a very durable automatic transmission and with frequent oil changes it has a huge resource, but sooner or later it will require a rebuild with replacement of the torque converter clutch, brake band, burnt clutches, as well as the oil pump and turbine shaft bushings. At especially used gearboxes, burst pistons and intermediate shaft bearings are replaced, and sometimes the damper spring of the brake band piston is destroyed. All known problems.
