2003 Jag S Type R Trans issue
#1
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I've had my 2003 Jag S type R for 1.5 years now and put roughly 15k miles on it. I am religious w/servicing and drive it pretty mildly. I am at 65k miles to date and the last time I took it to the dealer they upgraded the trans software (refresh) because I noted that it sometimes shifted a little harsh from 2nd to 3rd. Not the end of the world type stuff but I felt it. Well since they did the upgrade the car has been horrendous. As soon as I took it from the dealer it was shifting really rough from 2nd to 3rd and by the time I got home the "transmission fault" code went off on my dash. It was riding completely different when this supposedly "upgrade" was potentially helpful. I've now been told I'll need to get the transmission rebuilt. I have owned numerous exotics from Lotus to Porsche to Hummer to Lexus. I've never had a trans go at 65k miles on it. The previous owner was elderly and the car is immaculate so I can't image him abusing it. Any thoughts or similar problems? I've had 1.5 years or reliable use and roughly 15k miles put on it, but now I'm questioning if this car is for me w/such an early issue. Any thoughts, comments, etc. are appreciated. I'm not concerned financially for the fix, but it does bother me to have to do something like this w/only 65k miles on it. Thank you!
#2
#3
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No S-Type has that trans. All Rs are ZF 6HP26.
I cannot right now imagine what could be wrong. I'd take it right back and get them to read codes from BOTH the PCM (aka ECM) and TCM. Get the actual numbers, not some gobbledegook words. Post them here by all means.
Could be a chafed wire or something but the codes will be a clue.
Oh - are you 100% sure the battery is OK? They may have let it go flat and helped it die![Frown](https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/images/smilies/frown.gif)
You get crazy codes etc if the battery's less than perfect.
I cannot right now imagine what could be wrong. I'd take it right back and get them to read codes from BOTH the PCM (aka ECM) and TCM. Get the actual numbers, not some gobbledegook words. Post them here by all means.
Could be a chafed wire or something but the codes will be a clue.
Oh - are you 100% sure the battery is OK? They may have let it go flat and helped it die
![Frown](https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/images/smilies/frown.gif)
You get crazy codes etc if the battery's less than perfect.
#4
#5
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hmm i just passed 60 k and i have the original fluid... i have recently started getting the short/abrupt shift from 1-2...I think I will be looking into changing the fluid asap...now to find the how to guide.. I know one is on here somewhere??
#7
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: PHX some of the time
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fergs03R (04-21-2011)
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#9
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My 03 STR is getting a transmission fluid change next week. Bought the kit, screws and sealing sleeve from Calif Transmission Supply. tried FAQ and "Searc" juts where is the TSB or summary for the fluid change proceedure. My copy of the shop guide is in the mail..hope it gets here soon
Phil in Tenn
03 STR
05 Mazdaspeed Miata
75 Lotus
Phil in Tenn
03 STR
05 Mazdaspeed Miata
75 Lotus
#10
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#11
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OK, 2 other opinions and the same thing is coming up w/the diagnostic... failing internal components in the transmission. I have it being rebuilt as we speak. I just can't believe these tranny's go at 65k miles. I love the look and power of this car, but I may have to stick to Japanese in the future. I bought my girlfriend an Acura TL about a year ago. The car has 115k miles and everything original. It has been an absolute pleasure to own
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#12
#13
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Maybe yours did - if the shop is right. Let's hope so.
#14
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I'm feeling you guys. I did my research before buying this car w/mostly positive reviews. I did not hear of this type of trans going so early. The only other thing I've had to replace w/this car is all 4 02 sensors and a hose to the radiator had a pinhole in it. It's been extremely reliable the last 1.5 yrs and roughly 15k miles. This trans issue is my only complaint. 3 different shops came up w/the same conclusion so I'm confident that this is the issue and I'm just getting it taken care of. I was going to buy my girlfriend an 05/06 x-type because I love the look of the car, but I'm definitely second guessing now. Thank you everyone for the reply's!
#15
#16
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Just posting an update on the trans... it is being rebuilt at a local AAMCO. Basically the trans looked pretty good but the clutch plates were a little burnt. Now everything was put back together and it's shifting normal under normal circumstances. When they are going on the gas hard it's getting stuck sometimes in higher rpms instead of shifting. I've been told it may need a new throttle body if the software update does not do the trick. I am still relatively new to Jaguar, but is it normal for a 2003 S Type R to have the tranny and throttle body go at only 65k miles? I know all pre-owned cars have some risk, but it seems like them both going seems premature. Any thoughts?
#17
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Just posting an update on the trans... it is being rebuilt at a local AAMCO. Basically the trans looked pretty good but the clutch plates were a little burnt. Now everything was put back together and it's shifting normal under normal circumstances. When they are going on the gas hard it's getting stuck sometimes in higher rpms instead of shifting. I've been told it may need a new throttle body if the software update does not do the trick. I am still relatively new to Jaguar, but is it normal for a 2003 S Type R to have the tranny and throttle body go at only 65k miles? I know all pre-owned cars have some risk, but it seems like them both going seems premature. Any thoughts?
https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/s...4-39879/page2/
https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/s...s-47121/page2/
#18
#19
#20
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Just posting an update on the trans... it is being rebuilt at a local AAMCO. Basically the trans looked pretty good but the clutch plates were a little burnt. Now everything was put back together and it's shifting normal under normal circumstances. When they are going on the gas hard it's getting stuck sometimes in higher rpms instead of shifting. I've been told it may need a new throttle body if the software update does not do the trick. I am still relatively new to Jaguar, but is it normal for a 2003 S Type R to have the tranny and throttle body go at only 65k miles? I know all pre-owned cars have some risk, but it seems like them both going seems premature. Any thoughts?
I just had my tranny fluid changed and the pan gasket replaced at 25k miles, I have not noticed the RPM "stick" since the change....hmmm...although it has only been a week and a half.