I have a 2003 s type with 38000 miles. This car was a Sunday driver.

It does not always shift well. It can learch at a light while stopping. While at highway speeds it can make a bang or clunk while shifting. It can do at any time and it seems random with which gear it is going in or out.

The local dealer will not work on it because of its age. I took it to a local shop and they said it was worn out bushings in the back.. 1500 dollars later the car handles better, but the transmission still does shift right all the time.

Any suggestions on what might be the problem? I can twist wrenches but I don't know where to start.

 

What model?? S-type??

The only thing I can think of stright away is that there was a gearbox software update that included reprograming the transmission control module (TCM).
However this was a recall on all cars with the six speed ZF auto in the vin range M44998 to M96322. (2003-2004)

If this has not already been done on your car I do not kow if this will fix your fault or not?

This was done using the Jaguar WDS system with software version 29 or later, I am not sure if this can be done with the jaguar IDS software. (The later SDD software will not run on your 2003 car.)

Mellow

 

This is an s type automatic. The vin was 59800 . But how could I find out the version of the software?

Where could I get the software since the dealer will not work on it?

Thank you

 

This has been discussed on the forum. A search of the forum will yield a lot of info.

 

Thank you for the information. It sounds like what I am experiencing.

Do you know where I can get the ids software? And do you know if the cable from the laptop to the computer is unique for Jaguar or will my Toyota one work?

 

Befor you go crazy with software updates and IDS, etc., has the fluid in the transmission been changed? If it has been more than 10 years since it was done, a fluid/filter change should be a first step. Then, if the symptoms persist, it would be time to consider additional measures.

Also, no, the Toyota Mongoose cable will not work and BTW resetting the transmissions adaptations is a two man job...

 

Go two know about the software and cable.

As best I know the fluid has not been changed. I have only had the car for 7 months. I went looking for a dip stick and discovered it was a sealed trans so I stopped looking for low fluid.

But a filter change does put a new spin on things. Is it designed to be changed from underneath?

To new to this car.

 

Here you go:

 

I just buy a pump-up sprayer from the local hardware store and replace the hose/wand with a length of stiff poly-hose and an 'O'ring where the spray hose used to go into the bottle.

I use them on VWs as well as Jaguars.(same fill procedure) They are cheap enough (under $20) to have one for each fluid I use.

 

Thank you again. I will let everyone know how things go when I get it done.

 

Sorry, I gotta laugh at this one. Just because you stopped investigating doesn't mean the fluid level is good... *

Checking the fluid level is one of the very first steps in troubleshooting any transmission problem. Unfortunately, the lack of a dipstick makes it a bit more of an ordeal, that's all. You still gotta do it.

Others have already offered advice about how to check the fluid level. One thing not mentioned so far is the logistics can be a bit tricky if you don't have a lift. You need to raise the vehicle high enough to get underneath, and it must be level. You can't just lift up the front end and set it on jack stands. You've got to raise all four corners. Unless you've a lift or four tall jackstands, it's WAY easier to just have the transmission serviced in a shop. This isn't some exotic transmission found only on Jaguars. Any competent transmission shop can easily handle the job. I did a filter/fluid change on my '02 (different transmission but same general service procedure) and it was a miserable task in my lift-less shop.

*Note the little happy face, meaning this was all offered in good fun and you don't have to report me to the moderators...

 

I have reached out to a local transmission shop to look at it for me.

After seeing the video I saw that it was not going to happen at my house. They will pull the plug and check the quality of the fluid as well as level for no cost.

Otherwise $250 to do the replacement.

 

Definitely do the fluid change if it's never been done on the car for multiple reasons. The oil in the transmission is beyond its age if it's been at a lower than recommended level. If you plan to keep the car for another 10 years it's a no brainer. The most common topic of the s type seems to be the zf transmission. It's been beat to death on this forum because of issues in which 95% are solved with a fluid change and usually a tcm update. Also, if the shop can clear adaptations have them do so. The euro shop near me does a zf6hp26 fluid change and adaptation clear for $275 and is worth it considering the cost of a replacement or rebuild.

 

I have a 2005 s-type 3.0 and I had the transmission adaptation reset I think it was called. It solved my issue of weird shifting/banging noise beween first and second gear after I had it looked at by a transmission specialist that couldn't find anything wrong, He recommended that reset so I took it to a Jag dealer that had the software. it was one hour of labor. Smooth as, ever since.

Edit. I also had the first guy check/change the fluid though FYI, but still did the weird shifting. that's why I took it to Jag for the reset.

 

I know your not doing the work personally but here was an issue I had on a low mileage 03 S-type and what I did.

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/s...h-tips-215808/

 

Sorry for the long delay but I finally had the transmission serviced.

I want to point out that this car had no leaks of anytime under the car. When talking to the transmission guy he said we had a hard shift between 5-6. He did the fluid, pan and filter change, he pointed out that the fluid was clean and there was no metal on the magnets. The shift got better but it is still not correct (cost was $600). After ruling out replacing the solenoid pack (at great cost) he suggested getting the adaptation reset. I tried our local dealer but they will not service a 2003 car because there mechanics are not certified on it.

I live near Charleston Sc and I am hoping to find a lead on someone who can do the work and provide me a link to get the software and DIY the task.

 

The 'CLEAR ADAPTATIONS' is in the setup and configuration tab in the WDS or IDS.

SDD 'should' revert to 'Legacy IDS' for this function if you can find someone with a 'mongoose' type dongle.

 

If you haven't already, do check the fuel trims as an engine issue can upset the trans.

 

We had the ADAPTATIONS cleared. We where also down one update to the computer and that was done also. The car is better but still not right.

I take it the fuel trims is something done with IDS but would not have a clue what I would be looking for to adjust. Some more detail on this topic would be greatly appreciated.
It is a very clean car and overall in great shape except for this hick up.

 

The later models/software had a display and a tutorial for explanation.