After extensive research I have found two ATF transmission fluids that are perfect for our transmissions. I would not recommend or use anything other then these two based on the research I've done it doesn't end well with those who use ATF from their local auto parts store. I recently bought a 2002 jaguar x type 120000 and just to be on the safe side I am going to do a ATF fluid change to ensure my transmission last as long as possible. My goal is to reach 200,000 with this transmission.


RAVENOL ATF JF506E

RAVENOL ATF JF506E - Ravenol

&


FUCHS TITAN ATF 4400

TITAN ATF 4400 - Fuchs.

I am located in the United States so it is difficult to find Ravenol here and most are costly with high shipping cost from the UK. I decided to go with Fuchs and you can find it for a reasonable price of $11.50 at GermanAutoParts.com :
They are based in New York so that is a plus for me.

I hope this was helpful.

 

What kind of research have you done? Can you elaborate what you mean when you say it does not end well using fluids other than these two brands?

 

I have done hours upon hours, day after night after day of research online on every forum and website. I even contacted Castrol, Lucas Oil, Royal Purple, Valvoline, Mobil 1, Redline Oil, amalie, and AMSOIL. All have confirmed that their ATF are not engineered to meet all the requirements for our transmission. Using these brands or any basic or universal ATF can result in shorting the life of your transmission. I have notice that several people had transmission fail completely because of the use of the wrong fluid. I am not saying that these are the only 2 brands that work with our transmission, What I'm saying is that based on my research of several different brands of ATF, these two are winners in my book.

 

Anybody used valvoline multi purpose lv?

 

So you think the Castrol Multi-Import that everyone has been using is no good? How do know this will cause a early transmission failure on X types? If nothing else there are multiple topics of people bringing transmissions back from near death by draining and adding some Castrol or Mobil 1

 

I contacted Valvoline at 1-800-TEAM-VAL, which is Valvoline's customer service number. They said that our transmission is not apart of the list of cars/transmissions approved by Valvoline. Others say it worked for them but I wouldn't want to try something that isn't approved by Valvoline to work in our transmission. Use at your own risk.

 

As far as the Castrol Multi-Import ATF, I was very close to getting this for my car until I decided to put forth some time and effort in researching the best ATF for our transmission. I contacted Castrol at 1-800-462-0835 and they advised me that their ATFs are not formulated to meet the requirements our transmissions have. I wouldn't suggest using it if i can help it but I'm no expert, just a regular guy that has done a lot of research on this transmission and ATFs. While it may work for other my concern would be that it may appear to help but being that it's not the right fluid it may become "burned" too quickly, resulting in visual and lubrication properties change for the worst.

 

I appreciate your research, but your assertion that "things don't end well" for those who use transmission fluid "from the local parts stores" is a little ominous. But you may be correct in that the Castrol degrades quickly.

Posts from at least 5 years back in this forum reflect that Castrol Multi-Vehicle import meets all the requirements according to other members, and that is what most people around here have been using. Maybe the data you are privy to is different, but I can not find any single post where it is suggested that the Castrol Import fluid was suspected as the direct cause or contributing factor of a transmission failure.

That being said I definately believe the Fuchs is a superior fluid than Castrol. I always feel like I have to refresh the fluid every 5 to 10k miles.

 

I am far from being any kind of a technical expert, But it just seems if any fluid that meets the technical requirements recommended by Jaguar could be used. There is nothing unusual or exotic to our transmissions compared to other cars and I just find it hard to believe that fluids from major manufacturers like Mobil 1, Royal Purple, Valvoline, etc. would not have a product to meet that. As long as you use the correct type of fluid that meets the spec you would be fine. I can't say that I have seen any posts through the years on here where someone said they ruined their transmission by using brand XXX in their transmission. I'm not saying the two products you listed are not good, I'm just there are many more that do as well and you can buy them at the local auto parts store. Now if you buy a bottle of something just because it says Transmission Fluid on the label without looking at what spec it meets, then you shouldn't be working on your own car in the first place.

 

I don't want to insinuate that Castrol or any other major brands are not good. I'm sure they work for others and I'm sure it's acceptable for those who want to settle with anything less then the best. As for me. I want the very best for my car. I didn't just make this up because I dislike major ATF manufacturers, I was actually hoping that there was an ATF designated specifically for our transmission in the local auto parts, but there isn't. You can research it or contact the manufacturers yourself. If your car requires premium why would you put regular? IF you can help it, why not go above and beyond for your car? At the end of the day you have to make your own decision based on your research. Now if you are refreshing your transmission fluid every 5k to 10k then you are definitely treating your transmission with the care it needs to ensure it lasts forever. However I don't have the intentions to do it that often so I will put high quality fluid in and check back about 30,000 miles later. I hope this was helpful.

 

If the manufacturer of the ATF will not endorse it for use in our cars then we do so at our own risk. I will only use a fluid that is endorsed by the fluid manufacturer.

 

Dear xtypeofjag,
I think you value your 'research' resultant opinion and introspection - way too high. Whereby your synopsis holds little in the way meaningful or worthwhile advice to anyone here. (no offence intended)

You cannot abrogate Specifications and Recommendations (well known to most here) given by the Manufacturer JAGUAR CARS LTD, which is the only real and tangible research that is required. May I suggest you focus your thought and opinion to the appropriate facts or at least make such speculative comment elsewhere in these forums - to avoid confusing other junior or novice enthusiasts who may be seeking sound, proper advice and guidance.

For your edification, attached is Page 45 of Jaguar's Vehicle Specification which clearly defines requirements for Transmission Fluid for the X-Type vehicle.

Most ATF Transmission Fluids meeting or exceeding Jaguar's criteria are likely to be satisfactory - otherwise JAGUAR would have told us differently.



Hope this helps you......

 

The value of my research and opinion is invaluable. If you disagree or have something to bring to the table other then the obvious please contribute. What ATF did/do you use in your x-type? 1st and foremost I must say I would have gone to the dealer and purchased from them directly if it wasn't so expensive. Now if jaguar states that it is "sealed for life" and there is no need to replace fluid then why would we go against what is clearly defined as a "maintenance-free" transmission and make our life more complicated? Once again I'm sure there are other ATFs that work but based on MY research, which includes contacting Jaguar and Major ATF manufacturers DIRECTLY, I feel confident and my mind is at ease when I put Fuchs 4400 into my transmission.

Product Name TITAN ATF 4400 Specifications / Approvals JASO M315 TYPE 1A Recommendations
JATCO 3100 PL085 / FWD (N402) / JF506E (K17)

I hope this was helpful for those in search of an affordable ATF.

 

I'm content that you feel this way about your personal opinion and decisions.... because ultimately, its you thats solely responsible for any consequence they may bring or make cause to manifest.

However, personal preferences are like the 'proverbial orifice' we all have one, but for you to post 'unrequited personal diary' or chronology of your decisions and what influenced them.... to me, is beyond reason or the true purpose of this forum.

Happy Motoring....

 

This sounds like it is turning into another one of those infamous what is the "best" oil debates.

Xtypeofjag, glad to see you want to do right by your car. We all do. The best way to reach your goal of getting 200K out of your transmission is to do what you are doing: changing the fluid regularly using the correct spec fluid. I think the passionate responses come from intimating that if you use something that simply meets Jaguar's specs as opposed to the two products you researched you are "settling" for something less. I respectfully disagree. What is BEST? That is often times in the eye of the beholder.

If you really want to go over and above and do the BEST for your car spend more time doing your research on this site. Pretty much everything that can happen to an X Type has been discussed here over the years and there are a lot of people that will help. In the long run that will save you a lot of time and money so you can worry less and drive more!

 

IF you don't mind I would like you to answer the question. What ATF did/do you use in your x-type? The facts are evident and my opinion is but a small portion of the big picture. Are you insinuating that the ATFs pictured above can/will be detrimental to this transmission?

 

I did my research and I can only recommend what I've discovered based on extensive communication with dealers, manufacturers and web searches. I can only recommenced what I've discovered based on my journey. I know you want what's best just as much as I do so I can respect your words and I appreciate this discussion.

 

I think there is just a big misunderstanding here, I think all the original poster has tried to express is that he has dedicated and invested a lot of time in what is probably a superior fluid for our cars. That's a really good thing.

Where some of us got a little lost was with we perceived as derogatory statements about settling for a fluid that is less than the best, or that fluids purchased at the auto parts store will result in the imminent demise of our transmissions. I am sure that this was not his intention at all.

All in all I do find this post helpful, and will probably try the Fuchs next time

 

Dear xtypeofjag,
Opinions (like yours) are most welcome, but dare I say only when called for or requested by Members - to elaborate on previous general comment.

You seem to feel that your time is so important and so well spent - gives you entitlement to negate such protocol and etiquette.
Other than that point.... I for one, am not insinuating anything.

Nor do I need or want to know what colour socks you wear and why or how often you choose to wear those.

 

Let's try this one more time. What Automatic Transmission Fluid do you use or suggest? If you aren't going to answer the question and actually make this interesting. It's lucid that you actually don't know what you're talking about but that doesn't concern me.

In case anyone is interested in the Ravenol JF 506E ATF you can find at a reasonable price with world wide shipping at ATF JF 506E For Jatco 5 Speed Gearboxes STC50531 Island 4x4 - Specialists in Land Rover and Range Rover Parts and accessories for all models. UK and worldwide mail order.

I hope this was helpful.