Been having problems with my tranny slipping when going around right hand turns (think freeway on ramps), and noticed it "hunting" while maintaining 40mph.

Took it to the dealership, where they said it was throwing code P0730 (Incorrect gear ratio, present in TCM). Fluid samples shows that someone probably performed a trans fluid service with generic red atf, and that trans assembly needs to be replaced.

When I bought the car (roughly 2 years and only 8K miles ago), they handed me a receipt, AFTER all the papers were signed, that the filter and fluid were changed. The fluid listed on the receipt was "G 055 005 A2" Not knowing anything about Jags then, I didn't think much of it.

Does anyone know of any options other than completely swapping out the unit? After being quoted $7697 (est) for the tranny, obviously I'm not too keen on swapping it out. Dealer said they wouldn't do a flush and fill ($600), because at this point, the tranny is shot. It's still running, but really don't wanna get stranded somewhere with a blown unit. I found one on eBay for about $2500, but wanna explore my options.

Anyone in the N. Seattle area, that knows of a decent mechanic, or shop, I'm all ears.

Thanx in advance.

 

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So dealer says it's new tranny time ?

Hmm, me, I'd be a bit suspicious here. Is the dealer a Jaguar main agent ? First off the hunting around 40mph is "normal", and lots of owners have it but the box isn't shot, I have it until the tranny fluid has warmed through which takes a few miles. OK, it shouldnt happen but it does and rarely needs a major operation, although some folks hav had new torque converters that are a lot less cost than boxes. And if tranny is shot, why only slipping on RH turns ? Question I would have is - is there enough fluid in the box, as a turn can cause oil surge away from a pick up point - too low and it picks up air not fluid. Why not get box fluid replaced with the correct type, plus a filter and see what happens ? I would not expect a total failure due to wrong fluid over such a short mileage.

You've done 8k miles, how many total on the car ?

 

G 055 005 A2 is a VW/AUDI part# for the 6HP gearbox.
It is supposed to be compatible for...
VW G 055 005 A2
BMW 83 22 0 144 137
Hyundai 040000C90SG
Jaguar 8432
Land Rover TYK500050

bob gauff

 

The car went to two different shops. One a local shop known well for their work on European cars. First thing they did was check fluid levels. They threw their hands up, stating they couldn't figure out the issue, and recommended the Jag / Land Rover dealer in town, Seattle Jaguar. Took it to them, and they said it looked like a generic Type F fluid was in it, and they wouldn't do a flush and fill, since the fluid had already gone all through the tranny, and the clutch packs, etc, would already be saturated with the "contaminated" fluid.

The car only has 71K on it now. I'm gonna call around a couple other transmission shops, and see what I can find out. I had talked to the dealer about a TCM flash and/or upgrade, but they said with the suspect fluid in there, they wouldn't do anything except remove and replace.

 

Ive had similar issues on other cars. Each time the Dealer said here look at the code and replace the tranny, yeah right

Both Times I took it too a auto trans specialist. Both times it was a simple solenoid replacement and refill. One of them (Rover 75) was even done in a hour without removing the tranny. The Merc AMG neded the trans removal to get at the solenoids. This one had a valve pack and solenoids replaced.
Both time Was quoted around 8K Aud by the Dealers, 6K from trans shops. All of them were just quoting remove and exchange. The trans shop that did the repairs on mine charged $800 and $1250aud respectively

Take it to a few tranny specialists and get an opinion from an expert.

The best ones to go to are one that offer rebuild or exchange trans of the same type.
That means there is a good chance they know the trans and what happens internally
When you get there have a check of the shop. If they are the ones doing the exchanges you will see the racks of trans ready for rebuild and ready to ship to dealers not to mention the guys doing the rebuilds.
If you donrt see this go to the next one on your list

Cheers
34by151

 

Well, found a tranny shop close to me that is VERY familiar with our dreaded ZF transmissions.

Got an appt. Wednesday morning. Wish me luck.

 

So here's one wishing you luck ! Please let us all know how you got on.

 

Good Luck and let us know what happens

Cheers
34by151

 

When using SDD ( Jag tool), there is a guide for various ZF-problems.
"SURGE ON FIXED LIGHT THROTTLE" seems to describe "hunting".
That's why I will have my TCM-version updated.

BTW: Did your errorcode P0730 appear without the warning light in your cockpit ? I allways thought, you shouldn't expect errorcodes without a warning light to the driver..

 

good choice on the ZF tranny expert, they have a better feel for how these are supposed to operate and what often needs replaced/repaired on them.

After 150,000, I unfortunately did have to rebuild my transmission for around $4k after it spilled a P0735 code (5th gear ration problems anyway) and it turned out to be related to the valve body above anything else internally. Replaced the valve body, put my solenoids and TCM on it, along with the new clutch packs, o-rings, and gaskets, the valve body got all of the aftermarket Sonnax valve parts and over-reaming options, and it was cured. All this from a ZF experienced transmission-only shop.

Hopefully you won't have to go as far to get yours back into working order, the VW fluid is not the problem here, as long as its at the right level. Motorcarman is an ex-tech (who knows how many years he put in...but there were many, I promise) and he knows what can and can't be used in these cars. He still runs a shop, and I know for a fact he still uses his alternative sourced (VW) fluids if they are more affordable for him, and thus his customers.

 

If it were me, I would replace the fluid and filter/pan with the correct stuff (get it from thectsc.com) and see how it works. This process will end up costing you about $500 and there is a risk that it won't help, but in terms of $4000 and up for a rebuild, I would take the risk. The symptoms you have are definitely low fluid level. You should be able to find an independent that can do a correct change for you. while you areat it, it makes sense to change the electronics sleeve to prevent future leaks. If it were slipping on the straights, I would say rebuild it, but in turns.....low fluid. I might also consdier reflashing the TCM at the dealer as well which might minimiize the hunting problem.

 

The tranny shop that looked at it told me that they may have said they put the correct transmission fluid in, but it was definitely not. The fluid that was put in was a generic type F. He told me my best bet would be to find another transmission, as it would be more cost effective than rebuilding the one that's in there.

Gonna bring it home and stew over it for a bit. I found a couple on eBay, and am waiting to see if the vin's are compatible. Guess it makes a difference...

Gotta say.. I have NOT been overly impressed with the "delicate" nature of this car.

Anyone gotta 2004 XJR tranny laying around??

 

Chainz, I know it's a bit of a long shot and might require some time but have you considered an attorney. You might be able to recover your cost through the court system based on the dealers fraudulent claim of a correct transmission service. If your shop would be willing to testify that the fluid used was NOT the correct type as was shown on the dealers receipt to you and that this led to the transmission failure you are experiencing it would only seem logical that the selling dealer bears responsibility due to the for the misleading and incorrect information given to you and upon which you relied.

The dealer is considered the 'expert' in these cases and even if he had it done in another shop it is he that bears the responsibility directly to you. He could go after an outside shop on his own dime for recourse but you wouldn't have to.

I know it might seem like tilting at windmills but $5-7K isn't exactly chicken feed. I'd at least talk to a good lawyer who specializes in such product liability cases.

 

I did, and unfortunately, I have no claim. The service was done prior to my purchase, and the vehicle was bought in an AS/IS condition...

 

Is the VIN issue with replacing the tranny something to do with software loaded?

I've noticed while looking for trannys, I noticed that they will say "Works with vehicle idenitification number from G13491..." with everything else being equal. (year, model, sc option, etc.)

Since my vin if after that, it should theoretically work?

 

You're correct. Manufacturers quite often making running changes for a variety of reasons so that if it means a change in replacement parts(s) they issue a notification to all concerned parties such as dealers, repair facilities, companies such as Mitchells, and publishers of the parts exchange manuals.

 

Chainz, on the attorney angle I'd question what you've been told. If you were led to believe that a transmission service had been done PRIOR to you're taking delivery and that representation was an effort to assuage any concerns you may have had about the car then the 'as is, where is' portion of the contract is unenforceable as it can be reasonably be argued that had they not shown you the service record in an effort to bolster your confidence and make the sale then they have 'implied' that at least that portion of the vehicle is serviceable. Whether or not they knew it had been serviced with the incorrect fluid that eventually led to its' breakdown is irrelevant.

The courts in America lean heavily on the side of the customer in cases such as these but it would take a knowledgeable attorney to pursue it and you'd have to have the ability to plead for additional compensation to cover attorney fees and any court costs.

Sometimes just a correctly worded lette3r from a noteworthy attorney with some local reputation in such cases is enough to shake loose some money.

If, on the other hand, you never had the service record pointed out to you then your stuck as they would not have 'implied' anything.

Your money, your call. As a dealer I had to deal sometimes with similar claims over a period of many years. The Lemon Law cases were the worst as they were most often used to escape having to make car payments or cover for "buyers' remorse".

 

My experience is that unless there is personal injury, getting legal about a car repair item is a loser for you. There are too many unprovable issues and the lawyers work by the hour. A replacement car would probably be cheaper than pressing this one! Its always tempting to get revenge, but it's not so sweet.