06 XJR, 82K I have no record of previous trans service. Bought the car with 62K 4 years ago and I haven't done the service yet.

Anyway, yesterday morning about 3 minutes into my drive I sit at a stop light and it seemed like the trans shifted and clunked. I was taking back by it and when the light changed it was sluggish with what sounded like it searching for teeth to connect to shift. I pulled into a parking lot and sat for a few minutes not being able to check the fluid but I did have my code reader in the car and decided to use it just to see a code and because as I have a light on for my O2 sensors I wouldn't know if the trans code popped up. I got nothing on the code reader except for the O2.

I then proceeded to head back home as I could take side streets and roll though some stop signs if needed and it immediately did it again. I was concerned needless to say. I opted to move it into a different parking lot so I could get it towed and not be in a congested area. While moving it to the other area (FYI, once it shifts out of 1st its fine) it shifted fine. I then sat at the parking area I was going to leave it and decided to let it get hot (temp wasn't even reading at this point). I remember other cars years ago would sometimes shift better cold and other hot. After about 10 minutes I opted to drive it around the parking lot, stopping and starting and it was fine. I then decided to try and drive it home and again it shifted perfectly like nothing was wrong. After I got back home I did a couple things then wanted to try it again and again (temp was still hot like normal) it was fine. I proceeded to make a trip I needed and again all was fine, even sitting for 3-4 minutes at a stop light. Much later (like 4 hours) I needed to run to the store and jumped in it not sure what to expect and again it ran fine, shifted fine and accelerated fine. All shifts we like normal and smooth with no lag.

My thinking is it seems to work fine while hot but cold its got an issue though it did sit 4 hours before that last trip. So what do I do next ? Is it possible its a solenoid? Torque converter ? Maybe its just time for service ? It is 12 years old. I think if I pull the pan I can see if there are metal shavings in it but I ask...... what do you guys think ?

I don't want to just try something if those who have experienced this have a better first option.

Thanks and sorry for the long post. I tried searching and kept finding 308 trans issues but nothing that matched this.

 

Well, the current ZF recommended service interval (ie fluid and filter/pan ... and a reflash is worthwhile while you're at it) for the 6HP transmission is 50-75,000 miles or eight years. Jag themselves seem not to have caught up with this.

 

82k miles is very low to be having trans. problems.

I suggest that you check ATF level and top it up if necessary.

Run the jag and if no more problems change the fluid.

 

Quick update I did run into town early afternoon here (about 98 out) and put on about 10 miles with no issues at all but that doesn't mean its gone. As mentioned (and thanks for the comments) I think I will have the trans service done and a reflash. Because of the reflash I don't think I will do this myself. Sadly my only Jag/Rover independent repait guy here is an *** who I wrote off a couple years ago when I took my rover in for a oil change and he said I had almost 6K of work that was needed. Over the next 4 years I spent $1000.00 doing the front struts and a water pump then sold it that way in great running condition so I wont go back to him. I am concerned the Jag dealer will want an arm and a leg but I guess I will see.

Please continue to comment if anyone else has experienced this.

 

As others had previously stated, I would definitely go with a transmission oil & filter change.

 

Lots of other cars are fitted with the same transmission, so you need somebody who is a specialist in ZF transmissions rather than jags!

 

I agree with Paddy^ Try and find someone who knows the HP26 trans. It was used in many audi's and bmw's of similar era. If your fluid flush does not help with the issues you have, I would then try to seek out and have the adaptations cleared and/or reflashed.

 

I found the support desk at ZF was very responsive. eMail a description of the issue to them and they will get right back to you. Based upon my experience, it sounds like one of the solenoids stuck momentarily. As others have said, change transmission fluid. Your mileage is about when it is due - mine needed it at 70K and it solved my problem. In my case, I also changed the pan and seals under the valve body even though they looked fine. They are cheap enough and good insurance if you plan to remove the pan
Steve

 

So I talked to my local new Jag dealer and he wants $200 for the filter and fluid plus another $165 for the flash. Made the appointment for Thursday morning. I personally don't have time so deal with it and don't have a third car to drive (its in the bodyshop) so I need to get it done as simply as possible.

How does that pricing sound guys ? Ok or am I getting bent over the table ?

 

Sounds very good but depends upon what fluid will be used.

 

I would hope being its a Jaguar dealership it will be the factory correct fluid.

 

Then it is a very good price.

Might be worth asking how much a complete flush and fill would cost as I would think that price covers a simple drain and fill.