So after having the dealer telling me, #1 it would be $1400.00 to do my filter, fluid and the electrostatic plug sleeve and #2 he really didn't want to do it, I opted to do it all myself. All parts and fluid included I was about $200.00 including new bolts. Someone had posted a you tube video of a guy doing his own on his 04 XJ so I watched it a few times, he broke a couple bolts and to drill one out and I was concerned about this given mines 13 years old in the heat of Arizona its whole life.

Yesterday (Saturday) came and it was time to start. Days starter with the car being dead, was just started Thursday to move it and now its dead. Thankfully I was 2 1/12 years into a 3 year warranty and they auto parts replaced it with no problem.

So to get it up in the air I opted to buy new 6000# jack stands and a 3/8th impact to break the bolts loose. After leveling the car (always had a shop with a lift so this was tense for me) I set about draining and taking out the bolts. I was pleasantly surprised at how simply they broke loose with just a ratchet and some pressure. All came out fine, actually even replacing that sleeve was relatively easy. Refilling the fluid was messy but in the end ended up ok with me burning my hand just once, LOL.

But while it was in the air I opted to fix the curb rash on the wheels, partly my fault but mostly my wifes from when it was her daily driver. Man was that easy with them almost eye level, time consuming yes but still easy. Comes in handy have auto body tools, a paint mixing system and good air brush available.

Anyway, thought I would share, car drives good, looks good and back to the way it should be. I will still need to do the EGR this summer but that's a project for another day. FYI the oil spots are from my daughters Lincoln not the Jag.

 

Still one of the prettiest XJR's I've seen on this forum or anywhere John.

 

It's drop-dead gorgeous, John. I love that color on Jags, and your Sepangs look great!

Cheers,

Don

 

That $1200 still in your wallet, feels pretty good does it?
That feeling of accomplishment.
From a job well done,is not bad either
There is a number of reasons, i smile every time i drive one of mine.

 

Thanks for the comments guys its appreciated, just really wanted to share and we talk about how you know when you really love your car when you look at it all the time even when your not in it. I still do this, the look back after its parked, the refection off the windows of the building im driving by. As much as I would love a new (insert probably a dozen cars here) I still love the look, feel and smell of this car. Hence why it will never leave the stable, unless it blows up or gets wrecked.

 

Congrats for the car.
Satisfaction of doing the job yourself and confidence inspiring for the future. Well done!

 

Keep an eye on transmission pan leaks since doing the service.

Mine leaked and I had to retorque etc. I torqued to spec in proper sequence - maybe it's because I used an ebay pan - haha.

 

Thanks and I will. I notice its still reaching for gears when shes cold so I don't think I got enough fluid in her (but I had the stream) so when I put her up and check/add more I will cheap the bolts. So far no drips though.

 

My Chinese metal pan needed the drain plug tightened a few times.
Eventually it did stop it's occasional drip.
The gasket though is Fords, heavy duty metal & rubber one.
Not the flimsy paper one that came with the metal pan.
Should be able to reuse it a few times.