Power Steering Fluid
#1
05-31-2011, 04:59 PM
Power Steering Fluid
Vehicle: 1994, XJ12, Base Model (I believe), 102K miles
Issue: What should I use for Power Steering Fluid?
Background: On purchasing this vehicle yesterday the PO was good enough to provide me with a newer pressure hose for between the P/S pump and the reservoir. The existing hose leaked (at the pump side fitting, which turned out to not be the case, the reservoir end had a split that went beyond the hose clamp). On replacing the hose the reservoir drained mostly. The fluid in the reservoir was clear in color, not unlike brake fluid. It was definitely not brake fluid, however. The odor and the "feel" were both wrong for brake fluid. In the reservoir there is a label (original in appearance) saying use Dexron 2 (ATF, presumably). After several hours research I discovered that Dexron 2 is replaced by Dexron 3, the latter being backwards compatible with D2. ATF is, however, red in color, not clear. Additionally, I found some owners discuss using mineral oil (unclear if they meant using it for the P/S system), and on a large warning placard on the underside of the hood Castrol Mineral Oil is mentioned, but it is not clear where it is to be used. I called the PO and he told me he used "Power Steering Fluid" from NAPA. It comes in a red plastic bottle. At the NAPA store near here the red bottle is by Valvoline, and Napa's substitute is in a black bottle. Both products are clear in color. According to the NAPA folks there is no clear ATF.
Trying to change the fluid seems out of the question as how do I get all the old fluid out? So I am reluctant to use ATF at this point because it is definitely NOT what is in the system at this time.
If anyone has a truly definitive word, I would be happy for it. Even if it means changing the fluid by degree: drain the system, refill with ATF (or other), turn the wheel lock to lock several times. Drain again and refill. Turn the wheel. Repeat, repeat, repeat. Eventually the system will be filled with not but a trace of the current fluid.
Thank you for any assitance.
Robert Booth
Seattle, Washington, USA
oddjobbob@gmail.com
Issue: What should I use for Power Steering Fluid?
Background: On purchasing this vehicle yesterday the PO was good enough to provide me with a newer pressure hose for between the P/S pump and the reservoir. The existing hose leaked (at the pump side fitting, which turned out to not be the case, the reservoir end had a split that went beyond the hose clamp). On replacing the hose the reservoir drained mostly. The fluid in the reservoir was clear in color, not unlike brake fluid. It was definitely not brake fluid, however. The odor and the "feel" were both wrong for brake fluid. In the reservoir there is a label (original in appearance) saying use Dexron 2 (ATF, presumably). After several hours research I discovered that Dexron 2 is replaced by Dexron 3, the latter being backwards compatible with D2. ATF is, however, red in color, not clear. Additionally, I found some owners discuss using mineral oil (unclear if they meant using it for the P/S system), and on a large warning placard on the underside of the hood Castrol Mineral Oil is mentioned, but it is not clear where it is to be used. I called the PO and he told me he used "Power Steering Fluid" from NAPA. It comes in a red plastic bottle. At the NAPA store near here the red bottle is by Valvoline, and Napa's substitute is in a black bottle. Both products are clear in color. According to the NAPA folks there is no clear ATF.
Trying to change the fluid seems out of the question as how do I get all the old fluid out? So I am reluctant to use ATF at this point because it is definitely NOT what is in the system at this time.
If anyone has a truly definitive word, I would be happy for it. Even if it means changing the fluid by degree: drain the system, refill with ATF (or other), turn the wheel lock to lock several times. Drain again and refill. Turn the wheel. Repeat, repeat, repeat. Eventually the system will be filled with not but a trace of the current fluid.
Thank you for any assitance.
Robert Booth
Seattle, Washington, USA
oddjobbob@gmail.com
#2
06-08-2011, 04:41 PM
#3
06-14-2011, 11:40 PM
Vehicle: 1994, XJ12, Base Model (I believe), 102K miles
Issue: What should I use for Power Steering Fluid?
Background: On purchasing this vehicle yesterday the PO was good enough to provide me with a newer pressure hose for between the P/S pump and the reservoir. The existing hose leaked (at the pump side fitting, which turned out to not be the case, the reservoir end had a split that went beyond the hose clamp). On replacing the hose the reservoir drained mostly. The fluid in the reservoir was clear in color, not unlike brake fluid. It was definitely not brake fluid, however. The odor and the "feel" were both wrong for brake fluid. In the reservoir there is a label (original in appearance) saying use Dexron 2 (ATF, presumably). After several hours research I discovered that Dexron 2 is replaced by Dexron 3, the latter being backwards compatible with D2. ATF is, however, red in color, not clear. Additionally, I found some owners discuss using mineral oil (unclear if they meant using it for the P/S system), and on a large warning placard on the underside of the hood Castrol Mineral Oil is mentioned, but it is not clear where it is to be used. I called the PO and he told me he used "Power Steering Fluid" from NAPA. It comes in a red plastic bottle. At the NAPA store near here the red bottle is by Valvoline, and Napa's substitute is in a black bottle. Both products are clear in color. According to the NAPA folks there is no clear ATF.
Trying to change the fluid seems out of the question as how do I get all the old fluid out? So I am reluctant to use ATF at this point because it is definitely NOT what is in the system at this time.
If anyone has a truly definitive word, I would be happy for it. Even if it means changing the fluid by degree: drain the system, refill with ATF (or other), turn the wheel lock to lock several times. Drain again and refill. Turn the wheel. Repeat, repeat, repeat. Eventually the system will be filled with not but a trace of the current fluid.
Thank you for any assitance.
Robert Booth
Seattle, Washington, USA
oddjobbob@gmail.com
Issue: What should I use for Power Steering Fluid?
Background: On purchasing this vehicle yesterday the PO was good enough to provide me with a newer pressure hose for between the P/S pump and the reservoir. The existing hose leaked (at the pump side fitting, which turned out to not be the case, the reservoir end had a split that went beyond the hose clamp). On replacing the hose the reservoir drained mostly. The fluid in the reservoir was clear in color, not unlike brake fluid. It was definitely not brake fluid, however. The odor and the "feel" were both wrong for brake fluid. In the reservoir there is a label (original in appearance) saying use Dexron 2 (ATF, presumably). After several hours research I discovered that Dexron 2 is replaced by Dexron 3, the latter being backwards compatible with D2. ATF is, however, red in color, not clear. Additionally, I found some owners discuss using mineral oil (unclear if they meant using it for the P/S system), and on a large warning placard on the underside of the hood Castrol Mineral Oil is mentioned, but it is not clear where it is to be used. I called the PO and he told me he used "Power Steering Fluid" from NAPA. It comes in a red plastic bottle. At the NAPA store near here the red bottle is by Valvoline, and Napa's substitute is in a black bottle. Both products are clear in color. According to the NAPA folks there is no clear ATF.
Trying to change the fluid seems out of the question as how do I get all the old fluid out? So I am reluctant to use ATF at this point because it is definitely NOT what is in the system at this time.
If anyone has a truly definitive word, I would be happy for it. Even if it means changing the fluid by degree: drain the system, refill with ATF (or other), turn the wheel lock to lock several times. Drain again and refill. Turn the wheel. Repeat, repeat, repeat. Eventually the system will be filled with not but a trace of the current fluid.
Thank you for any assitance.
Robert Booth
Seattle, Washington, USA
oddjobbob@gmail.com
Below I have included a Service excerpt which should provide some information: Read carefully!
5 Power hydraulic system
fluid level check 1
Caution: Use only Castrol or Jaguar
hydraulic system mineral oil (HSMO) in the
power hydraulic system (available at
Jaguar dealer service departments).
1 The power hydraulic system controls the ride
levelling and the brake servo systems. The
fluid reservoir also supplies the power
steering system on some models. The level
of the fluid should be carefully maintained. Low
fluid levels can adversely affect the riding and
braking capabilities of your vehicle. The power
hydraulic system fluid reservoir is located on
the right inner wing of the engine compartment.
Have another look at your Owners Manual and see what it says; failing that, consult a Jaguar Dealer or PM me for the email address of an expert who can help.
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