I have a 2006 XK8 convertible with 50k miles. I am the original owner. Recently I noticed a bleep sound when accelerating. It doesn’t seem to affect performance, but I am concerned that this is an indication of a problem to come. I have asked Jaguar dealer to investigate and they found no problem. They thought it might have something to do with speed limiter. Has anyone else experienced this?

 

Could the bleep be described as a 'squawk'?

If so, check this thread from TrevLevin04XKR:

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...4/#post2395032

 

Not a squawk, more like electronic drip sound. More prevalent in lower gears when accelerating and automatic shifting to next gear.

 

Those are indeed symptoms of the ZF 6HP26 transmission squawk issue. Many of us have experienced it during the past decade. The noise is caused by the clutch packs grabbing momentarily. ZF tech support says it is only a nuisance and no transmission damage is occurring. Doing an ATF drain-and-fill typically cures it. It certainly did for me. I have done a total of four ATF drain-and-fills on my wife's 2006 XK8 since we purchased it in early February 2012 at 36,000 miles. The car now has 124,200 miles and its ZF 6HP26 continues to function as designed. Keeping the ATF relatively clean and fresh certainly helps to extend any ZF unit's lifespan. The friction modifiers in all ATFs gradually degrade with time and heat - no such animal as "lifetime fluid". When was the last time your ATF was serviced, and what fluid was utilized?

 

I had major scheduled maintenance last year at Jaguar dealer. I’m not sure if they drained and replaced ATF, but I will ask them to do so when I bring it in next time. I’ve always had my jag serviced by the dealer in Kansas City, where I bought my car. Never had any problems except with the seat motors and the onboard computer, which was covered by extended warranty. Thanks for advice on ATF.

 

They almost certainly won't have, as it's not a service item. "Sealed for life, Sir"

Beware that, even if they do, they will probably want to use ZF Lifeguard 6 which is stupidly expensive. Many on here have made the switch to Mercon SP.

 

On my 03, got the squawk on the 5-6 shift. Glad to know it's not an issue. Did the ATF/filter. Shop used Castrol w/o getting my ok. Not thrilled. However, after a few drives, no more problem. Shop said something about a Jaguar Service Bulletin which recommended a quart of some undoubtedly sky high price additive to cure the problem. Maybe I missed something but haven't heard anything in here about it. Declined.

Made an offer on an 06 VE w/ 90k miles. Accepted. Before I flew to pick it up, the trans failed so the ZF 6HP26 isn't indestructible. Bet he didn't change the ATF. Dealer service so probably got the "Sealed for Life" line. Hmm, means the dealer gets to rebuild when it fails at some point. Seller's non dealer rebuild cost was 8k which seems excessive. Very lucky it happened before I bought it.

 

Very few dealerships still have techs who are experienced with these vehicles. Some refuse to work on them. Some no longer have the proper hardware / software. Well-respected indie shops familiar with these older Jaguars are a much better choice than any dealership if you cannot DIY. Your dealership is just one example - sounds as if they have never even heard of the infamous squawk issue and they have no idea how to resolve it....

 

It has been mentioned on this forum before. To my recollection, it did a good job, but has long been unavailable. Besides, a Mercon SP flush with adaptations reset seem to provide the same benefit.

 

Thanks. Per my post, shop used Casterol (not my choice). It did eliminate the squawk and the car shifts smoothly (even in Sport mode). Thanks for the Mercon SP suggest. I'll keep it in mind when I do the ATF in the 06.

Jon - visited Sacramento Jaguar to ask for service history on my 2000 (since sold). Based on VIN he only had year, color and price. Both this dealer and another in Monterey CA said service records aren't available any more.
Sacramento Jag said they basically don't work on older Jags. Don't have techs that know the cars and also lack of tools/software. Agree a good indie is a much better choice. The challenge is finding someone good that charges reasonable prices.