>They are going to charge me £144

I'd get a second opinion, that sounds way too low. Jaguar calls for special ATF and it is very costly. Make sure they are using fluid approved by Jaguar.
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Jaguar: Grace, Pace, and Space - Sir William Lyons

 

From the days of the Estelle

"how do you double the value of a skoda? Fill up the tank. "

From the sunset days of the x:

"how do you double the value of an old X type? Fill up the transmission with genuine Jag ATF." !!!!! PAB is right - it is that bad!!!!

However, tHere are a lot of posts that suggest Castrol Import Multi-Vehicle ATF will do the job. Thats what I used and we are still good over 10,000kms in. That costs $7/ quart in Canada. you may want to double check what they call it in the uk if that is what you decide to use. Either way, it is worth verifying what is going in because the transmission is sensitive

 

Hmmm. I had, I must admit, the same thought, having checked that not all Jatco boxes used the same fluid. At first it sounds a bit of an urban myth, like surely a good quality ATF with maybe a additive to prevent degradation at high temperatures would pretty much suit any auto box right?
Opinion seems to say nope, yer gotta have the bespoke £20 a litre stuff distilled from virgin's milk or whatever ATF is. I will ask before booking it in, and if I get some hazy answer along the lines of we always use this brand and blah blah, I may, god help me end up at a jag dealers. Gulp.

Maybe the transmission people use castrol, I'll listen out for it.
I'm not being paranoid, my car IS out to bankrupt me.
Thanks for the tip.

 

Update on the transmission situation. Newbury Transmissions who carried out the inspection and declared all was fine had also said fluid was black, and that even after a change it would still look black because you can't get all the old stuff out.

Done quite a lot of research and ringing round, and found that so long as the transmission isn't terminal (and with less than 45,000 miles mine had better not be) removing the pan, and getting a pump inlet flush is the best practice, if you can find anywhere that actually has the equipment.
Next best is to flush via the cooler connections, and that's the best option that I can find round here.

Jaguar Basingstoke wanted £330 just to do the partial ATF change, had no idea what a flush was, and said the fluid wasn't due a change till 150,000 miles. Reading Jaguar quoted me 289 quid for the same job, but quoted me for the full capacity of the box, even though I now know at least 3lt would be trapped in the torque converter!

Will be getting flush done mid July when funds allow. And yes, I do realise I may be opening a whole can of worms here, but leaving it is just letting the ticking time bomb get closer to detonation. Those in the know say if your auto box is showing signs of problems, an ATF change may only make it worse. The reported colour may just be down to clutch material, or is that me clutching (ho ho) at straws? Anyway, whilst its driving ok, and not mega mileage, I may be in luck.
Revised estimate for work now £150-£200. Depending on how much fluid is used to clean out the unit.
Getting the previously reported bubbling paintwork on the bonnet edge is not a priority, have to see how this pans out.

 

Well today I got the transmission flush done, and it was not bad.
I used B K Transmissions of Overton near Basingstoke who I'd heard good things about, and he did a cooler cleanout and flush for just £144.

He used fully synthetic dexron 6, and he does a lot of Jags so I trust him on that,and said that the fluid that came out wasn't black as I'd been told at another transmission specialist, but was OK, and didn't smell burnt.

He recommended changing it at 40K intervals and it looks like I caught it in time. He also confirmed that the characteristics of the engine is high revving, multiple shifts down the box, are all normal.

Next job on the bucket list is investigate the bubbling paint on the drivers' side edge of the bonnet.
And to think Jaguar were quoting £330 for doing less of a job.

 

>he did a cooler cleanout and flush

Any idea how many quarts of ATF he used?
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Jaguar - it's not an automobile, it's a Motorcar

 

When you say "high reving" do you mean your engines revs to high to change gears? Just wondering because that's something I noticed in my 04, even after transmission service and specially out of first gear or a stop

 

It appears that the pan cannot be removed.

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/g...ialysis-89745/

 

Hi Spikepaga, by high revving I meant it has a tendency when pressing the gas about 3 quarters of the way to the floor, that rather than just pull using the engines' torque, it changes down the box repeatedly, until it is red lining (6500 rpm) and can't rev any higher, then it changes back up a gear and then, with the engine revs at about 5000 rpm, surges forward changing again when it's nudging the red line.

Now, I'm into my 2 stroke motorbikes (70s kawasaki triple and a yam DTR 125) and that is the sort of behaviour I'd expect from them, not a VVT 3.0L V6!

Apparently, according to BK, they are something of a screamer, but to me it seems too eager to kick-down, like I said, you don't even have to have the pedal to the metal on mine and it's changing down multiple gears. But he's driven a few and said mine drove sweet.
I read recently Jaguar claimed 80% of Max torque at 2000 rpm... Sure doesn't feel like it.

No idea how much ATF was used, didn't ask, he kept within his original quote and didn't try to make out the job was harder than any other. I did ask about cost of fluid, but he said that in the quantities he buys it was no more than £15 per litre.
Thinking back, he charged one hours labour at £60, and £60 for the ATF, that's £120 plus UK VAT (purchase tax at 20%).

 

Hi anditover, you've began an amazing thread here, well done and thanks to you ALL for your input.

The sad thing is when buying a "second hand car" or dare I say it a NEW one, you are taking a chance, from 1st inspection and on you'll always find a fault whether it's wear and tear or an inherited model fault!

The 2005 and 2006 models were highly upgraded and many faults were weedled out so a car of that era is extremely likely to be a Happy one!

However, if you have a 2001-2004 model, the car may be faultless, because of the previous owners (much like you fellas!) attention to
detail and not only regularly servicing the vehicle but taking tender loving care of the vehicle it'self!

I happen to think that my previous owner didn't do much as it stands, but how good is a regularly serviced and maintained vehicle, because so many people have different standards including garages MOST SADLY!

I was taught to 1st parade a vehicle and have a walk around especially on long journeys, RESPECT to you guys that do that, you WILL spot things and correct them, my ex believed that if the engine turned, the garage would sort "it" and fill the washers, it may be wrong but a lot of people do that and I mean people "MEN" and women!

I hope to enclose some pics re the paintwork and hope to get your valued opinion?

I intend on doing the paintwork myself (sadly when I get the time/money) yes, that's a cop-out but needs must and there are pretty good paint suppliers on ebay, I am gonna be busy shortly but I'll follow up the post with a link to a decent place I got some touch-up paint and laquer from, keep it going guys, I for one am happy with mine (52 reg, late 2002) and the faults are all all wear and tear I believe!

Annoyingly the 2005 SE model I had was better kept, so much so that with the private reg, people thought it was brand new (in 2012 PRISTINE!!!

Hope this works with the pics? Regards and thanks to you all again!

 

Also to add Guys, it' also a combination to the weather in your areas, my best Pal in NZ says people drive antique and vintage cars all over the place because of the climate, as you guys can see from the pictures, I am in a rural area and with the garage mice-swarming I don't have the space and weather to do it now, even though I'd love too, but more to the point I believe it is a paint issue from build as it is UNDER THE PAINT! Duh!

Hope this is of use to you fellas and thanks for all the tremendous input!

Happy Hunting, Stu

 

Update on what's happening.
Since the transmission overhaul my mpg seems to have improved from about 17 around town to about 20.5; and from 22 up to 27 motorway/highway. Average per tank about 24.5 mpg, getting about 315 miles from 61 lts.
On one long motorway journey 2 weeks ago I got 350 from a full tank. I wouldn't have believed it if I hadn't seen it.
Things remaining to be done are the bubbling paint, fit a bluetooth adapter, and find a nice walnut steering wheel.
Will let you know about what the best kit is, and what exactly is going on with all our bonnets.

 

Hi again guys, and thanks again Anditover!
The jag paint I bought for touch up was carpaintrepair.co.uk and it was good stuff.

I plan on getting the aerosol spray to do some more thorough stuff as well to a scuffed wheel arch, no it was there before, before anyone asks!!

The site asks if you wanna add any special delivery details and I was happy to find the paint where I said for them to leave it!

PLUS, I have heeded some of your adbvice too re the bonnet plate where the hood latches, I've tidied it up, wire brushed it and I've to do the second coat of black gloss tomorrow, thanks for that!

These tips are ace and I will keep coming back to this thread, so much to do and my car is getting better every day!

Thanks AGAIN!!! Stu

 

This has been an enjoyable and informative thread. I am the new proud owner of a 3.0 auto with 143,000 miles. Paint is amazing. Interior looks new. So far I have: changed oil/filter, replaced radiator cap, pcv valve, fuel filter and cleaned the MAF. It has new brake pads all around and rotors appear newer as well. The mechanic I bought it from had replaced the cooling fans and the oil pan gasket. I've checked plugs, look almost new based on the gap. I'm getting 25mpg with air running 70mph highway. No noises, no issues. I noted a "remanufactured" sticker on the trans. It had a stellar carfax. It was traded, sold at auction to the mechanic referenced earlier whose wife drove the car for a few thousand miles.

This week I plan on stopping at the local Jag dealer and seeing if they will tell me what services have been performed by them or other Jag dealers. I hope to get an insight into the mileage of the trans replacement and find out about fluid changes for the trans, transfer case and coolant.

After taking it on a 500 mile roundtrip to Indy last week, I can truly say I'm impressed. Ride, handling, low noise levels, all from a 10 year old car with pretty high miles.

I've had MG's, Triumphs (and lots of Mustangs) but this is my first Jag. Thanks to all of you on the forum for giving me the confidence to purchase this car.

 

Hi, I am new here just bought a second hand X 2003 class, I have always wanted a Jag since I was 8 yrs old and at 60 I bought one for my birthday (well the kids forgot again).
I wanted the spark plus replaced my local chap managed to change the front 3 ok but the back 3 are going to be a pain, some plumbing has to be removed and the bolts spin in there threads. He tell me a Heli ??? can be fixed and the bolts will be fine, is this OK?? help please. The beast drive well and I just love the silence when the boss stops talking.

Thank you Col

 

Hi anditover,

I have had my X-Type since Christmas, and have been reasonable 'lucky', although the Clutch Slave Cylinder did fail, but was replace under warranty.

Since then it's been maintenance including the anti roll bar bushes.

I have a few things to sort:

The Rear View mirror does not dim.
Off-side rear speaker is not producing any sound.
And after a week in the lakes I now have some more squeaks at the rear.

I have no evidence of paint bubbling on the bonnet, but have some on the off-side rear wheel arch.

Overall I am happy with mine.

Best of luck
Caggers

 

What a great response, thank you guys. Sorry but I havnt had time to check my emails or the forum for ages, glad the thread is so helpful, like I say, I'm spending money so you don't have to. Colin, what your mechanic was refering to is a helicoil. Its a replacement thread insert and a very common, cheap and reliable solution. The pipe work looks complicated on top of the engine, but its just the air intake from the air filter to the fuel injection. It basically sits on a set of silicone tubes resting in each of the 6 air intakes, it doesnt even get particularly hot, but it can be easy to strip the threads if you are in a hurry, and even an expert will take more than an hour to get to the back bank of 3 plugs.
Currently I'm not even sure whether mine were changed at the last service, the fact that your mechanic flagged it up is a good sign, and shows that at least someone has bothered to do the plug change in the past, even if they, ahem, cocked it up a bit on reassembly. I wouldn't worry so long as the manifold is not letting too much air past the gaskets and letting the fueling get lean, but the injection system will adjust for that.
I'm finding mine is a great family car, but for cross town commuting I'm using a Yamaha DT125 to save on fuel! But what a lot of car for the money!

 

Well guys this is a decent post and I am absolutely sure this'll be one I return to in the future!

I've had the time to escape the jobhunt I am doing and have done for quite a few months since I relocated but I can't work it out!!!

11 months unemployed and I get 4 job offers now! Anyway back to this ace posting collection: I took the time to take out my bonnet plate and wirebrush it and touch it up with Nissan Black Kuro KH3 spraypaint from halfords (courtesy of my girlfriend having touched up her Nissan Note wheel-arch! X) and then decided to touch up the Jaguar lettering with a touch up platinum silver C2S1137MDZ I had kept from my previous X Type which came in handy too, even though my Girl says I should have done it in red!!! Duh!

So big thank you to ...
Anditover for a great post and further great input to!!! Also, you have all helped: Caggers, Col, Silkcat, Bracester, Aluni2230, Mark J, Euroturnerz5, Flyrr100, Astromorg, Pab, Danny A Fish, Aonsaithya, and Vikingdon,

thanks guys and see what you think of my attempts?
Ps Anditover, I understand the economy woes we all suffer now and then because we simply live in the UK and are repeatedly mugged over the petrol price.

Okay moan over! Good Luck on the 2 wheels as well.

I still fret and winge about selling my ol Ducati due to money woes just over 3 years ago, albeit at a stupidly low price as well!

Grrr! I miss that girl!!! But Cheers and I hope to see more of this great stuff... I am not worthy... Best Regards, Stu

 

Just identified another common problem, that flaming clip that holds the handbrake gaiter in the centre console. How many of us have got a snapped one I wonder?

The leather on my gaiter is a bit cracked so I thought why not treat myself, and the leather socks by themselves seem quite easy to source, but you need your old (wrecked)angular clip to staple it to, and looking around it seems that their fragility has caught out alot of careless mechanics and owners too. Why couldn't Jaguar make the clips out of springy metal instead of rigid brittle plastic?
Maybe someone has found a cheap/better source of gaiters already, please let me know, till then I'm going to see if I can find something for sub £30/$50.

I will of course pass on the details and hopefully not break the new one. In which case there will then follow a quick course in how to fix a snapped gaiter clipframethingy.

 

Well where to start...
I tried to find a handbrake gaiter (trim ADX) and found them variously priced at between 20 to 40 quid plus VAT and post, but everywhere was out of stock. One supplier suggested contacting Euro-Jag who supply used parts, and after a bit of uncertainty, they asked me my address, and sent one out for FREE.
It arrived this morning and apart from being very slightly soiled (that will wash off I'm sure) it's perfect, the frame is intact and everything!

Meanwhile I'd spruced mine up with some leather cleaning wipes and super-glued the edge of the leather to the snapped part of the plastic frame and that seems to have had the effect of stabilising the whole set up.

So not quite the solution I was expecting, and not much use to anyone looking for a reliable supplier of new gaiters, but I'm more than happy. It cost them postage too, I'll definately be using them again.
I'm off to bed now, it's gettin late, still can't get my head round it.