Hi everyone,
so my 2001 jag s-type 4.0 v8 sport pkg, gave me " transmission fault" and transmission high temp" a couple of months ago, same message came up a month ago followed by smoke coming from underneath the car and excessive slipping for the rest of that day..pulled a code about the lockup clutchand one about the overheat..few occasions of slipping afterwards with a delay after putting in D.
does anyone know on which side is the screw that shows the fluid level, as i'm suspecting a leak...and is it possible to top off the fluid thru this screw hole or any simple way other than dealer's pump?
also is there anything i could add to the fluid to fix the leak if there is any?

 

I wrote this a while back.

It will assist I reckon.

S Type 5R55N trans fluid drain and refill.doc

 

Thanks Grant, I really appreciate your effort in such a detailed explanation. I'm wondering about the being aware of " TRANSMISSION TEMPS, ENGINE RUNNING" part..I'm assuming I should do the procedure while the vehicle is turned off, right?
Also any idea of a fluid additive that would plug a possible leak at least for a few months?
THANKS

 

No, you do it with engine running. You won't put enough in otherwise / would not spot a low level.

Any additive like you mention is liable to destroy the trans.

 

I hate to say it but if this happened a few months ago and you didn't sort more than likely the trans is compromised.

 

As said, engine running.

Snake oil stuff to work wonders, NAH, use the money for alcohol and worry less.

The 5R55N is tough, but fluid low is one sure fire killer.

Freshen the fluid, keep it full, then when the planets align better, rebuild it. Sadly, no shortcuts.

 

[QUOTE=abonano;1511872]I hate to say it but if this happened a few months ago and you didn't sort more than likely the trans is compromised.[/Q

I'm expecting the tranny to give out any time, but since it is running with very few occasions of slipping, yet with many symptoms of a low fluid.. I think it is worth a shot to top it off so it can push a few months untill I'm ready to rebuild.
MOST URGENT THOUGH , do you think a full synthetic Valvoline max life DEX/MERC MERCON LV ( $ 7.5 a quart) would be ok to add to existing probably damaged fluid?
Also should the shifter be on P or N while filling?

 

[QUOTE=abonano;1511872]I hate to say it but if this happened a few months ago and you didn't sort more than likely the trans is compromised.[/Q

I'm expecting the tranny to give out any time, but since it is running with very few occasions of slipping, yet with many symptoms of a low fluid.. I think it is worth a shot to top it off so it can push a few months untill I'm ready to rebuild.
MOST URGENT THOUGH , do you think a full synthetic Valvoline max life DEX/MERC MERCON LV ( $ 7.5 a quart) would be ok to add to existing probably damaged fluid?
Also should the shifter be on P or N while filling?

 

I gather the correct fluid is cheap and easily obtained so that's what I'd use.

 

Bear in mind that this gearbox is approaching sixteen years in use, so the fluid should be changed, the filter cleaned and the pan refitted with a new gasket.

Prior to any attempt at checking the fluid level, the vehicle MUST be completely level and the gearbox warmed to operating temperature. It is always a good practice to ensure the fill plug can be removed PRIOR to draining the gearbox.

Follow the advice given in this thread on servicing the 5R55N and become familiar with the components and their location before going further. You can also refer to JTIS or the Workshop Manual for the procedure and fluid specifications.