Hello Everyone:
My name is Toney and I live in Northern New Jersey. I'm glad to have found this website. There is so much useful information here and I need some help with a Jaguar I am considering purchasing a 2004 Jaguar S Type 3.0. 106,000 miles which is being sold at a reasonable price ($4k). The car drives fine but the transmission slams into gear when you start off and then shifts fine afterwards. I'm unsure about making this purchase and I really need some help. Do you know of any experienced Jaguar technicians in NNJ that I can pay to do an inspection before purchasing?

Thank you,
Toney

 

I have an 01 model with the 3.0 and it does the same thing. I would not call it "slamming" into gear, but the engagement is definitely not as smooth as my Mercedes.


$4k is about right. Frankly, these cars don't bring much money. My guess is that you'll need to replace the plugs, coil packs, valve cover gaskets and cam solenoid seals right away. Also, you'll probably want to replace that upper radiator hose because the plastic portion is probably brittle.


Add another $300 or so in parts and you're good to go.

 

Thanks Tony, for your response. I will look to replace everything you mentioned. I was also instructed by member "Aholbro1" to search "Lurch" for the "slamming/engagement into gear" and the information is great on this site. There is also a website www.thelurch.com that was helpful and you may want to consider doing some research on your Jag. Thanks again.

 

It's not "the lurch" as that is for the 2003+ models with the ZF 6HP26 autobox. The earlier autos are Ford 5R55N.

Maybe needs its fluid changing or topping up. Or even has wear so needs other fix.

A small engine problem that may not even put the MIL on can also cause bad changes.

 

+1

Do you means when shifting from park to drive, or while in drive and coming to a stop and accelerating again?

 

JagV8, Thanks for your response I will change the fluids and investigate all options you suggested.

 

Mikey, Thanks for your response. The slamming happens when shifting from park to drive.

 

Forgot to mention, change the shifter cable and also replace the shifter lever (whatever it is called) with the aluminum one, instead of the stupid plastic one that breaks.


The shifter cable stretches and can give you gearbox fault messages. Others can describe in greater detail. I did mine and what a difference!

 

Definitely not 'the lurch' then. Try the fluid change as suggested by JagV8.

 

Tony, I'll add your suggestion to my to do list.

 

Mikey, I'm glad to know that it's not the lurch.

 

I think John got Tony1963's MY01 confused with Toney6211's prospective MY04 purchase....but I agree with both he and Mikey that it's not the lurch if it is happening in the shift from Park to Drive. And a fluid change is always a good idea.

Toney, your prospective MY04 will have nothing in common with Tony's 01 when it comes to the gearbox, save the fact both are automatics, otherwise, completely different animals. Still, if you are considering purchase of an 03+, I've not wasted your time in assigning some "Lurch" reading

 

Yeah, it's sad reading but worth knowing. Especially if you have a car NOT affected and can be very pleased LOL

I forgot the shifter cable and indeed on the earlier cars they do seem to stretch so good advice above.

 

Aholbro1 Thanks again. I'm relieved it's not the lurch. I'm looking forward to purchasing this vehicle after all the research I've done.