Made a monstrous decision at 6AM today.

This day is Black Beast day. At 94000kms I reckoned it was due.

Up on jackstands, all 4 wheels off, ALL the fluids dropped, AGAIN. Took the plunge and removed the trans pan. It has had 6 drop and refills in the 6 months I have owned it, and it was time to check for junk in the pan, and fit a new filter.

SURPRISE, the pan was CLEAN, and I mean CLEAN.

There was a small amount of sludge on the magnet, and I reckon it would have spread no bigger than a 1/4" diam blob.

Replaced the Pre Cat O2 sensors whilst under there, extremely simple task.

The boot on the rotary switch on the LH side was dislodged, and quite damp with fluid which I deemed was NOT ATF. Refitted as best I could and zip tied it into place.

Sooooo, the dreaded 5R55N banter out there has missed this car completely.

Please note, there was nothing wrong with the trans, or anything else, it is just what I do. A tad **** in some peoples minds, HA. We have a terrible habit of packing the toothbrush and off on a massive road trip at a moments notice, so the trusty Jag of the day (previously V12's) MUST be ready to go.

 

Good news. Looks like preventative work pays off.

 

Ha, ya, now try that with a ZF box... =:-0

Sorry, but I do wish my S-Type had the Ford transmission since with the way I drive I don't think I would ever really notice it. Sealed for life, super expensive ATF, impossible to check the fluid level, $$$ to rebuild, blah
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Jaguar: Grace, Pace, and Space - Sir William Lyons

 

I don't like the ZF no-dipstick/no-fill-tube design either, but I must admit that both of our 6HP26 transmissions have been smooth performers. My wife's XK8 did have to go through the adaptive drive cycle reprogramming last summer, though....

 

Agreed.

My "minister for everything", was looking at a Bentley, or an S "R", a while back, no idea why, I simply dont ask anymore. I explained the ZF nonsense, and she has settled back into her S Type again for the time being.

The 5R55N has no dipstick either, just that dumb overflow spigot on the drain plug. At least it has a fill plug high up on the RH rear of the trans, so filling is simple.

The sons ZF in his 740iL is the same dumb set up as the Jag. His problem, HAHA.

There has to be an alternative fluid somewhere for these things. I will ask the oil reps at work when I see them. These things are OLD now, and to be stuck with liquid Gold is crazy.

 

There are several other fluids, here people tend to use Millers.

 

When I do a drain-and-fill on my 2005 S-Type with the six-speed ZF box at 85,000 miles, I plan to use Mercon SP. Years of research have convinced me it is identical to Lifeguard 6 except for color (it is red)....

 

I've got the filter and fluid for the Ford 'box sitting in my shed - I just need the time and motivation to do the job. Thank God that i don't have a ZF