Some of you may remember a few months ago I gave up and sold my much loved 2003 S-Type 4.2. While looking for a non-Jaguar replacement, I couldn't get the 2003 out of head and ran across a super clean 2003 STR. I was ready to take the plunge AGAIN for a Jaguar. 10 days ago I found a Black/Tan 2003 STR and bought her, quickly reporting to you all of the acquisition. any of you congratulated me on the car and welcomed me back......much appreciated by me.
I didn't suspect the fun to begin so soon but after a trip to my mechanic for a check out of the "jaguar Lurch" I've been told that when they put it in reverse the transmission light came on showing a low fluid code and a P0736. They suspect a weak pump/valve. A check of the fluid level showed that it was over-filled. This led to the solution of replacing the transmission. As I reported to you all, I'm committed to the car and will repair as necessary. My mechanic said to take it to the dealer as he didn't want to work on it anymore. (previously paid this shop over $6,000 in repair costs on the previous jag and my personal cars). Anyway, my next stop was to review old posts and the "how to's" here as well as review my repair manual. I've read some old posts about valve bodies being bad, reflashing TCM (from an old technical bulletin) I would like to fix it myself if possible and take it to the dealer as a last option. A new transmission (installed by the local dealer) would probably cost more than the car itself.
Any recommendations on the best way to proceed would be greatly appreciated. By the way, the battery is showing 12.4 volts (ignition off) and 14.42 running.

 

I wonder if the "overfilled" was wrong i.e. they didn't know how to check the level.

They're not easy to overfill.....

 

+1 with Jagv8.


Here is an interesting thread about over filling the ZF gearbox:
https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/s...t-tube-136579/

 

You may be right. I noticed that the mechanic was reading the trouble-shooting from a DIY online service. I'm picking it up this morning and trying it myself. I'm having a sinking feeling that their diagnosis on my old 2003 may have been incorrect as well. But going forward I'm dedicated (and determined) to doing as much as I can myself and this Jag will be in my garage (running or not) for a long time. There's a lot of info and "how to's" on the forum as well as u-tube. As always, I appreciate your response. Can you recommend a good code scanner? Mine is laptop based and has a lot of features but will only read and clear engine codes. I suspect I'll be needing something a little more versatile. Thanks again!

 

Best is probably (clone or real) Mongoose but needs a laptop. A few others do a fair amount but are costly. There are threads to read if you've money to burn.

 

I've got a dedicated laptop and lots of time. But not a lot of money as most of my Jaguar budget (dictated by "she who must be obeyed" after the last Jag) is dedicated to parts and labor cost to repair things I can't. equipment/tools will need it's own category I think. Thanks for the info.

 

Regarding the transmission, have you considered taking it to an after-market BMW shop? BMWs use the same transmission so I bet that a good shop would have plenty of experience with diagnosing/servicing our trannys.

================================================
Jaguar - it's not an automobile, it's a Motorcar
'08 Jaguar S-Type Satin Edition 4.2

 

No, I had not but it's probably a good idea as there are a lot more BMW shops here than Jaguar. My closest is about 25 miles away through some of the heaviest traffic in the country (Houston, TX). Plus, the least friendly dealership I've encountered (and I've been around dealerships most of my life as my father was a Buick dealer for over 40 years). I'll search locally for a alternative to Jaguar. Thanks for the suggestion.

 

Why don't you PM forum member Brutal he is a Jag tech located in Damon, not a million miles from you and looks like the opposite direction from the traffic.
You would be in good hands.

 

+1 on Brutal if he's fairly near

 

Get the car the hell away from your mechanic immediately!!!

You are in Pearland. Please make an appointment at Momentum Jaguar on SW freeway in Houston. Ask that Bill work on your car. This is the legendary Brutal.

I would do a complete car inspection and not just limit it to the transmission. Yes you will find more problems but you will have a correct diagnosis and know what condition the car is in. You really should have done this BEFORE you bought the car but that is all water under the bridge now.

Then listen to what he has to say.

If you plan to own used Jaguar's you must learn to DIY or you will spend tons of money.

I will guarantee the diagnosis on your old car was wrong. Get to someone who knows S Types (like this list if DIY). Otherwise it will not be fun owning a Jaguar!
.
.
.

 

People are ready to pay 2-3k for repairs but they cannot open repair manual and read it for one hour!
How to explain that?

 

I agree but not everyone is willing or has a place to do the work.
.
.
.

 

I'm one who has nowhere to do it, nor the skills, nor the inclination. I wouldn't go to a dealer, though.

I did also look at various ZF write-ups, docs, etc and that decided me...

 

I appreciate everyone's comments and will consider them carefully. What I was asking for was help in how best to attack my problem....where to start. I don't expect anyone to take the time to detail every step needed. To be clear, I have a Jaguar workshop manual (read frequently), read relevant "how to" and new and old postings on our forum, and even purchased a membership to an automotive DIY. I also Download TB's, manuals and every publication I run across. My point is I can take it to a mechanic and pay whatever it cost to repair. The money is not the issue. When I bought the car (against the advice of every family member and friend I have) I made the commitment to keep the car regardless of what happened to it and learn how to do the repairs myself. I was just asking where to start as I've went the "throw money at it" route with my previous S-Type. In short I have no problem reading anything anyone would like to suggest. And no, I do not have all the right tools, hydraulic lift, factory scanners, software and anyone but me to learn and do this. I apologize if my post was misunderstood by anyone. I believe contacting Brutal would be an excellent first step and will do so.

 

There are write-ups on here how to fill / check level. Also youtube for an XK8 with same ZF 6HP26. It's doable but awkward.

To change a valve/solenoid means more - drain, remove sump, get at mechatronic unit, fix, reinstall (do the elec sleeve too), new sump, refill, check level. You'll need kit of parts incl oil.

 

The mongoose clone and software can be found for $80'ish on ebay.

It is a required tool because the generic scan tools will only show
engine codes, can't reset transmission adaptations and so on.

Are you near member MotorCarMan in, Decatur(?) Texas?
He has an indy shop, highly recommended by members who
have gone there.

++

 

Additionally, go browse sonnax.com for your particular transmission.

Take note of any "repair kits" that address weaknesses in the original
design with particular attention to a symptom match.

That may give you a clue as to what is going on.

And yes, getting a diagnosis from Brutal would be an excellent first
step.

ZF has a factory authorised rebuild service in CT.

Finally, crawl the BMW boards looking for the same symptoms on
the same transmission.

 

Here is a way to get honest opinion from mechanic:
Tell him that you only need diagnosing for whatever reason. Say your brother is a mechanic and he'll do the job, but he cannot diagnose the problem. You have to pay for diagnosing. Then go to another mechanic and tell him exactly the same story. If 2 mechanics say the same thing, then you know the problem.

 

I give a HONEST opinion regardless of playing silly games!