I've noticed that my transmission on my 2000 S-Type 4.0 is acting a little weird. It seems like it takes a while to shift into reverse. Sometimes it won't engage into reverse until i give it a little gas. It also feels like it hesitates between gears when its under load going up hills. I know these trannys are supposed to be "Sealed for life" but is that actually the case?
How can I check my fluid levels and condition? I can almost guarantee its never been flushed in the 100k miles it's been driven.
I also believe my battery is getting weak and I'm due for an engine coil change because the car sputters slightly during idle when warm. Could these issues be related?

(For the most part it drives great and doesn't slip at all)
THANKS!!

 

Weeeeeell.

I would drop that trans fluid, and the pan, fit a new filter and refill with fresh fluid. Then do a few simple "drop and refills" over a 12 month period. This sorted both of mine to the point that they are as sweet as I could ask.

I did a write up on this, and it is the "stickies" at the top of this section.

The batteries are really a MUST BE GOOD item, and some real wierd behavious happens when they go "off the boil". I would install a new battery, then evaluate the engine issues after that.

 

Ok thanks for the advice. Im not entirely sure how i would do a transmission flush myself without a lift .. it seems a bit challenging. Have you done your own before?

 

You've got the one with cheap fluid and any trans shop should be able to do it.

Isn't forced to be the fluid but it's quite cheap to find out.

 

I NEVER flush any auto trans. I drop and refill over a few months, and usually it takes about 8 of them to get the concentration up in the 90% figures.

I do it myself, with a floor jack and safety stands, and LOTS of patience.

That write up tells it all, and I reckon it is easy to follow. If its not, let me know and I will simplify it some more.

As said, that 5R55N transmission only requires the cheaper trans fluid, however I use the Full Synthetic Multi Vehicle stuff that is all over our market, by Nulon, or Penrite.

 

Ok good to know!
And a drop is just remove the pan, change the filter and replace any lost fluids? You don't think the 100k transmission fluid at least needs to be exchanged?

 

When you drop your pan, most (but not all) of your ATF will drain out. The longer you can leave your pan off, the more old ATF will drain out....

 

Ok gotcha. Sorry about the misunderstanding I'm unfamiliar with transmission maintenance. Regardless I will have it done whether I'm brave enough to try and do it myself or now we shall see.
Thanks so much

 

The guys gave you the right info on both the trans and battery. Drain and fill is the way to go on the trans.

Regarding the coils. Test each and find the offenders and change them with only OEM Jag or Motorcraft coils. Stay away from aftermarket coils. They're cheaper but suck!

Remember, you get what you pay for...

 

The 5R55N is VERY similar to the 5R55E/W (etc) found in the Ford Exploder and Ranger (etc)

All good shops will look at the gearbox and know exactly how to service it.
It has 'instructions' on the back of the gearbox for filling.

bob gauff

 

Hi I have found that the ZF transmission in most modern Jaguars start to have issues to a lack of servicing, generally what happens is the oil in the transmission starts to become burnt which then starts a range of faults in the trans and unfortunately it ends with reconditioning the unit. However servicing the trans can remedy alot of these issues and massively extends there life.
check this blog out, it explains it well!!!
Land Rover / Jaguar ZF transmission servicing and faults - Pickards Automotive | Car Service Centre | British and European Specilists | Melbourne

 

Hi,
I personally would go with transmission flush machine if available to safe money, ATF and time. Just my two euros.

 

Just to note- the OP has a Ford transmission in his car, not a ZF. Very different animals.