hi
i have a 2003 jag s type r that the local shop told me i need a mechatronic unit. its like $4000 thru jaguar , does anyone know of any alternatives ? aftermarket or is used a possibility?
the car is worth about the price of the mechatronic so i really cant see spending that kinda money. any help is greatly appreciated
thank you
scott

 

The mechatronic is the valve body and tcm together as a unit. The tcm is usually pretty tough. When it goes wonky codes will be stored. The valve body can and does get worn. The shift solenoids can get weak and the moving valves can start leaking. Rebuilt is fine as long as it is acually rebuilt. There is an outfit on ebay that will rebuild your valve body for about 700.00. Tcm not included. The CTSC in california is also good. Can you ask the shop if they scanned for codes or if they suspect valve body or tcm. What trans symptoms are you having. Better to pinpoint problem before throwing parts at it. If you are in new york contact AAA transmissions in long island i think. Gary Ferraro is a zf wizard. Another thing is that there are a few of us on here including me that were told or self diagnosed a trans problem when it actually turned out to be an ignition coil and or engine problem. I chased a trans problem for 3 years. Did everything except rebuild the trans it self and luckily replaced all 8 ignition coils and plugs and all driveability problems were solved. I have a real nice 2003 R trans in my shed that was about to go in when i fixed the problem. Bottom line is proper diagnosis before you drop thousands of dollars. There are others with similar trans journeys that might help in your quest. The more info we have the more we can help

 

YES after i posted this i called them bcuz i have a misfire and i think you told me the tcm is very sensitive and that could put it ino limp mode, so the shop called there tech at the local jag dealership and he agreed replaced coil and plugs and see what happens. so i'll let you know how i make out.
appreciate the knowledge a ton
thank you
scott

 

if you can afford it replace all 8 coils and plugs sooner than later with denso parts. I got all mine from rockauto for under 500.00 delivered. You will be amazed at the difference. You can have slight nominal coils glitches that the ecm will not register but the tcm will because it is more sensitive to the parameters it monitors. That being said if you know the history of trans service then use your judgement. If not then i recommend replacing the seals under the valve body and the big seal at the mechatronic plug in with a new filter pan and fluid in the near future. If you have the ability to do your own work it will save a great deal of money. There are kits sold for the trans work with all needed parts and fluid by many vendors