Hi all.

I have a 2003 S-Type V8 with 83k miles on it. I acquired it with 68k miles. Been getting some rough shifts, P1723 and P1732 codes being thrown, etc. Don't know the service history too well but suspect it's running on original ATF.

Local trans shop recommended against changing the fluid due to that being possibly 'certain death' for the trans, but did inform me that it looks like the fluid is starting to break down and has an 'off' smell. My friend and factory-certified Jag tech definitely suggests changing it out, thinking being that it will most likely do more good than harm and that if it isn't changed out the trans is only going to get worse. He also thinks that if this is original fluid (full synth) then there shouldn't be any concerns about dislodging gunk.

Anyone have any opinions on this? Anyone done a drain and fill on old ATF and seen any problems as a result?

Regards
Timsta

P1723

Read more at: Jaguar Check Engine Light DTC Trouble Codes
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P1723

Read more at: Jaguar Check Engine Light DTC Trouble Codes
Copyright © OBD-Codes.com

 

You could try the Search This Forum function.There are reams of information on the subject.

I changed mine on my 2004,4.2L.

 

Well those codes are not good! Incorrect gear ratio detected.

Are you sure the fluid level is correct?

Also the fluid is not the normal red trans fluid everyone is used to seeing and brand new it's a bit odd looking golden brown color. It does get darker with use.

Many threads on this and I would get my own parts and fluid but go ahead and do a proper change.

Be sure and clear all codes to see what comes back. You want a repeatable code to troubleshoot from.
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Not sure at all that the level is OK, that's the main reason I'm leaning towards at least replacing the fluid. No leaks apparent though, FWIW.

Regards
Timsta

 

We're changing the factory fill of ATF in my 2005 S-Type 3.0 tomorrow. The car will cross 85,000 miles on the way to doing the job. No shift issues, no sleeve leak, no lurch, just the occasional infamous ZF squawk during the hot summer months. I'm doing this strictly because I believe that some fresh ATF will be a good idea for my ZF's longevity. After years of research I've decided to use Mercon SP ATF. It meets the Shell M1375.4 specs as required, and Lincoln uses it in their 2005-2008 Navigator SUVs with the same ZF 6HP26 transmission....

 

One more vouch for Mercon SP. I've used it for the last 20,000miles on mine. FYI this fluid is RED in color so you will have color dilution when you mix it with factory filled ZF fluid.

 

Nothing like saving a few bucks on substitute transmission oil to get religion on using the factory specs!

 

I hear that Wesson oil works too!

 

Glad to hear the Mercon is working good.
It's insane we need magic juice at extreme prices!
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I thought the factory fluid had come down in price and is now quite competitive (?)

 

It's cheaper than it was (I orginally saw it for as high as $50/liter!) but the Mercon beats it by a lot.

I still find $20/liter to be too much!

ZF LifeGuard 6 - 1L Container
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Rick, Wayne, and I had a fantastic morning yesterday doing my S-Type's ZF drain-and-fill. At 85,000 miles, the factory fluid was no longer "liquid gold", but more of a "Coca-Cola brown". No shift issues, no sleeve leak, but I'm glad we did the drain-and-fill procedure because fresh ATF is always a good move with these units....

And for anyone who still doubts whether Mercon SP is appropriate for these six-speed ZFs, I found a chart at Buy Motorcraft Parts Online | Official Motorcraft Auto Parts Site | FordParts.com that clearly shows Ford used it as the factory-fill ATF in the 6HP26 transmissions installed in certain 2005-2008 Ford and Lincoln vehicles (the Lincoln Navigator the most prominent among them). Mercon SP meets the required Shell M1375.4 specs, and I noticed that it smells exactly like Lifeguard 6, too. I believe it IS Lifeguard 6, just colored red....

 

If you have concrete information that Mercon SP does not work for this transmission, share for the benefit of forum members.

This has been investigated many times over and every data indicate it's an equivalent fluid.

 

I dont believe any of that lifetime fluid crap. Changed mine at 40,000 miles. It was very dark already...probably because I beat it hard. It ran me about $650 with a new sleeve and extended fluid draining. We drained the entire system including the converter and filled with fresh Shell OEM fluid.

 

Sealed for life is a myth from dealers not Jaguar. ZF recommend an oil change (and filter so sump too) at 60000 miles. Get it done

 

Thanks for the advice everyone

After calling four transmission places that didn't want to touch it because "yeah changing the fluid will kill it dead", one of the local AAMCOs did a pan drop, filter swap and 4-5 quarts changeout with Lifeguard 6. I've put about 300 miles of hard urban driving on it since then and it hasn't died yet (touch wood). Definitely feels smoother. I'm planning to put another 200 miles on it then check if any of the TCM DTCs have reappeared. Then if things look good in another 4000-5000 miles, get another partial drain and fill and then repeat the process after another 5000 or so.

timsta

 

There are 2 cars in the family with the zf 6hp transmission and I had the oil changed on both of them. Despite what the dealer says, I would suggest to change it. The first thing I did when I bought the S-type was to service the tranny- new oil, oil filter and a new connector. I see no reason why an oil change would harm it. Most of the transmission workshops in my country agree that there is no such thing as "lifelong oil".

 

lifelong oil = it will be a shorter life than if you replace the oil.

 

I don't think that the OEM ever meant that "lifetime fluid" meant that the transmission would be "good for a lifetime". I really believe that all that it really meant is that they were no longer recommending fluid changes which add to maintenance costs. Instead, they simply say it is good for life, like power steering fluid.


We all know that fluid within moving parts gets contaminated with debris. So, changing it makes sense.


Only the Volvos have a non-replaceable filter thinking about the AW-55 units.


Change the oil/filter. It is not like an old Ford, but still worthy of service.