there is no dipstick, so hopefully it is possible to feel low ATF level before transmission is dead.

 

Low ATF can manifest itself in numerous ways including rough shifts, hesitating shifts, or even no shifts. Be aware that ZF tech support in Chicago told me during a phone conversation a couple of years ago that once these ZF 6HP26 units lose just two to three litres of ATF, the remaining ATF gets cooked rather quickly and puts the entire transmission in serious jeopardy....

 

In many cases, no.

 

I bought a few non-driving cars, where the only problem was low ATF level, but they were not Jaguars

 

You'll start to notice hesitation or slip to change gear typically from 2nd to 3rd resulting in gearbox fault message and limp mode. I had this happen a few times with a leaking pan. As soon as these symptoms wood occur I would refill the transmission. Did this for a week until my new pan arrived. Very ballsy but it's my daily driver.

 

5HP26 ZF trans, used on heaps of cars, even our OZ Holden and Ford have them, and they have the same issues as you read in here, so its NOT a Jag thing at all

If in doubt, check the level via the fill hole, and do what is needed.

The usual thing you "feel" as a result of low fluid is the failure to proceed in a forward direction.

 

Typo: 5HP26 -> 6HP26.

 

Bloody hell, I really should bet back to drinking.

I first up types 5R55N, then backspaced to what appeared.

Another year older is my excuse.

 

No worries!

If it's the worst mistake today it'll have been a great day....