I have a feeling my transmission is very close to death. When fully warmed up, and driving at 60mph, if I give it a little power, I get a very hard "SLAM" and the gearbox light flashes but does not stay on. So to cut to the chase is my transmission history? Do I look to get this one rebuilt or purchase a rebuilt one?

2003 S Type R, I don't know any history on the car, I've had it about a year and did get a really good price on it, so a transmission job would bring be about even with what it's worth.

Thanks,

 

In case it's the MIL that flashes, that would be serious misfires causing cat damage. Any engine fault can upset the trans so I'd make very sure in case the engine needs a quite minor fix (like a cat).

 

Do the proper service and change the fluid and filter, you might save it. Have you checked the fluid level?
.
.
.

 

I did have the transmission fluid level checked as soon as I bought the car, I wasn't aware of the "sealed" transmission. The local Jaguar dealer added 1 pint of fluid at an outrageous price and did say the fluid in there did appear a little dark.

Do you think a fluid filter change will revive it?

 

If this was the case, wouldn't it throw a code? When we scanned it, there were no codes present. Are gearbox codes stored differently than engine codes?

 

By law most codes flag in a specific manner. Flashing MIL is an extra and just is what it is (cat-damaging misfire) for which no code may be appropriate right then.

 

Has the TCM been updated? Do you know what version of software is on it?

Might be worth it to get it checked?
.
.
.

 

When I first got it, took it to the Jaguar dealer for this as well as the fluid level check due to the RPM's floating as highway speeds. I asked at that time what version was on it, but they said they would have to charge me again to check it. I wasn't very happy with that, so I guess I'm not sure they even updated it.

 

Well you need to make a decision?

Replacing the ZF 6 speed is not cheap and there are not that many places that I would even trust to do it right. It is a fairly strong transmission and I think most are replaced when they don't need to be BUT if you run them low on fluid it will burn it up.

I would just plan on a full service (Please research that so you get it done correctly as it requires a few things out of the ordinary). Replace the pan/filter, fluid (I like to use the ZF fluid as the price has come down a bunch!). Update the pan bolts and don't forget to replace the electrical sleeve too. It's only about $15.It can ONLY be changed when the pan is off, so don’t forget it!

Then when all that's done pay to get the TCM flashed with the latest software. So you need to get some figures on what the two choices will cost. If you are not a DIY guy then be ready to pay.

To get the transmission codes I would use a dealer. There are some scanners that will read them but the dealer is your best bet for that. I still don't see where you have a code and if the light flashed it does have a code stored somewhere. Pay to get it before doing ANY work. Then post back here.

You might have to replace the transmission but let’s do some trouble shooting first!!
.
.
.