I bought a 2003 S type V8 the trans doesn't ingage right away sometimes it does fine but seems like it is low on fluid. I can't find where to check the fluid level can anyone help?

 

By "engage right away" do you mean as you put it into gear it takes a second or two before you feel it engage or longer? A second or two is normal, longer isn't. These trans are factory sealed but can be checked by a mechanic or Jag service ($$). Our trans went out at 35000. Jag wants $6000 for a new one. They won't rebuild your original. We took it to an independant shop and spent $3700.

 

If I was 30 and didn't have the cash, I'd put one in myself. What I did get was a 36000 mile warranty on the rebuild.

 

Here is a thread that might help you out.
Kevin
2000-2002 S-Type Trans adaption procedure
After numerous requests and reminders, here is the procedure to stop your 2000-2002 S-Type trans taking a long time to engage reverse or drive.

5R55N Adaptation Procedure:

Heat trans over 130F. Perfrom 8-10 P-R, 8-10 D-R, 8-10 N or P - D and 8-10 R-D engagements. Wait at least 10 seconds between each engagement. The key is trans temp. It has to be over 130F or the adaptive strategy will not learn. Also each of those four specific events learns seperately, so learning on a P-R engagement will not help a D-R engagement.

This procedure will need to be repeated periodically throughout the life of the transmission.
The thought of the delayed engagements, is that customers are not performing enough engagements while at operating temp under normal driving conditions.
The above excercise should help trans reach 1.0-2.0 (worst case) second engagements. People that have performed this procedure have claimed the 3.0 second engagement to reverse gear has been improved to 1.0-1.5 seconds.