Hi All
I have an 08 S-Type Base.
Bought it in January in Cold MA and ran great. As it got hotter this summer I noticed that it seems to have a hard time shifting into 1st gear. For example coming to a rolling stop, then stepping on the gas (not flooring it) there is a jerk pull as it downshifts. When I stop at a light, with my foot on the brake lightly after a few seconds there is a lunge forward of it shifting into first. Like it is delayed, or doesn't have enough power to do it.
I did some reading on this forum and saw several references to the IMT gaskets leaking being a major issue and a cause of vacuum leak. So even though I read that the '08s had the right (green) gaskets in there, I figured for a few bucks and my time it can't hurt to replace them and hope it fixed the problem.
Unfortunately it did not.

Other things I have tried is putting it in neutral as I slow down, then put it back in D once stopped. I don't notice any delay in feeling the transmission engage. Also, there doesn't seem to be any malfunctioning in shifting otherwise. It is smooth shifting through acceleration and I don't notice any issues when it changes down a gear with my reduction in speed.

So I'm thinking there may be a vacuum leak (if the transmission is vacuum controlled) or perhaps I just need a fluid change?

Any suggestions on what to look at would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

 

Do a search with 'the lurch'.

 

Oddly it sounds like you have "the lurch" (2 maybe) but I thought they cured such by that year. Cheapest is to get it (the TCM) reflashed and it will likely cure it. Or it may be short on fluid but do that 2nd as it costs more.

haha, Mikey beat me!

 

Yes. Look at the Lurch website. Your problem is in there.
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Not necessarily third. Way back when, Joyce's Jag experienced what is being described. I accidentally messed up the brake booster vacuum quick connection, while removing the plenum.

Anyways I stumbled onto the very slight vacuum leak, replaced quick connect and Bob's your uncle. There is a thread of my experience here, I just can't remember the title at this moment.

 

I have the same exact problem w my 04. Please keep me posted. I would love to find a fix..GLAD ITS NOT THE TRANNY!

 

I'm not convinced that Jag (actually ZF) ever developed a complete fix for the lurch. I know when I took mine in for the update, it was an instant fix. Over time, and probably due to my driving habits, it's slowly returned. I learned to just drive around it or to minimize the effect.

 

Thanks all. I will pursue the lurch fix.
Incidentally does anyone recommend a particular dealer or expert in the Boston area? I live very close to a dealership but if there is someone better to address this I prefer to take it to them. Thanks!