I'm feeling pretty downtrodden right now. Last year I replace the STR engine with a Jaguar rebuild and I started having problems with my tranny
about a week ago. It started when I accelerate into passing gear or when I shower down on it in 1st. = Loud clunk, slips out of gear and engine revs up and displays Performance Restricted and Gearbox Fault. I would stop, turn the ignition off and let 'er rest for a minute or so and it would reset and run fine as long as I didn't try to step on it to the extent that it went into passing gear or it would repeat. After a few times during last week, my Jaguar mechanic told me my battery was weak and first off I should replace it, so I did that and got a high $ AGM battery (950 CCA), but to no avail. A few more slips and then it started slipping out of gear and displaying Gearbox Fault again even during nice guy driving, so back to the mechanic. He says it does it for him too and it seems the fluid is low (where in the heck did the fluid go - No drips, leaks, or other noticeable reduction in fluid level from tranny or fluid lines or fluid cooler)
Today he says the tranny is kaput and I need a rebuild.

Yes, I've read most if not all of the posts about this issue and he says my TCM is inside the tranny and there's metal in the tranny fluid and a rebuild through them is $4,000.00 (Oh *&%$$&*$#%^)

I am asking for some experienced input now before I go rob a liquor store or a bank. I'd really like some additional educated advice and/or a shop that would verify the death of my tranny and possibly rebuild for less than my entire portfolio is worth. I live in Austin, TX and would be willing to travel to Houston, San Antonio, or Dallas/Ft. Worth or anywhere in between.

Remember my supercharger post and my replacing the engine posts last year ? What say you fellow Growlers ? (Oh boo hoo)

 

Sorry ttwotees, I'm not satisfied that the trans. is toast till "You" observe the trans. fluid and see metal, regardless of what the mechanic claims. The drain/fill plug is magnetized and would reveal metal when someone unscrews it and you observe this for yourself. ZF fluid is basically clear. What does the fluid look like? Did you absolutely check all connections, modules, fuses, etc. If the trans. is shot...it's shot. Verify for yourself the trans. fluid and alleged metal filings.

 

I'll try to get back to the shop tomorrow and ask to see the evidence.

 

At least check how the engine is running because if it's getting poor signals from sensors it can get confused and report gearbox fault. O2 sensors can do this as they're crucial. (Upstreams.)

Also check power & grounds as again they must be perfect. Computers go wrong otherwise.

Some work with Search should get you other cases where a wacky problem is misdiagnosed as gearbox. Maybe ignition switch. Maybe shift interlock/etc (brake switch, PRNDL etc).

Overal what happens can be: PCM sees a sensor/switch telling it what to do, it responds, but gearbox doesn't like it so you get the error.

 

Ditto. The trans. may be toast. Regardless, it's imperitive to check for properly fitted connectors, grounds, O2 sensors, etc. Question: Did she run well one day then not the next? Or was the gradual worsening of trans. operation, etc.?

 

ttwotees;
I am so sorry to hear this!! You have had more damn problems with your STR that just about anyone!! I still want to hear more about the ported M112 you are running and now this!
Yes it is very rare to completely lose the ZF tranny. But keep us filled in on what you find and we will try to help.
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Brutal is somewhere in Texas - maybe bend his ear about it.

Good luck!

 

A good used gearbox is what I would install. Apparently there is a VIN split (up to M96312 and M96313 onwards). S-Type R and XJR gearboxes seem to be interchangeable but there is a point in 2004 that there was a change??

http://car-part.com/index.htm

Look for parts close to your location.

bob gauff

 

Here in Dallas We have a transmission shop that specializes in ZF transmissions. specifically the 6HP26 we exchanged communications a few times, about doing some trickery with the TCM.

 

It ran well all the time except when I showered down on it, then it would go to crap and limp mode with gearbox fault & reduced performance. I'd stop, shut er down and wait a minute and then resume without problem until next time I tried to gun it. The last time I tried it after the new battery, it did the same thing, but it would no longer run without skipping
in gears. It would drive, but often making a slipping sound.

 

It could be toast but so far I'd want convincing. Maybe get motorcarman to swap it if it's toast, if he's not too far.

 

Perhaps you could elaborate on what motorcarman is and what they do ?
I'm not familiar with this. Thanks for responding tho.

 

Motorcarman is a member who runs a shop in Decatur, check out post #8 in this thread.

 

I've been in touch with motorman now and we are discussing methods. Thanks

 

Good to hear & you're welcome.

 

any updates?