Many thanks to Rick (joycesjag) and Wayne (cjd777) for their very kind assistance with my 2005 S-Type's ZF 6HP26 drain-and-fill procedure today at Rick's house. Just like a year ago, my ZF drained about 4 quarts of ATF after removing the drain plug. Rick skillfully pumped the fresh Mercon SP into the pan without a single hand or wrist burn on the hot exhaust pipes. He is truly the Zen Master of the ZF and the only person I trust to get it right on the money. My S-Type now carries about 80% refreshed ATF since we did the first drain-and-fill last November, and that's good enough for me. As long as my car doesn't start showing signs of the dreaded sleeve leak we shouldn't have to mess with this ZF unit again....

We also replaced my two completely-shot rear sway bar links while we had the car up in the air on jack stands....

I thoroughly enjoyed the company of these two valuable forum members, both underneath the car and later at Rick's kitchen table for a great lunch. I wish our physical distances didn't preclude us from being able to get together more often. It is always such a pleasure when we manage to do so....

Thanks again guys, and Happy Halloween....

 

Glad everything worked out, Jon!

Sounds like you guys had a good time today.

The ZF drain, flush, refill, and check the sleeve is on my long to do list....

Replaced all four of my sway bar links on Sunday, and discovered I need some bushing replacemnts, along with new rotors and pads all around! ( that was my noise I was telling you about)

 

I bought my car at 120k and have no service records. I'm considering sending 4oz of trans fluid to Blackstone Lab. It seems they can tell a lot about wear and condition of the unit and fluid for only $28. Any thoughts?

 

I would do an ATF drain-and-fill and not bother with having your current fluid tested. If you're going to drain some current fluid, you're going to have to top it off afterwards. Might as well do a proper drain-and-fill instead. Time well spent for preserving these ZF units....

 

Ha, I am not to sure about the "Zen Master", I believe that title goes to fellow member CCC, for if it was not for him, I would have never had the courage to attempt any work on a ZF box.

It was a very pleasant morning and I too had a great time with fellow enthusiasts and friends. The meal afterwards was top notch. Jons wife was thoughtful enough to send a delicious meal that was enjoyed thoroughly by all.

Zenfly, follow Jons advise above and just do the service on the transmission. Over the years the filter/fluid have come down in price where it makes sense. Now especially with the "aftermarket" fluids found that work very well.

 

My car was reported on Carfax to have been serviced by the Dealer in Tamps FL and also Orlando FL right along. Last report was @ 117k mi.(3k before I bought it) It very well could have been changed. All the reports say is "serviced" but not what was serviced. I can tell you that the trans is one of the amazing features of this car. I figured that a lab test would tell me weather I wanted to do a drain and fill, or replace the pan and filter too. To do a complete change don't you have to drain the torque converter also ?

 

Dealers tend to skip anything they can. Expect that 100% to be the trans fluid. Almost zero chance it's been changed.

Although Jag's tech site says to change it, it is NOT on the service sheet.

 

Agreed. I would bet $100 that your ATF has never been changed. Just do it....

 

+1 if they had done the trans I'm sure it would have been detailed on the report.

 

Does the ZF actually have a drain plug or does it require using the cooler lines or dropping the pan?

 

It has a plug but the filter is integral with the pan so it would be wise to change it and the electrical sleeve at the same time.

 

Very detailed posts with pics & video are around if you want to DIY.

 

Oil Capacity stated by the ZF site is

9.4 liters (10 Quarts) + 0.5 liter (0.53 Quarts) for cooling system for

6HP26 / 6HP28
I have read this oil change a few times in several different places and I don't think I've ever heard of anyone using 10qts yet.. Are people changing half their trans fluid leaving the old fluid in the torque converter and cooler?

PG 19...http://www.ukrtrans.biz/files/2010/0...ansmission.pdf

 

Yes. The only way to get ALL of the old ATF out is to flush the transmission instead of doing a drain-and-fill or a pan drop, but flushing introduces a new set of risks such as dredging up long-settled debris and getting it stuck in the valve bodies. I will not take that risk, some owners will, but it's your call....

The ZF 6HP26 holds 10 litres of ATF when full. Just pulling the drain plug typically gets 4 to 5 litres out of it. Those who have dropped the pan and allowed the car to drain overnight report getting as much as 7 litres out of it. I would be very happy with a 7-litre drain. I was concerned about our initial 4-quart drain-and-fill last November. That's why we did another drain-and-fill yesterday (resulting in the very same 4-quart figure). That's enough replaced ATF now to satisfy me for the duration of the time this car spends in our stable....

 

I don't think anyone has had the fluid checked? So if you do it post back with the results.

Might be interesting to see what the oil lab has to say.
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Ahhh...thanks. There is lots I don't know or understand. So impurities get settled in places and it's better to let them stay there than stirring things up.. OK Also it's fine I guess to mix Mercon with the 3-5qts ZF fluid that is left in there? If my car really hasn't been done in 122k I'll bet the lab will tell me to get as much out as I can.

 

I'll do that.. I sent a request to Blackstone last night for a free bottle and return kit. It's only $28 and one way or the other will be a testament to how these ZF are doing. The one in my car is doing 100% amazing and is a marvel. I also think the guys above are right in that mine has very likely never been serviced.

 

Which plug are you planning on using to fill your sample bottle?

 

The fill one I hope!

Best be careful and I suppose do it hot...

 

I think someone is going to wind up drenched in ATF and allowing far too much to drain out before being able to cap the flow....

I cannot stress enough that you will be much better off to just bite the bullet and change your ATF. Send off a sample of the drained ATF if you wish....

I'm done here....