Zf 6 speed level check, will this work?

I need to check the fluid level, currently the car is up on jack stands and level
If this sounds feasible my approach will be:
1 Start car and run through gears
2 with engine running open fill plug
3 if no fluid runs out add 1 pint
4 when temp reaches 40 c if no fluid is running out …add fluid until it does.
5 replace fill cap (cross fingers that this was the cause of my messages)

Or
3b if no fluid runs out add fluid until it starts to run out
4b then wait until temp reaches 40c (with cap off and fluid draining)
5b replace cap and…(cross fingers that this was the cause of my messages)

Will this work and is one approach better than the other? I hate burning my hands but also taking a bath in the atf.

wj

 

Do this

I need to check the fluid level, currently the car is up on jack stands and level
If this sounds feasible my approach will be:
1 Start car and run through gears
2 with engine running open fill plug
3 if no fluid runs out add 1 pint
4 when temp reaches 40 c if no fluid is running out …add fluid until it does.
5 replace fill cap (cross fingers that this was the cause of my messages)

 

And make sure temp does not exceed (er, 50?) otherwise if it does then let it cool and try again.

 

thanks Gus and Jagv8
I'm hoping I don't end up with red (atf) hair for all the fluid on the floor.
Will let everyone know how it goes.

wj

 

You should be fine just take your time.

Gus
www.jagrepair.com

 

I would prefer to work above this car, rather than under. Now I'm considering looking for an xkr coupe...if that ever comes to be, I'll add a lift to my garage area!

but in the mean time,
I pumped 24 oz into the tranny case, at 38c the fluid began dripping out, 40c it had picked up to a light stream...by the time I managed to singe my hands and fit the cap the temp was up to 48c.
I feel pretty good about the level now and hope it was a low level which caused the fault message. The car will remain on jack stands for a few days until I can get back to this undercar project.

thanks again!

wj

 

Your ZF's ATF is probably within the proper fill level range now. Capping that fill plug with the ATF streaming out, engine running, and exhaust pipes hot as hell is indeed a challenge every time. The smaller your hands and arms, the better chance you have to complete the capping process quickly and with the least amount of seared skin. I have monster hands so whenever we do a ZF drain-and-fill on our two Jaguars, I always let fellow forum member and ZF drain-and-fill expert Rick (joycesjag) perform that difficult task....

 

Since this kitty cat was still on jack stands I thought I'd confirm the fluid level.
This time I wrapped an 8 x 8 piece of asbestos around the exhaust pipe, thin enough to allow me to still 'sort of' fit my hands in and around the pipe. It got warm but not burning.




I added 8oz to a cold tranny, the fluid started leaking out at 37c...I started to fit the fill plug @ 40c and was done at 43c. I sure hope the incorrect fluid level led to my faults...time will tell. I probably won't drive until early next week but will certainly report back.

wj

 

Using that heat shield pad is a good move. Some folks have also put on leather gloves for the job. If you're still nimble enough with your fingers to screw that fill plug back in wearing gloves, that is impressive. Keep us posted on how your ZF performs now....

 

wow that's a great idea on that heat pad... I was wondering how I was going to do that..good idea!