When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
The label on the TCM is marked with a part number, for example LJE 2401 AB, and a VCATS version, such as 001, 002 or 003. In the photo below, the TCM has version 002:
As long as you replace your TCM with a part that has the same part number and same VCATS version, it should work without reprogramming.
Don ,I found the vcat label in the trunk under the latch. The TCM part number is common on units on ebay except for the 00 number, mine is showing 004, whereas many show same part number but with 004. Is it possible to use one with same part number but different version of 002? I have IDS set up on 32bit windows xp laptop?
Don ,I found the vcat label in the trunk under the latch. The TCM part number is common on units on ebay except for the 00 number, mine is showing 004, whereas many show same part number but with 004. Is it possible to use one with same part number but different version of 002? I have IDS set up on 32bit windows xp laptop?
Hi Jack,
I will defer to Bob (motorcarman) on your VCATS label, because he knows a whole lot more about VCATS than I do, but rather than going by that label, I would remove your TCM and go by its label. That's the best way to get a replacement module with exactly the same part number and VCATS version as the one that had been working in your car.
It is not difficult to remove the TCM. It's in the Engine Management compartment in the engine bay. Be sure to disconnect the negative battery cable in the trunk before disconnecting the TCM, ECM or any other electronic module. Reconnect all modules before reconnecing the battery.
If you are asking if you can change the /00X SUFFIX of the module...................
I have never tried to change the software. It is configured at the factory and I just match up the suffix.
Some modules with a different part number because of a supersession will work OK.
Something like LNC2401AB might be superseded to LNC2401AC but the /00X SUFFIX still needs to match or things might not work properly.
For instance if you try a sedan or coupe suffix in a 2 door XK convertible with different part number it might alter some variable?
Probable won't damage anything but I have never tried it.
Thanks Bob, after reading up on trans fluid for 5hp 24 gearbox, it seems there is only one fluid that is compatible with it, Lifeguard5, which makes me think that when it was changed a few years ago, they did not have that specific formula and used something generic. I want to have the fluid and filter replaced by local transmission shop, he said I can bring the fluid. Before I order the new fluid, are there any others compatible with L5? The other question, can I pull the TCM up enough to read the label without disconnecting plug.
I don't know if the TCM can be withdrawn far enough to read its label without disconnecting it, but it's a very simple matter to disconnect the battery negative cable (10 mm nut) and then disconnect the TCM.
The fluids known to be correct for the ZF 5HP24 are:
ZF Lifeguard 5
ESSO LT 71141
Mobil LT 71141
Febi Bilstein Automatikgetriebeöl (ATF) nr. 29738
Pentosin ATF 1
Ravenol ATF 4/5 HP
Automaker-branded packaging of ESSO LT 71141:
Jaguar JLM 20238
BMW 8322 9407807
BMW 3 22 2 220 442
BMW ATF 71141
BMW LA 2634
BMW ATF-1
BMW ATF-4
Citroen Z 000169756
Mercedes Benz A 0019892203
Mercedes-Benz 236.11
Peugeot Z 000169756
Porsche 999.917.547.00
VW/Audi G 052 162 A1 / A2 / A6
VW LT 71141
In the U.S., I have generally found the best price on the Febi Bilstein Automatikgetriebeöl (ATF) nr. 29738. I often purchase it from an ebay seller called partscontainer, who sells OEM products from WorldPac, a major supplier to professional auto shops. Also, the last time I was shopping for it, I found the Pentosin ATF 1 on Amazon.
Thanks Don, the reason I am hesitant about disconnecting battery is I don't want to lose any dtc codes that are stored in memory. I found the Febi oil at the best price on ebay with free shipping, now I wonder if the trans shop can purge the torque converter when changing the fluid. I really appreciate all of your advice along with Motorcarman and others.
Almost all DTCs are stored in a non-volatile memory. Disconnecting the battery won't erase DTCs especially P codes from the ECM.
The EPA federal law made sure of that.
You have to purposely want to clear the codes with a diagnostic devise.
Prior to 1996 you could disconnect the battery to accomplish the clearing.
...now I wonder if the trans shop can purge the torque converter when changing the fluid.
On the ZF 5-speeds, my personal opinion is that the easiest way to replace most of the fluid, including that in the torque converter, is to do three drain-and-fills. Loosen the fill plug to be sure you'll be able to remove it. Drain the fluid, reinstall the drain plug, add back the same volume of new fluid as was drained. Run the engine 15 minutes to mix the new fluid with the remaining old. Drain again. Add back the same volume of new fluid as was drained this time. Run the engine 15 minutes. Drain the fluid, remove the pan and replace the filter, clean the gasket mating surfaces on the transmission and pan, clean the pan screws and if necessary chase the threads in the transmission holes with a tap, reinstall the pan with a new gasket and torque the screws in the proper sequence to the correct torque, add the same volume of new fluid as was drained the third time, then follow the ZF procedure to set the final fluid level at 40°C. This will replace nearly all of the old fluid (similar to changing the oil in the engine).
It is possible to do a complete fluid flush by way of the transmission cooler lines at the radiator end, but the lower cooler line is very difficult to access. If you can connect to the radiator upper fitting and the upper cooler line, you could do a flush that way. I personally do not like to disturb the cooler line fittings at the radiator for fear of causing leaks, which some of our members have experienced.
Thanks Don, that makes the most sense to me. Now to find a shop that will do the process, I am ordering 20 liters of Lifeguard5 and a filter kit directly from Eriksson the ZF distributor.
I ordered 18 quarts of trans fluid for the 5 hp 24 gearbox, local shop is going to do the procedure of drain , fill, run 3 times with the last one gets new filter. As for the TCM, you were correct about the numbers not matching, I was ble to photograph the box in place without removing it, numbers don't match vcat, but there are a few with identical numbers available on ebay. I drove the car today and it went into limp home mode, did a scan and it shows tcm fault.....I will let you know the outcome, thanks to you and Bob for your advice...vcat label and tcm label in photo
