So, in our travels (and quest to figure out a powertrain light fault code in our 2006 3.0 AWD), I asked three different shops about changing the ATF and transfer case fluid. All three said that not only wasn't it recommended, it could cause more harm than good. Two of the mechanics were specialty/trans-only shops.

I don't understand this. The explanation was something about fluid being caught in the internal chambers and somehow damaging the transmission. Does anyone know why they all would say such a thing? If the fluid is changed and the level is checked, how could this be a bad thing? I routinely change the ATF in my daily driver every 60K miles.

I've also been seeing that Castrol ATF gets high marks, but which one? Import Multi-vehicle? Full Synthetic Multi-vehicle? Mercon V? Or even the Mobil-1?

 

There is plenty on this site about how to change transmission fluid the best way and why it needs changing. I know this as I have also posted, and I have seen and smelt the old fluid that was in my car. Look for Dell Galley's posts on the subject, and don't be afraid to do it (the job that is, not look for Dell's posts).

 

IMPORT Multi-vehicle (meets IDEMITSU K17 required spec). Not changing the fluid is more destructive than changing it. Doing a power flush has been reported problematic but, not changing.

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...w-pics-183620/

 

Thanks for the links—I probably should have just gone with my gut and changed the ATF prior to having a rebuild done. However, I think I'm inspired to do a drain/refill on the transfer case, rear diff, and P/S. Hopefully it won't take too much time away from my beloved E-type!

 

The transfer case is a gigantic p.i.t.a., I have a thread on how I did mine which was different than what most members do (tipping the car left then right). Rear differential is easy with a removal pump. P/S easy. Just be sure you use the correct and approved type fluid for each of the changes you decide to do.

 

I have had my X type 7 yrs and have changed the autobox fluid twice and the transfer and diff oils 3 times. Its a very small amount of oil in the transfer box so it gets worked hard. I would suggest your specialists are not so special as the opinion is on all Jag forums that the oils should be changed.

 

Yes, it's weird how even the independent mechanics are parroting the 'sealed for life' and 'change only if when there's a problem' lines from the manufacturers.

 

VW used the SAME gearbox (JATCO JF506E) and the fluid renewal is the SAME. (Mazda and Land Rover also)

Castrol Import Multi-vehicle is the go-to ATF for these transaxles.

Drain and refill. The 'filter' is NOT serviceable. (fine mesh screen in the pickup tube)

 

ATF? I thought the transfer case (and rear diff) used 75w140 synthetic gear oil?

 

They do. ATF is for the transmission (other parts of the world may call it a transaxle, not to be confused with transfer case).

Transaxle. The operation of any transaxle is exactly the same as that of any transmission. The difference is this: Instead of being connected via a long driveshaft to the rear axle, the transmission's output shaft drives a large gear that meshes directly with the differential's ring gear.

 

Dell,
do you have a link to changing the differential fluid?

 

See your other post.

 

This is what I am going to use:

* Amsoil Multi Vehicle Synthetic ATF – (9.3 quarts) (Jaguar X-type/Auto transmission)

*Amsoil Gear oil 75W-140 (1 quart) (Jaguar X-type/ Transfer case)

*Amsoil Severe Gear Oil 75W-90 gear oil (1 quart-bottle) (Jaguar X-type/differential)