I've been reading about the transfer case issues that Jaguar had when they first started to manufacture the x-types, but then switched to a different design. Does anyone know when the switch was made? I read in some places it was in the 04 model year, but others say it was not until 05. My x-type was built in March 2004, and I am wondering which type I have.

 

It was in 2004 for EU and 2005 for US I think. Easiest way to check I think is to look if you have a floor mounted throttle but theres always a chance that previous owner has changed the transfer case.

 

Yes, I have the floor mounted throttle. I also looked at the TCM box and it appears to be a newer style compared to what I have seen from the 2002 vintage. So what does this all mean? Was there some significant engineering change made around that time period? Any information would be greatly appreciated!

 

The changes were introduced in MY 2004 at VIN D56272. The principal change was the deletion of the viscous coupling in the transfer box, changing it from a limited slip central differential to an open differential. There were also some modifications to the casing to strengthen it and reduce the cracking that occasionally affected some early boxes, but regardless of the changes, all boxes are interchangeable on any AWD X Type.

 

Thanks - at VIN E0xxxx, that puts me into the 2004.5 MY. Also, I've read about fluid changes for the transfer case, transmission and rear differential. But with less than 17,000 miles on the car, I'm thinking it's best to leave well enough alone. The only unusual sound I hear is a slight whining (at a pitch of about an octave above middle C on the piano) when I get to speeds around 68-75 mph. Below this speed though, it's quiet. Is this typical? (BTW, I have the 3.0L V6).

 

I certainly would not leave the transfer case without attention. It only holds a small amount of oil, and at least the earlier models had somewhat of a tendency to develop a leak in their propshaft seal. Considering how expensive replacing the case would be, I reckon it's best to keep an eye on it and have the fluids checked every 1-2 years.

The drivetrain is identical in 2.5 and 3.0 models.

 

So let me see if I have this right:
The engineers at Jaguar designed a transfer case that is supposedly sealed for life and should never need a fluid change. But the transfer case was still made with a drain plug and a fill plug. However, the fill plug is inaccessible so that you can drain it but not fill it unless you somehow force the oil in through the drain plug, which is less than an ideal situation. If you follow Jaguar's recommendation and never do this maintenance then you risk having the part fail at relatively low miles. And the Jaguar service would never do this for you because they are told it should never need to be done. Therefore, your choices are to do it yourself are try to find an adventurous independent mechanic who will do it for you. And finally, there's no way to check the condition/level of the fluid without pulling the drain plug, which means you would have to change it anyway at that point.

 

Yesss.
It can however be refilled through the drain plug hole by forcing the oil in. It's a fairly standard procedure (that I am not terribly familiar with myself) at least at the Jaguar-specialized non-dealer garage I take my car to.

Oh, and Jaguar didn't design the case, it came from the semi-mysterious Visteon.

 

It all depends on how long you think 'life' should be! Somehow I don't think you and Jaguar (or many other car manufacturers) would agree on a definition!!

 

>It's a fairly standard procedure (that I am not terribly familiar with...

Yes, easy/peasy..., search this forum for particulars, but short story:

1) Car level, remove plug, allow fluid to drain out of the T-Case;
2) Raise car on lift and place 24" (? this is the one I am not absolutely sure about) block under driver's-side (i.e.., the left side for those of you across the pond or down-under);
3) Lower car which will not be on an angle;
4) Pour lub in through open drain hole until it starts running out and then replace drain plug; and
5) Raise car, remove block, lower car, done...

No need to check the level of fluid since with the car on an angle the exact amount of fluid will be what's in there when it begins to run out. Although if you catch the fluid while draining it you will see how close to disaster you actually came!
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