I went to my local Jaguar dealership and asked for power steering fluid, and they gave me a 1-liter bottle of Mobil 1 ATF. WTF?? The fluid is red, like transmission fluid, but the fluid in my reservoir is gold. What the hell is going on? Why is the dealer recommending Mobil 1 transmission fluid for my power steering system?

Why Not Mobil ATF?

• Jaguar uses a hydraulic fluid system (CHF 202 or CHF 11S), not a transmission-based system.
  
• Mobil ATF is designed for automatic transmissions, not hydraulic power steering systems.
  
• Using ATF instead of CHF 202 can:
  • Damage seals and hoses
    
  • Cause noise, stiffness, or leaks
    
  • Eventually lead to power steering pump failure
    

 

Pictures of the reservoir with gold fluid? Want to make sure you're looking at the right one.

The Owner's manual (I googled "2015 XJ manual" and one of the top couple results was a link to the official one on Topix for your year) says the fluid specification for power steering is "Mobil ATF320 PAS". Some more googling of that phrase gives results, including on this forum, suggesting that that fluid is not really available but that it is a Dex III/Merc ATF. Mobil 1 ATF claims to be compatible with those specifications, and you can probably find many more generic Dex/Merc ATFs that may be cheaper. As far as I know those fluids are always red.

 

I can't take pictures because all of the gold fluid has already been drained. I was changing the engine mount, and in order to do so, I had to disconnect the power steering lines. All the fluid that poured out was completely gold in color. Now I'm hearing some strange noises coming from the power steering system, and I’m not sure if it's due to the wrong fluid being used or air in the system.

 

Check the manual, I'm pretty sure the spec is Mobil ATF320 PAS. CHF 11S is higher spec, but since the system was empty anyway you should be fine with what you have.

 

Yes I have never found that Mobil ATF320 product in the US seems to be available over seas. I use and have for over 40K miles now Mobil 1 Synthetic ATF in my 2014 XJR with 63K miles. It's a standard hydraulic powered R & P nothing special.

I don't drain but instead use my fluid extractor and pull out as much fluid as I can. Then add new fluid. After about 3-4 times you have most of the fluid swapped out. I usually do this when changing oil as it's right there. I also do the same with my brake master cylinder. Pull what I can out of the reservoir and refill with fresh fluid.

Yes air entrapment is EXACTLY why I don't drain the R & P! I would jack the front of the car up so the tires are not touching the ground. At idle turn the steering all the way from lock to lock. Don't jam it into the lock position just touch it and go back the other way. Do this a couple of times.

If that did not fix it I will draw a vacuum on the reservoir and cycle the steering as above. Sometimes it's tough to get the air out.
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Hey where did you find it?
I finally gave up and it's not needed anyway.
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Sold at my local dealership very expensive $75.00

 

That's why the dealer is the LAST place I ever go for parts or service!
I learned that a LONG time ago.
Are you kidding me $75 a quart! For hydraulic fluid. That's $300 a gallon. Man it must be good at that price!
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