For anyone thinking about changing their transmission fluid and filter.....
 

I found this excellent how to video that someone made using their 2003 XK8 which has the same transmission that our XJ's have.

Jaguar XK8 Transmission Fluid/Pan Change - YouTube

Take Care,

Mathew

Matt,

That video was made by Reverend Sam a member who usually hangs out in the XK8 section, he has made several more useful videos (and posts here) that you can find on his youtube channel. sam1174's Channel - YouTube

u tube
 

Thanks for pointing out the video.It was very interesting and informative.

My jag has done 50,000 and I will need to change the ATF fluid at about 60,000

P.S.

Is an american quart two pints?

It is but it is two US pints which are 16 fluid ounces.

Transmission fluid scare tactics, or legitimate claim?
 

Reverend Sam used Mercon SP rather than the Jag or ZF / LifeGuard stuff and he says it works great (interested to see if there's been any change or not--probably not). However CTSC says there is no substitute for LifeGuard and if you use something else, know they have great rebuild services, etc (cuz you're going to screw up your transmission). So I sent them an email saying a friend has a Lincoln Navigator which uses the same tranny and Ford recommends Mercon SP. I asked what the difference is such that a recommended fluid on one ZF 6HP26 will damage another. Here's what I got:

"The transmission fluid characteristics is calibrated into the transmission software. Same transmission, different oil à different software calibration."

There is a HUGE weight and load difference between the Navigator and the Jag (I have an older Expedition and pull a 3500# boat, so I'm close to 8000# gross weight), so two completely different requirements.

Does this have merit or not (LifeGuard or Jag stuff is $18-30/liter, while the Meron SP is $6-7)? I always use synthetic oil and change it every 5000 miles. If something is better and will make it last longer, or if there is a legitimate reason (other that marketing, profit, or scare tactics), I'll use it even if it is more expensive. But I'm not convinced yet. On the other hand, I only want to have to deal with this once every 60k, and not end up with a big repair/replacement bill.

Thoughts?

Ignoring the warm tranny fluid refill process?
 

One additional question:

Rather than doing the whole running the engine to get the tranny fluid to the correct temp thing, someone responding to Reverend Sam's video on youtube said he just drained it cold, and then put exactly the same amount back into the tranny. I guess assuming it is currently at the correct level when it's drained, that would work, but if not, you could still end up low. But could this be a legitimate fluid partial change method between replacing the pan?

Just draining leaves a lot of old fluid in the torque converter and fluid cooler and lines. A full flush clears out virtually all the old fluid, but is expensive in new fluid as the new is used to flush out the old. The fluid is not cheap, either !

When changing the pan/filter, I assume we are not flushing out all the fluid, but just replacing part, and then topping off what was drained out of the pan, etc. Of course, ideally, replacing all in the torque converter wold be best, but since it is "sealed for life" transmission, I'm thinking a partial change every 60k would be sufficient.

If that's not the case, anyone have instructions for flushing the transmission?

This has been debated frequently and most of us just drain + refill using the hot fill method.
Do be sure to check you can remove the filler plug before draining or life can suddenly become sad.

As Steve says most people fit new pan and filter after draining and refill with 6 litres fluid (cold) , then top up when fluid is about 45 deg C.

Have a look at your ZF supplier here: The CTSC - ZF Parts

for info,supplies and ZF refill method.

My manual suggests tranny fluid change at 100K miles. Is the latest thinking of 60K miles? I have a 2004 XJR with 73K on it. Not to get off target, but I have the same question for the supercharger oil. Many threads on earlier oil change.

thanks

RyeJa

I think you will find the consensus is 60 K miles, in fact ZF have said or after 8 years!

Mine is on about 60k now but the fluid has probably been in there for 10 years.

I am just preparing (and getting myself psyched up) to change pan, filter and fluid.

I don't want to break anything, she has been virtually faultless for 5 years!