I traded my 2001 XJ8 for a 2004 VDP last week. I absolutely love my new car. The interior is in a different league and I love the responsiveness of the engine. Now I've had it for a week, I have some questions I wanted to throw out to the forum.

1. Choppy gear shift. I can detect this most when going from 1st - 2nd gear. However, I can also feel other shifts too e.g. 5th - 6th gear on the freeway. Is this likely a TCM software issue? The car doesn't lurch like my wife's S-Type did, but it's not as smooth as my 2001 XJ8 was either.

2. Intermittent suspension clunk. Most of the time the car rides like driving on plush carpet, but sometimes I hear what sounds like someone softly tapping with a hammer on the floor of the car. This is mostly on rough roads, but not all rough roads. It's difficult to pinpoint exactly what causes the noise. I also notice the clunk when I go into my driveway down a steep (30 degree) incline. I'm not even sure it's the suspension. Could that be engine mounts?

3. Rear park sensors make no noise in the car. I understand that when fitted with only rear sensors, there is no switch to turn them on or off. It doesn't really bother me, but I was just curious.

 

Mitchumgroup,

You did not state the mileage on your car but, given the age of it, I'm going to suggest that it's time to change your xmission fluid. ATF

We have just completed our 3rd annual ATF debate. Read up on it. Item 1 will probably be cured by changing the ATF. If you have 70 to 80K miles on the car you best change the ATF filter as well.

Item 2 will bare some investigation but I haven't seen too much about engine mount failures on this forum. My guess is suspension bushings. Perhaps sway bar, lower control arm, etc. Right front suspension takes the worst beating. BTW have you checked that the belley pan is properly secured?

Welcome to the Forum. Hope the above helps. Do keep us posted as we need to share what's going on with our cars.

 

3. Are you sure the rear parking sensors don't work? You have to get pretty close to an object before they activate (I think it also takes your speed into account, etc.)

 

the whacking under the car could be the front undercarraige tray that is not attached properly...

I agree with changing the ATF for the transmission issues.. Use the ZF sticky above, spend the $350 and do it yourself.. its easy and made all the difference in the world for the 2004 I just sold.

 

Thanks guys for all the responses. When work eases up in the middle of next week I'm going to take it for an oil change and have it looked at. I'll keep you posted.

 

Make sure they use an OEM filter. No fram or purolator crap!

 

Well, I've scheduled an oil change and transmission flush for Tuesday next week. Will pick up the car on Wednesday - will see what the verdict is. Thanks again for the feedback.

 

I'm very interested to see how that works out for you as I have the same problem with hard down shifts ... If this works I will do mine ASAP . As of right now that is my biggest complaint along with the terrible spongy brakes

 

I'll let you know how I get on. I'm taking it Tuesday and picking up Wednesday so that it has a good amount of time to drain the trans fluid. This will be my first time with this car having it checked out so I'll let you know if anything else is wrong as well.

 

good luck buddy !!!! Ive almost had mine a month. It is my daily driver and im in love with it.... Such a beautiful car.... got a couple of quirks but they do nothing to hamper my love for this car....

 

Where the heck are you driving in Brooklyn. Don't you guys have a good public transit system up there?

 

I did the tranmission fluid and pan change and it's well worth the investment.

The clunk underneath could be a shock tower bushing. I need one replaced and it makes a similar noice. $30 part and 4 hours labour...

 

Speaking of suspension....how often is it recommended to change out the bushings in the front on an xk8? Front end seems pretty stiff on rough roads and has a constant "chirping" sound.

Thanks!

 

Lol! Maybe he is going out to the Island...

 

As needed.

 

lolol I drive everywhere ... I havent used public transportation in YEARS !!!!! Not even sure what it cost to get on a bus or train..... honestly !!!

 

Will be picking up the car tomorrow after work. I spoke with the mechanic and the clunking noise is the front lower control arm bushings leaking oil. I think they are pricey to fix, so I may hold off for a month or so since they are not that bad yet. Apart from that, there is nothing else that needs work on the car. That's always nice to hear!

I'll let you all know know transmission feels after the flush once I've driven it home. Thanks again for all the replies.

 

As far as I know the front lower control arm bush does not contain any oil

 

Hmmmmm let's see.... ride a public bus or crowded subway.. orr sit in one of the most beautiful and comfortable autos around.. I know what I would pick...LOL

 

The front lower control arm bushing is a large oil filled donut shaped device. Don't wait too long to get it fixed as it eventually will impact ft. end alignment.
When they go bad you can see and feel oil dripping down from it. No need to jack up the car or remove the belly pan (trey) to see the oil leak.