Transmission delay anytime I shift into reverse...2004 XJ8
 

Hello all,

First, recent history: 2004 XJ8, 78K miles. I performed a transmission service at 70K as preventive maintenance. I had occasionally heard the 'whoop' sound between 2-3 & 3-4, so I used the Jag additive during the service. Also replaced the pan, pan bolts and elec.connector O-rings. I followed all instructions and monitored temp. of fluid after refilling. All was well after the service and the 'whoop' noise has vanished.

Now: 8,000 miles later I am experiencing a 2-3 second delay anytime I shift into Reverse (either from Park to Reverse or Drive to Reverse). The transmission engages smoothly and the car drives perfectly in forward or reverse motion. No clunks, harshness or anything of the sort. Also, no Trans. Fault lights nor any other dash warnings.

I have no transmission fluid leaks that I can see so I do not suspect that it is fluid-level related. Besides, I would think that if it was related to low fluid that it might get better as the fluid reaches operating temperature since the fluid expands as it heats.

I have read as many posts as I can find and have failed to find even one that discusses a problem of this nature. I would greatly appreciate any assistance from you guys. Thanks

In doing the fluid change, did you use the Lifeguard 6 fluid? According to ZF, the fluid is critical. It sounds to me like you might have a sticking valve in the valve body.

zf egineers say thats normal, and ide agree, itll be longer when cold and if you are slightly moving when shifting as I tend to do from Rev to Drive

In response to Oldmots, Yes, all Lifeguard fluids (I used the complete kit from CTSC that is stickied in the forum). I also picked up the additive from the dealer. All of which worked out very well.

In response to Brutal: Thanks for weighing in on this one. I'm starting to wonder if I noticed it during a 3-point parking maneuver and then became a bit fixated on it... I'll continue to just drive as normal then until such time that I have more cause for concern. I do truly love driving this car!

yeah just enjoy it, itll also do it if the idle is slightly above normal. and like you when Im trying to move around in tight spots like parking is when it anoys me as I get impatient. Especially if someone is waiting on me to move and that pause seems like a minute:)
actually ZF says UP TO 5 secs is normal and no cause for concern.

To Brutal,

Thanks again for the further clarification. Yeah, those few seconds really do seem a lot longer than they are... Up to 5 seconds normal? Wow! I really appreciate the knowledge though.

5 seconds ..really?
can I see that ref.

Call zf. Thats what they said when we enquired years back when jag started useing them and we had these concerns brought up and a few trans put in that were charged back to the dealers as no faults found

I've never noticed this in my car, but I'm never in a hurry anyway. Whenever I put it into reverse, I always check each side and the mirrors before I start to move.

just a thought but the cable is not loose in the bracket underneath is it? You know the one where the the two bolts have a tendency to fall off.

Thanks for the suggestion. I had ruled that out because I checked tightness 8K ago when I did the transmission service. The issue has not progressed in the last couple of days. I have stopped considering it an 'issue' based on Brutal's replies and it really seems okay.
But if anyone else checks their car and notices that there is a 2-3 second delay as I described, I sure would appreciate a post to that effect. This could help attest to the relative 'normalcy' of the 'issue'. Thanks again.

When I put it in reverse, I immediately feel that there is something happening. It is like letting the clutch out on a manual tranny very slowly. The car slowly starts to move backward. Could be a safety issue so the car doesn't quickly lunge backward.