Dip Stick & Tube?
 

I'm completely new to Jaguars & have purchased a 1999 XJR with 104000 miles. My question is: There is a dip stick & tube near the passenger side fire wall, I suppose is for the trans. However when I try to check it it's bone dry. What should I do?

I'm afraid to touch anything under the hood?

As delivered, there is a tube and sealed cap. No dipstick.

If you describe the dipstick, maybe someone can help.

Pictures of the Dip Stick
 

I think I have put the right locations for the photos I took of the Dip Stick, Tube & location.

That's the right place.

But, the 1999 XJR did not have a dipstick.

So, it must be an owner add-on, or someone just needed something to fill the hole. The problem is that you have no idea of the accuracy of the markings.

You need to either:

1. get the level measured by someone with the correct dipstick "tool"
2. acquire such a tool for yourself
3. fabricate such a tool for yourself

The tool can be found on ebay by searching for: mercedes dipstick 722

What you have already could form the basis of a nice dipstick, if you can redo the markings. The problem is knowing the relationship of the bottom of the pan to the markings since the handle stops the dipstick from bottoming.

That's an incorrect dipstick. Someone may have used it to just plug up the tube. You may want to get the fluid level checked properly, in case that dipstick was used to fill the transmission to the incorrect level.

Thank You!
 

Thank You for your help. I will have the Transmission checked out. Should I take it to a Jaguar or Mercedes mechanic? And finally. This is going to sound pretty dumb. If it's a sealed transmission does the tube actualy have a hole leading into the transmission? Or is it blocked? Please forgive my ignorance. =)

Purchased Dipstick
 

Ok I just went on eBay as suggested and purchased a Mercedes 722.6 Dipstick.

That's not a dumb question at all. But, yes, the tube leads all the way to the pan (ie there is in fact "a hole leading into the transmission").

To try and clarify what others have already posted, the system on your car was originally sealed by a cap that fit where you found that mysterious dipstick. In other words, the dipstick tube was originally sealed off by plug that has since been removed on your car. There was not an actual dipstick supplied on your car when it rolled out of the factory. Someone apparently serviced or inspected your transmission, which required that they "unseal" it by removing the original cap. They then used the dipstick you found to close off the tube (rather than replacing the sealed cap).

I would recommend taking it to a Jaguar mechanic over a Mercedes place if you decide to go that route. And don't worry about the dipstick not registering any fluid. As others have pointed out, it's quite possible that the dipstick you found isn't even long enough to reach the fluid.

Also, check out this thread for some info that will likely apply to the dipstick you purchased.

Thank You all for the help & the link to the thread! I'm very happy that so many other Jaguar owners are helpful it this way. I would have been lost without your help.

Good to see forum members help you out , good for you as your dilemma was resolved