Hi,

My 1998 XJR started getting hard to shift and it felt mushy. My mechanic looked underneath and said the shifter cable is wonky.

Where can I get a new one? Upon extensive google-ing I've only found some used ones. Are there any differences between the 98-2003 model year shift cables? Are XJ8 and XJR the same cable?

Thanks in advanced.

 

XJ8 and XJR had different transmissions but I do not know about cables. The 'cables' are not really cables but my guess is 'yes'.

Not sure what 'wonky' means. Do you have any codes?

 

The xj does have a shifter cable and at times adjustments are necessary. My sons S-Type deeded adjustment. Now the question is the shifter cable causing the transmission to shift slowly. In my opinion I say no! The shifter and the cable are a positive movement and unless the cable is frayed or out of adjustment (loose) they move as one. I would have it checked by a transmission shop.

 

They do get stiff if water gets in them and and or they dry out. The braket on the trans can have the bolts get loose creating the same issue, or fall out then you dont go anywhere, but for some reason this is more an issue on the stypes

 

I do agree; however, from what he was saying it sounded like a trans service. My 95xj had a shifting issue and we replaced the fluid and added Red lube guard and it runs great. A good transmission guy can ease your mind. A good mechanic trying to be a transmission guy can give you a headache or a bad few days!

 

I do agree; however, from what he was saying it sounded like the shifter wasnt moving smoothly, but then again I always ask more questions because how 1 persona desribes something is not always a good or even close description.....
Kinda like the lady that kept telling me she had a trans shifting problem when accelerating, "it bucks and go in and out of gear...." " I know its the transmission!"
Reality; she had misfires under load from weak coils on a couple cylinders......I would say we could use a better description......Agreed...lol

 

I absolutely don't mean any disrespect, but I'm really just looking to buy the shifter cable. From that pic posted above it looks like I need part 48030E.

I've tried Coventry West and they had nothing. Any other ideas? Thanks.

 

MND4830BE Gear Control Cable 4.0 Supercharged to VIN F20644.
Normally aspirated (ZF5HP24) have a different part number from the
Mercedes gearbox

bob gauff

 

I would suggest cleaning or lubricating if you want to go in that direction. I would like to clarify is the shifter hard to move into gear or is it the transmission as you drive having a problem going from one gear to another?

 

It's just not as smooth as it once was. Once it's in gear the transmission performs fine.

 

I hope you can find the cable you're looking for... But for the others, with questions (just because we are innately curious) the detail needed to understand the issue is still there. "It's just not as smooth" doesn't answer the basic question - WHAT is not as smooth? The hand operated shifting mechanism (cabin mounted shift lever) or the transmission's going into gear or automatic shifting between gears?

I believe, from the need of a new cable, it's probably the shift lever, but you've never specified - only referred to the afflicted system with pronouns like 'it', and by doing this, at times it sounds as if you are talking about the transmission, at others the shift lever.

What I tell ppl in other forums to which I belong - when assisting in troubleshooting, we are blind, you are our eyes. As much verbose detail as is possible is necessary for us to see your issue.

Granted, if you're just looking for a source for your cable, this is not a troubleshooting event... but we're still curious, and it won't be the first time we've second guessed a mechanic, sometimes correctly.

 

Ahh you make an excellent point.

So here goes, we all know how it feels to shift our Jags. Well now in my Jag it feels like the cabin mounted shift lever is plunged into some dense mud. So it shifts from P, R, N, D fine, but it feels 'mushy'. I'm sorry, but that's as clear as I can make it. If someone has these symptoms, he'd probably know exactly what I mean.

I'll update you guys on my progress. The car is undergoing a new rear differential and updating the tensioners as well.

 

That is quite clear, thank you... when moving your shift lever, you are experiencing significant resistance - it goes where you want, but with added effort relative to it's original operation - and from the 'mushy' I get a feeling of... a kind of... lack of positive feedback of what detent or position in gear selection you have actually reached.

 

as an update: I was able to buy a cable from the good guys at jaguarheaven.com. It came out to $75 or so. Will update when I get the car back.

 

Well did it work?

 

hey gus could you please tell me, how much did you pay at the tranny shop for the fluid changed and the red lube gaurd and labor? thanks.

 

I can check my records tonight but it was half the price of what Jaguar charged. Will let you know!

 

sorry for the late followup, but I got the car back and the new (used) cable did the trick! It's been a while since the shifter shifted so smoothly.

Again, this is the fix for the physical shifter movement only. Everything the transmission does south of the slushbox was fine.

 

i know this is an old thread but is it possible the prt number you used above was the correct shifter cable? The one also installed solving your issue? Thanks in advance