I'm getting a sound idling in park that sounds like the solenoids cycling in the transmission. It's irregular at 4-10 second intervals, maybe longer at times. When it does the engine acts like its getting slightly loaded. I'm assuming that this isn't normal? 2002 XJR.

 

It might be the AC compressor cycling. Did you test with the AC off?

 

Yes, also the sound stops when I put it into D or R

 

When was, or has the trans fluid even been serviced?

 

Fluid is an unknown, I just picked up the vehicle. It seems to drive and shift without issue. 110k miles.

 

It could be as simple as low or dirty fluid and thus the pickup filter being clogged. Do you have the trans fluid level spring cable? They are readily available on ebay (along with a new tube cap), but you must make sure you follow the instructions for proper fluid level check. Its not complicated, its explained why here.

 

I did actually have one for a Mercedes C43 AMG that I traded to a friend of mine. I'll have to grab another one. Thanks for the video link, that will save some digging.

I wish we could just buy a normal dip stick from Jag that would be the proper length that you could leave in the car.

I'll get the stuff to do a fluid / filter job and check the electrical connections for corrosion while I'm down there. I'm sure it needs it anyway. I was reading up on the conductor plate and those symptoms don't seem to fit. I was on the fence about getting an autoenginuity setup, this might necessitate it if the fluid level doesn't fix it. It seems like the solenoids are going berserk, cycling in and out for no reason in park.

 

I know the sound you're referring to. Makes the same noise if you go from normal to sport and back.

I had that with my 00 VDP SC @ 180k and it was that electrical board in the transmission. Never heard it since.

 

The conductor plate? I wish you could still get an OEM one. Which is the least worst of the aftermarket ones, anyone have experience there?

I just got all the stuff to do the fluid drain and fill, I'll have to get one of those on order.

 

Yeah the conductor plate. I got the latest revision OEM one they are available. Latest should be 140 270 11 61. I didn't get the Dorman, I stuck with OEM.