Hello All...
New member here and I just brought my 2000 XJ8 to the local mechanic for a hesitation and stuttering problem. When I am at a stop light I notice it more than any other time. I had a similar problem last FEB and he replaced the knock sensor and it ran fine until last week. Today he tells me that it may be the transmission because there is no code lit up? He says he is going to hook it up to some machine to check the trannie.

I just wanted to know how much I should expect to pay for a replacement transmission if that is what it is? I really love the car and it is in great shape otherwise.

Thanks
Vince

 

Hi Vince,

Welcome! Could you give a few more details-

Does it rumble when idling in park or just drive?
When you take off from the light does is stumble until you get up to speed, or does it stumble when cruising?
Did it get steadily worse over some time period, or did it happen all of the sudden?
Did you feel any "clunk" before the problems?

 

I just noticed it last Monday. I was on my way home and felt a traffic light. I thought it may have been bad gas. I forgot about it for a day or two and then when I was leaving work I noticed it fell like it was jumping while in park. Once I got it on the highway I noticed nothing at all until I got to my driveway and slowed down. Then it started jumping/stuttering reallty bad. No code came up on the dash but I had it towed to the local mechanic anyway.

When I had the knock sensor replaced in February it had a code that came up. The car was way worse then too. It was going in and out of gear while on the highway doing 50-70 mph. This time I dont have that but the mechanic says it might be a transmission problem.

It hasnt really gotten worse, but I really havent driven it that much since I noticed the problem. Taking off from a light no problem---have noticed mostly only in park or as I am slowing down. Does not clunk and never did.

Hope that helps you help me?
Thanks

 

Sounds engine to me.

Does it happen the same cold or hot?

Is it the same in neutral as in park?

 

Yes cold and hot same thing. And did not try it in neutral. But if it could be an engine problem, how do I make sure the mechanic checks into that without him thinking I know more than him. He seems like the type that would be offended.

By the way... He replaced the transmission in my Chrysler mini van this year too. Doubt it is related but I have spent over 5k with him over the last year.

Thanks

 

Hmm. How to tell an easily offended mechanic to check something other than his diagnosis... that is a tough one.

I guess you could say if it is the trans you will just leave it as is and drive it till the transmission breaks? Then maybe he will focus more effort on the engine.

Some things he can check are:

Compression- are all the cylinders even (or ten lbs difference)
Color of spark plugs- are some darker than others (bad coil)
This is where I am leaning- Any vacuum leaks?
Fuel filter new(ish)?

And of course the big one- are the secondary tensioners metal or originals?

There are other areas to check, but the ones above come to mind first.

 

Tranny ? Are there any issues with it shifting ? Clunk when being put in Drive or Reverse ? Throttle body or TPS issues apparently don't throw a code. Ditto on the secondary cam chain tensioners also. No transmission fault showing on the display ? I don't think I would gamble on replacing the tranny, unless of course the problem can be diagnosed definitively (dang, did I say that ?).

 

Well I asked for the car back from the mechanic today and while I was driving it home tonight I experienced a big jolt trying to go from idle at a light to 1st gear. Then the "transmission fault" message came up on my dash. So I guess it may well have been a transmission problem?

Anyway... The nearest Jaguar dealer is over an hour from my house. Do myou guys think I should just bring it there? Or should I try to find someone I trust to do the work in my area? Does anyone know a good mechanic in the southern nj area? Any idea on what I am looking at as far as cost? Should I go with a rebuilt or new?

Thanks for your help till now...

Vince

 

Check Trans fluid level- but your *new* description of the problem sounds like the A-drum. About a $200 part plus labor.

 

Vince,

You're getting good advice here and the jury still seem out be out on whether it's definitely transmission or engine. Have you had the codes read? Always a good place to start.

Graham

 

The TCM will flag a fault and it will have DTCs in the module to help determine the cause.
I suggest reading all the modules for faults.

bob gauff

 

Welcome Vince.

I just finished a transmission rebuild on my 2000 xj8 and that jolt that you are talking about sounds just like the problem I had. Not sure about that other stuff you were talking about. I got about a $1000.00 in the rebuild doing it my self but that was replacing all the clutches, o-rings, seals A-Drum, and torque converter. With that low mileage it could just be the drum but I always go overboard....lol.

Anyway, I got the beefed up aftermarket A-Drum on e-bay for 194.00.

Best of luck to you and keep us posted.

 

Yeah... You guys have given me a lot to think about. I am probably going to have it towed to the Jaguar dealership for diagnosis. I will have to wait a little while though because if I do need a new trans I really dont have the money to put out right now.