Hi, I am new to this so sorry if it's an old question. I have a 1987 XJ40 2.9, while returning home last sunday , the transmission seemed to judder a little and then lost all forward drive! It works fine in reverse but no drive at all in any forward position! I checked the trans fluid and found it to be almost empty so I topped it up but still no drive! there are no obvious leaks, so I am just wondering if anyone can point me in the right direction as I am at a loss where to start.
Thanks.

 

You are NEW, so welcome to our side.

The ZF 4HP222 in the 2.9 is strong generally, BUT, it does not treat you nice if the fluid is NOT kept full,AND, clean.

I would be highly suspecting that you have now fried the forward clutch pack. That will involve a trans rebuild, by any competent ZF trans operation.

Alternatively, take the details from the ID tag on the casing of the trans, and go look for a s/h unit. Not too many 2.9's in OZ, but BMW, Merc, and some others also used this trans, so units are out there, you just have to put the Jag tag to one side sometimes.

 

you may wanna contact ashcroft transmissions in the uk, they specialize in zf trans and may give you a pointer..

 

Welcome to the forum,

+1 to Grant on the forward clutch pack. Had same issue and fix on my 2.9

This pic shows the location of the ID tag on the LH of the casing:



This must be the heaviest and most awkward part I've removed and refitted solo. You might want to replace the input shaft seal if you source a S/H transmission - mine failed six weeks after the rebuild.

Graham

 

I did a rebuild on my (3.6l) ZF trans 3 years ago and it's been (nearly) perfect ever since. Trans is the same, according to the factory parts book, except for numbers of some clutch parts. I also had a forward clutch burn out. This is a very easy transmission to work on - appreciably easier than a GM TH350. I said nearly because on reassembly, the manual I was using described a plastic check ball in a place where I didn't see one on teardown. I assumed I had lost the ball and purchased another to put in the trans. Now everything works as it should, except for the 1-2 shift at low part throttle: it now "bogs" at the shift unless I am above about half throttle, leaving 1st engaged too long into the shift. So I usually just drive a little more spiritedly than I normally would. I thought the R&R went as easily as any I have ever done, also. I have been very pleasantly surprised how easy this car is to work on.