G'day, over in NZ. Just bought an '83 Daimler that needs some tlc. Been off the road four years. Having problems selecting gears. Presume it needs adjustment. Had many Jags & Daimlers back in the UK but had a good cheap local mechanic who sorted any problems with the car. No such luck out here in the colonies. It's going to be d.i.y.

 

Welcome to the forum gorrington,

I've moved your question from Jaguar Forums Advice / Feedback & Suggestion Center to XJ6 & XJ12 Series I, II & III forum. Members here with the same model will be able to help.

(Advice / Feedback & Suggestion Center is for posts about the forum and NOT for technical questions)

When you get a minute, please follow this link New Member Area - Intro a MUST - Jaguar Forums - Jaguar Enthusiasts Forum to the New Member Area - Intro a MUST forum and post some info about yourself and your vehicle for all members to see.

In return you'll get a proper welcome and some useful advice about posting to the forum.

Graham

 

Transmission fluid change would be job one i reckon?

 

Could you be more specifc, please?

Is the gear lever hard to move....or what?


Cheers
DD

 

Very stiff, seems to keep getting locked between the p d r etc. It's been parked up for a long time. Once in gear it seems to drive ok, only driven it a short distance onto the trailer.
Thanks.

 

Well, as I see it, the problem could be 4 things: a fault in the gearshift mechanism itself, a sticky/almost seized shift cable, a problem with the selector shaft inside the transmission, or the cable bracket on the underside of the body has broken off.

You could remove the console trim panel to inspect the operation of the gearshift mechanicals. I've never heard of an outright failure but I wouldn't be the least bit surprised of the mechanism is dirty/sticky. A bit of cleaning and lubricating might do the trick.

Next you'll have to get under the (safely elevated) car. Look for the little bracket that holds the shift cable housing. If it is broken the the cable simply will not operate correctly. The cable housing must be held stationary.

Next I'd disconnect the cable from the transmission. If the gearshift operation is now easy and smooth then you'll know the problem is inside the transmission. Not likely, IMHO, but possible.

Last, and most likely, is the cable itself. Corrorded and seized, or perhaps kinked?

If merely seizing up you might be able to restore life by removing it for a thorough soaking with penetrating oil.

Cheers
DD

 

Doug's maintaince protocol will likely fix the issue. The end of the housing that is clamped at the transmission end can fail. If so, gear selection can be erratic or non-existent. Do not force it or the swaged end will depart the housing!

I was reading a car mag the other day and spotted a WD 40 add. it recommended it's use as a pentrant. Whoa, good against moisture, not so much as a penetrating oil. read some more. Tis a penetrating oil blend under the WD40 brand!! I wonder how good it is?

 

WD40 is a mild solvent so I guess is could be considered a 'penetrant' of sorts. I guess it depends what it is you're trying to penetrate!

Haven't heard of or seen a newer/different WD product. I'll have to seek some out to see how it works.

Cheers
DD

 

Undo cable at tranny, if still hard to move try lubing cable assembly with a penetrating oil. The new WD-40 penetrating is OK, but any will do or just tranny fluid. Let soak. If this makes it move easier take out and soak it better and move it around. Be careful as you do not want to scour inside of housing. If all else fails order new cable.