Auto tranny fluid change
 

Hi folks!
My car has done only 18500 kms in 10 years .
I have got the diff oil changed .
Planning on changing the trans fluid.
Read the relevant threads .
Should I go for full flush with pan/filter/sleeve change?
The car is running flawlessly.
Thanks!

If the total mileage of the car is only 18.5k then I would leave it alone if it is running well unless it has been submerged under water or something similar. If you did decide to change the fluid you might as well do the full pan/filter/sleeve etc. but it will be a waste of time as the fluid will be like new. Although Jaguar's "sealed for life" recommendation is nonsense, the ZF gearboxes are definitely "sealed for more than 18.5k".

Richard

According to ZF 80,000 to 120,000 KM or after 8 years at the least.

That may well be true but time-based oil changes of any kind have only ever been an industry way of guaranteeing revenue.

Richard

No she's never been submerged.
Guess I am searching for time based changes to the fluid in the auto tranny or something like it.
Thanks Richard! for you've strengthened my belief that the tranny fluid should be fine on account of the low milage.

:
I dunno about that Richard - I found this on tinternet:

April 26th 2011

ZF Automatic Passengercar parts distributers

Dear Distributor:

It has come to our attention there is confusion in the field regarding service intervals and fluid recommendations for ZF 5HP and 6HP applications.

ZF has promoted lifetime service for many 5HP and 6HP factory filled transmissions. Lifetime is not clearly defined and each OEM manufacture has there own philosophy. ZF stands behind lifetime recommendation where listed in the vehicle operator’s manual. ZF engineered and tested our fluids to retain its characteristics through normal lifetime operating conditions. However, a spirited driving style, special environmental considerations and other individual driving factors may place higher than normal loads on transmission fluids. To assure proper operation it is advisable to perform a drain and fill at 100,000km/62,000 miles or eight years.

Unless it's leaking, leave it alone.

Indeed. All the oil companies state the such time change intervals. They are all nonsense. The base material for oil has been in storage for millions of years and processed oil, with the additive packages, will remain perfectly stable for dozens of years. Over the last 55 years I have only ever changed any oil on the basis of mileage. The only exception would be a car which is going to be laid up and not run up to full operating temperature for longer than a year in which case I would ensure the oil is relatively fresh before laying up.

Richard

My two cents, worth maybe half that, attached is the letter that @McJag222 references. That said, the OP is @ 18.5k kilometers on a 9 year old car. The biggest risk to the transmission (or the engine for that matter) would be gasket seal leaks from non usage imo.

If you want to follow the manufacturer's recommendation, do the drain and fill.

Ya, dats the "letter" Sean - when I read that I decided to get the oil and filter pan replaced a few years ago at around the 7-8 year mark.. I think the total cost was around $700 Canadian at the Jag dealership. The dealership was unaware of the ZF service recommendations.

...drive it more!

I got her 3 months back from a school batchmate and friend at the low odo reading of 18000 km
I've been driving her every alternate day man .
Thanks No Quarter!

Thanks Sean W!
Will go ahead with the drain and fill
Sorry to the mods for back to back posts , will try to multi quote next time , am a newbie

I changed all of my fluids at around 15K, 6 years, including the trans. The trans fluid is mineral based and is not synthetic which may explain the 6-8 year useful effective life.

Drain and fill with the amount that comes out. I only replace the pan if its leaking

Surely you can't replace the filter without replacing the pan?

Richard

Most every one and place say Six Quarts or liter of fluid to be installed, but mine took 9-1/2 quarts to full.

You dont have to replace the filter that often. Have you ever seen a dirty zf6 transmission filter? Ive owned the car for about 5 years and Ive replaced the pan/filter once and then just the fluid once every two years to ensure that it remains as fresh as it can be. I do drive a lot so its how I do it. Im sure that I will again replace the pan/filter/mechatronic sleeve but only if the pan starts to leak. It’s not as expensive to maintain a ZF6 if you simply swap out as much fluid you can get out without having to tear it all apart.

You also don't have to replace the fluid that often ..... however, I do agree that if you are replacing the fluid every couple of years then you definitely don't need to replace the filter every time.

Richard

If it was my car and plan to keep it for a long time I would change the transmission fluid and filter for piece of mind. Like others has said, its a semi-synthetic transmission fluid and ZF recommends to change it based on age and mileage. If you're worried you can stick with the OE ZF fluids. I personally used Amsoil 100% Synthetic transmission fluid to keep oxidation levels and temperatures low without thermal runaway when driving spiritedly.

Its not hard to do the drain and fill of the transmission fluid and you can either DIY or go to a transmission shop. The auto 6 speed is a fairly common transmission use by BMW, Ford etc.