Anybody help? Trying to get "tranny" oil changed in a 14 xkr 5.0 with zf6hp28 6 speed, local fitter said lifeguard 8 is now the oil used, however I've seen Don's early post on oil change in transmissions and there is no overlap, according to Ford. As of 7/1/21, ZF stated that lifeguard 6 should be used, not 8, as Audi is the only maker that has software update to allow 8 to be used in earlier model transmissions and Jags has not. Quote "you may encounter transmission damage if lifeguard 8 is used". Is this correct as of 3/11/21 ?
Thank you gentlemen for any assistance.

 

according to ZF these are not “entirely” compatible.
https://aftermarket.zf.com/go/en/aft...s-data-sheets/

only specific 6hp transmissions may use LifeGuard 8.

I always like to see statements like this:
ZF automatic transmissions are generally filled with lifetime oil. However, due to the many fac- tors influencing the service life of transmissions in individual operation, ZF recommends an oil change after 150,000 km for its transmissions.

jeepers!

and finally, to add complexity from the lifeguard 6 data sheet
ZF LifeguardFluid 6 has been specially developed for usage in 6HP automatic transmissions from ZF. However, there are some exceptions to this rule, namely that ZF LifeguardFluid 8 must be used to fill the following 6HP transmission models: 6HP19A, 6HP19X, 6HP26A61 and 6HP28AF. The approvals for each specific case can be found in the ZF List of Lubricants TE-ML 11 (www.zf.com/schmierstoffe).
Please note that only ZF LifeguardFluid 6 may be used for these transmissions (where applica- ble, also available as genuine spare part from the relevant Original Equipment Manufacturer). Using other oils can lead to various adverse effects, ranging from significant deterioration in shifting characteristics to transmission failure. In principle, an oil change is only necessary when repairs are carried out.

 

According to the attached ZF 6 speed parts summary, lifeguard 6 is the correct ATF for most 6HP28 transmissions.

 

Did a lot of research on this for the BMW part of my ownership. ZF has published many times that LG6 should be changed between 50-70K miles. BMW and others originally said it was "lifetime", causing many to say that at BMW transmission "lifetime" was measured by when the ZF died. Later BMW said 100K miles for a fluid refresh. IMHO, good practice is to follow ZF's advice, not the auto manufacturer's on this one. As always, lubricants are cheap and metal is expensive.

Also, fluid condition is highly variable over time depending on how much the transmission is flogged and how hot the fluid gets. You can dump black (worn) fluid out of a 60K mile transmission, and amber out of 120K.

LG6 is getting cheaper. Though LG6 is preferred, the fluid spec is Shell 1374.5. Never been clear if ZF has additional additives included beyond the Shell spec. Though I'd use LG6, I probably wouldn't sweat it if I had to use a compatible 1354.5. I certainly wouldn't use any "universal" fluids, or things like Pentosin ATF1. Might be fine, but a new tranny is $7-10K. Using non-spec fluid seems like false economy in a job you might do once in the lifetime of the car.

Interesting data on the use on LG8 on certain 6 speed ZFs. I recall LG8 being a lot pricier.

Anyway, IMHO, and YMMV

 

Agreed, but Guy is right that certain ZF6 transmissions require LG8. Picky, I know, but well...

See bottom of attached image.

BTW, thanks for the parts catalog. Good info, saved.

 

never buy LG6 for any reason unless you can’t find mercon SP in your area

 

To go along with this, change kits state that six quarts of replacement fluid are required...
MY car took almost TEN quarts until full. Luckily I had bought a case of 12 quarts, two and a half of which I still have.

 

Just so less knowledgeable folks aren't confused, LG6 is of course fine to use and the usual recommended fluid. It is somewhat expensive. Mercon SP is the version Ford uses in its ZF 6 transmissions, and is much cheaper. If you do use a Mercon, make sure it's the one spec'd for ZF use by Ford.

 

I usually get 7, and dump 5 in a refresh. If I drop the filter pan and mechatronics, I get another liter+ or so out. Last couple of times I had 1/2 bottle left over.

To get 10 in, you must have somehow got the fluid out of the torque converter and cooler loop? Love to know how, since like a lot of owners I don't like mixing new with old during a refresh.

Just curious.

 

I just changed my 6hp26 fluid in August. As I recall, about 6 liters came out by draining the pan. About another liter when I changed the pan so 7 liters total. Mercon SP worked fine in my transmission and only $7 USD per liter at my local foreign parts store

 

you let it drain overnight and it’s like 9 or so

 

When I changed my transmission fluid, 2014 XKR, with only about 16,000 miles, I used expensive genuine Jaguar fluid. I also purchased Lifeguard 6, but never used it. The Jaguar fluid and Lifeguard looks and smells the same. Both are mineral based. Being mineral based and not synthetic, in my opinion, it is good to change it after 6 years. You will never get 100% of the old fluid out. I used 13 litres of Jaguar fluid. I drained the fluid, replaced the pan/filter, replaced the fluid quantity drained, then cycled about 6 litres through the in/out ports of the transmission with the car running. Finally, I did a proper fill level check following the recommended fill procedure.

I would use fluid that is as close as possible to the original because there will be mixing; although, members have used the Ford spec fluid successfully. These transmissions are very sensitive. In my opinion, it is best to keep your maintenance to restore your XKR to as close as possible to original condition. If your transmission is operating perfectly I would not mess with changing any seals and dropping the mechatronic unit, other than the casing seal if it is leaking. I would not use Fluidgard 8.
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Thank you gentlemen for your info and advice, much appreciated.

 

Lifeguard 6 if you're choosing ZF recommended oil - see attached. You can easily contact ZF for confirmation as to whether their recommendations have changed.