Recently we changed fluid only (Mercon SP) in my 2003 XK8. Drove 800+ miles and had noticed a noise that was never present up to the change. The fluid was changed along with filter at 118K and fluid only again so most was fresh. At 160K we changed fluid only and the above noted noise appeared. Research indicated possibly a new Filter, Mechatronic Sleeve, Bridge Seal (Double Sq.) & 4 Valve Body Tube seals could help. We changed these (OEM ZF Parts) along with 7+ qts of New Mercon SP, performed the 5+ adaptive drive cycles recommended by ZF. The shifts up and down are very smooth and the Squawk has diminished but still there on kick down from 6th. Additional research revealed BMW, Audi and others (Ford) using the 6HP26 had this situation occur. Jaguar addressed this in a TSB JTB00070 with a NLA Fluid Additive. Ford also had this noise as they have a version of the 6HP26 (6R80) using ZF design under license from ZF. Ford was only other company to utilize an additive for the squawk. Their TSB 14-0100 lists the additive kit and instructions for its use. The Ford 6R80 was used from 2005 thru 20013+ but the 2013 cutoff date was when Ford changed to Mercon LV. The later is of no use to our situation. The Squawk Kit is Motorcraft XL16 and has 2 parts (tubes) Friction Reducer and Tracer(Do Not Use). The instructions for the 6R80 (6HP26) instructs one to use 10 ML of the tube of FR (tube contains 16ML). You can read the TSB by using Google. Several Ford Truck users have posted favorable results after using the XL 16 kit. Remember; Ford stopped having Mercon SP for a while, then had to re introduce it due to the older 6R80 having problems using the newer LV fluid.
A call to ZF N.A.(thanks to Jon) revealed the noise was probably the E clutches chattering if the noise was not present originally. Apparently there are 2 ways to deal with this noise. 1. Have the TCM reflashed using dealer lever software (Dealer does not want our old cars in shop) and 2. Use NLA Jaguar additive or Lifegard 8.. We contend the Motorcraft Kit XL16 should also address this squawk issue, but have not tried it. The kit is listed from $57 to $75+ on different sites. The local Ford Dealer should be able to source it also. This post contains our conclusions based on available data at this time relative to the 6HP26 and Ford 6R80. The positive results reported by Ford users also impacted our theories.

 

Thanks for the details, Kelly. The guys at ZF Tech Support in Chicago told me five or six years ago that the squawk is merely a nuisance and does not indicate any internal damage is being done. If you decide to try the Ford kit, keep us posted on your results....

 

instant shudder fixx does the same thing. hell i know of rebuilders who use actual posi additive

 

Further Research reveals a OLD (NLA Jaguar additive # JLM21906). This is probably "Old Hat" info to most but just discovered today. Xalty's post was not clear, but he refers to Lubegard "Instant Suddder Fixx" additive. Found the Lubegard on Amazon for $6 for 2 fl.oz. tube. The Posi additive could be OK, ( Ford XL-3 Posi Additive 4 fl.oz. or 118.? ML) but how much to add?? The Motorcraft XL-16 indicates (9-10 ML) where the Lubegard contains 2 fl.oz (59.2 ML). The NLA Jaguar # JLM21906 for 1Ltr or 33.8 fl.oz. Perhaps the Lubegard will be my first attempt to remedy the Squawk. Maybe one of above will eliminate the SQUAWK. Future update pending.

 

In my recently purchased 03 (70k), the local (expensive) "Brit/Italian/German" garage did an ATF/seal change. Not pleased that they decided to use Valvoline MaxLife (rather than Mercon) w/o asking me. So far, shifting is super smooth but got the "squawk" almost immediately. It lasted for 50 miles then disappeared. I've driven several hundred miles trouble free. Am to glad to hear it's just a nuisance and not a major problem.

 

best x100 I've owned so far. solves problem w/o me having to do anything. had the standard "check lights/cruise non op" message. intermittent and never at start up. once on, it stayed on for the rest of the drive. now, it's gone (at least temporarily).

 

Good new for you. I've ordered a XL_16 kit from a Ford dealer online set to arrive on Tuesday next week. Will try 10ML of the Friction Reducer and see what that does. The Valvoline Maxlife is a quality fluid, just do not have experience with it. The XP is priced reasonable and works so many will keep using it. ZF changed the friction material around 2013-2014 and the Lifegard to cure the Squawk.. Apparently it did cure it. Glad to hear you have no more noise. Will report after install of the XL-16 and share info.

 

UPDATE on Suawk. The Motorcraft XL-16 has 2 tubes of additive but we used only a portion of 1 tube. The 6HP26 and Ford 6R80 are both ZF designs, Ford trucks has had the Squawk in their transmissions up thru 2013. The reason for delay in update is my accident that included a Broken Right Femur and recovery complicated by my MS. In a Rehab facility from March to June and unable to drive or travel until August. Recovery slow but improving. Drove the XK8 recently 45 miles and the Squawk is now a very light Groan. The loud noise has has quieted and hope it disappears as additional miles will allow the transmission to adapt. The shifts are very smooth and better that they were prior to the fluid change. We will accumulate additional miles and report back in the future regarding the Squawk.

 

Best wishes with your ongoing recovery, Kelly. Sounds like you are making steady progress....