Glad yours is on the mend, John!

Still struggling here with what direction to take. Quick question: I see ZF6 transmissions are designated "E Shift" and "M Shift" The XKs are M Shift models. Are the valve bodies interchangeable?

Thanks,
Mickey

 

That is a good question and I do not know what M shift and E shift means.

Right now I have the XKR transmission with XKR valve body, and XKR solenoids, installed but with the XJR TCM and it flashed just fine.

Just found the following:The photos in Figures 2-17 show the differences between the ZF6 Generation 1 and 2 valve body components for both the "M-shift" (manual valve) and "E-shift" (solenoid controlled manual valve) version. There are some obvious differences between the E- and M-shift versions within each generation, which would be expected due to the method in which the manual valve is operated. Upon closer examination, though, there are significant differences between Generation 1 and 2 whether you are looking at the E- or M-shift versions; even many of the end plugs are slightly different in size. Attention to detail is a definite must when rebuilding these valve bodies. (By the way, forget about trying to swap Generation 1 and Generation 2 solenoids - they have different flow rates. In fact, during a rebuild, you should make every effort to put a solenoid back in its original location because the TCM learns their flow rates.)

All from: https://www.sonnax.com/tech_resource...2-valve-bodies

 

Well, that's clear as mud!

Why does this have to be this difficult??

 

I dunno really!

Information is spread all over the place and no single article ever seems to be complete.

 

OK, finally got some answers. Called ZF tech support and was told that replacement valve bodies specific to our Xks are available. Was given three sources, one of them right up the road in Knoxville. I called them (company name "Whatever It Takes Transmission Parts") and gave the ID # from the transmission, along with the car's VIN. Not only is the valve body available, but it will come already programmed to the car, eliminating the necessity of having that done at the dealership. The kit also includes a new pan/filter, connector sleeve, bridge seal, and the four valve body sealing sleeves. And these are ZF parts. Not cheap - ~$1700 - but knowing that the parts are correct and virtually plug and play is very reassuring.

So, feeling better now!

 

I remember the guys at ZF Tech Support recommending Whatever It Takes Transmission Parts to me back in July 2013 as a source for lower-priced Lifeguard 6 ATF at that time so it appears they have a long-standing relationship with those folks (which is definitely a plus). Good luck and keep us posted on what you decide to do....

 

Hey MickeyR....have a '06 with a TCM fault; needs replaced; what "kit" is it that you may be purchasing from Whatever It Takes? I could not find it.
$1700 is A LOT less than the $4500+ I was told by Jag dealership.

Thanks

 

Hi, Lanny -
It's the valve body assembly (Mechatronic). The TCM is attached to and supplied with the valve body.

 

Lanny,

You do NOT want a Jaguar dealership doing any actual ZF refurbishment. If you indeed require that, you will be much better off at a well-respected independent transmission shop that is very familiar with these 6HP26 units....

 

MickeyR: what part number are you looking at? Wait.....your '03 has the ZF6HP26 trans right? If it does, I find part number 446...but it shows no TCM and is only like $170 or so.....????

Jon: ya got that right! There is a ZF trans shop in Phoenix....I would take it there before letting the Jag "techs" touch it.

 

Don't have a part number, but yes, it's a ZF6HP26. No idea what $170 will get you, but for sure it won't be a valve body! Contact the guys at Whatever It Takes Transmission Parts; they're great to work with.

 

I have not called Whatever....I just went to their website; went under Jaguar ZF6HP26, to an exploded parts diagram, clicked on 446 which pops-open a new window...that is where I got the $170 price...which of course is not going to be a valve body. I was trying to find this "kit" you mentioned...appears it is not on the website. I am not ready to call them as I have not been under the XK8 to get the trans numbers. Something I will be doing due to all this "at home" time.

Good luck with yours.

 

Replacement valve body kit was ordered yesterday. Will update when it gets here and we get it installed.

 

So Mickey....was there a single part number you ordered or a list?....could you post them?

 

Sorry, Lanny - no part number. I ordered the valve body, which according to the guy at Whatever It Takes includes the items mentioned above. Was told that they get them direct from ZF.

When I receive it, I'll post whatever is on the packing list.

Mickey

 

Watching with interest.

Hoping for a good outcome!

 

Me too!

 

Watching "with worm on tongue".....aka...."baited breath".......

 

UPS just delivered! However, no part number on the packing list - just the serial number of the unit.

But the unit is remanufactured using ZF OEM parts by ZF Services North America, and it's pre-programmed to the XK8, based on its VIN. Included with the Mechatronic is a new oil pan/filter, a bridge seal, and the connector sleeve. The four tubular sealing sleeves weren't in the box, but I understood they were supposed to be included. So I called the vendor and he's checking into it - will order those and get them asap.

There is a core charge ($500), but will get that back when I bring the old one in to their location in Knoxville, just a 40 minute drive from here. Don't have to worry about shipping it back! Whatever It Takes Transmission Parts have several locations around the country; the one in Knoxville was most helpful, so have to recommend them highly.

Waiting now for my buddy's lift to be available, and we'll get this swapped out.

Mickey

 

Did you get a reman'ed valve body or just TCM?
Pictures?
Thanks,