Are there any differences in the ATF replacement/top-up processes between the 5sp and 6sp transmissions?
Is there a post somewhere that succinctly sets out the complete process?

 

The procedure is the same.
Between 30 and 50 degrees Centigrade is the MAX and MIN levels. (30 will give the MAX)

If 50 is reached before the fill is complete, put plug in and stop to cool down, then resume.

I put the car on the lift and leave it overnight to start COLD in the morning.
Fill it until it drips, start the engine and fill like crazy (work quickly) and stop when it reaches the upper 20s to lower 30s Centigrade.

The hotter it gets, the lower the level will be for specifications.

 

What temperature are you measuring and how?.

Also, to simply check the ATF level do you run it to 30* C then open the plug and go from there?

 

I have two WDS and two IDS machines but I usually just 'lazy-out' and use my non contact IR thermometer on the cooler outlet pipe to the radiator.
The aluminum pipe conducts heat fairly well so is pretty accurate.

You can run the engine from cold and remove the level plug.
It SHOULD start dripping at 30 degrees Centigrade.

 

In a previous thread it was stated that opening the fill plug when the transmission is cold will result in a significant loss of ATF. Is this untrue?

 

Yes, the engine must be running.

 

It's true, IF you remove the plug with the engine not running. Fluid level should always be checked with the engine running.

 

The question at hand is:

"Must the transmission be up to temperature before opening the plug?"

 

No. The engine should be running. Then you can safely remove the plug. If the trans is properly filled it will not lose fluid until the trans comes up to temp. Then it should start to dribble out of the fill hole.

 

Much appreciated!
Running and in gear or in Park?

 

Running in Park or Neutral. You do need to go through the gears when refilling but not to check the level.

Richard

 

Opening the transmission fill plug when the engine isn't running will result in a significant loss of ATF.

When the engine is running the transmission pump moves the ATF around and lowers the level in the transmission pan.

ATF expands when its warm, so the cold level should be below the fill plug (when the engine is running). As the ATF expands it should seep out the level pug at 30C (MAX level) or 50 (MIN level).

HTH, Dave

 

Is there a known quantity of ATF difference related to the 20* C temperature range for transmission filling?

I ask because, upon checking the ATF level today, after having a local indy drop the pan/filter and refilling it last month, I added about 600cc/20oz, right at 30*C. I wonder if this amount of ATF is within the 20*C temperature range?

 

After recently checking the ATF level and adding some to it, i have now got an ATF leak which is apparent at the right rear corner of the transmission. While that would imply a leak from the fill plug it was tight when checked.
i removed the plug again to check whether there might be a plug seal gone bad, but what looks like a fiber seal seems to be integral with the plug. Also, the information that AI has found suggested that there isn't a separate seal on that plug.
Am i missing something?

 

IIRC most of these plugs now have an o-ring integrated into the underside of the head. But I think the OEM style has an integrated gasket. Just replace the plug with a new one.

 

I'm having trouble identifying a replacement fill plug. Does anyone have a OEM or jobber part number for this plug?

 

The ZF part number is 0501322895. ZF is the manufacturer of the trans. You'll see it has an integrated o-ring underneath the bolt head.

 

Like the one pictured here, I presume. It looks like the one I have. Is it a single use, or limited use item? It seems that mine leaks.

 

Best practice is to replace it after every fluid change. However, in real life, they will often last for at least 2 changes. If yours is original and this is the first time it's been off, then that o-ring is flat and can't be reused.

 

Wow, you'd think Canada was some distal planet when searching for Jaguar parts! I cannot find this part available from any Jaguar dealer or jobber here in BC by using the car information nor with the ZF part number.

Given that Ford also used this transmission, is there a Ford vehicle or part number that I can try ?