First of all, let me do an intro, as after 4 months of searching and 3 weeks of negotiating, I am the proud new owner of an excellent condition X2000 K8 (Metallic Black with/Tan int.).

Been reading some posts, and seems there are some top knowledge Jag brass on this forum. Hope to be there soon enough, although I've researched and read so much already, I actually knew more about the car than the previous owner!

So here's my first issue and the one that has me most concerned... When I'm driving the car slow and smooth, shifting is great, but once I hit the gas for some sporty action, I get knocking hard shifts. The last time this happened, I made it happen two more times to see if I could get a feel for what team issue is, and then the "gearbox failure" msg came up. I parked and turned off the car for 5 mins, then started dating again and at least the error was gone, but I'm sure the hard shifting is still here. Now, when I drove the car down from Daytona on Tuesday, the car was well warmed up after 250+ miles of hwy, and the hard shifting seemed to be gone, even when I almost floored it two or three times. Does anyone know what this problem may be, and most of all, the fix and its cost.

I know it's a maintenance free Mercedes tranny, the same in my '02 CLK-430 actually, and that box is great, but tends to have electronic control module issues.

Anyone have some info and ideas?? Thanks!!

*****

 

Welcome *****! If your car is actually an xk8, you won't have the mercedes transmission, you'll have the ZF5hp24. The merc tranny was only available on the XKRs from 1999 (I think that was the first year for the 'R') to 2002.

If the shifts appear much better after being warmed up, most likely the fluid is low, or in need a good change. Don't wait on that either, and if you want to do it yourself, you'll only be into about $300 for the fluid and new pan w/ gasket. The bolts will sometime be too rusted to remove without shearing them or stripping the small star head, so be ready for a fight and replacement of a few of them if you do.

 

Matt,

That's exactly why I join forums like this... So I am definitely corrected! Thanks so much as to that IMPORTANT clarification. I figured (or more like was hoping...) That the problem was fluid, so I'm going to get on that asap! What else can you tell me about the ZF5HP24 Tranny??

What will a Jag mechanic or dealer charge to do the job?? (I have major time constraints...)

Thanks!!!

*****

 

Check the FAQ's ( https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...ts-data-29800/ ) at the top of the thread list in XK8/XKR section.

Scroll down to Transmission for info on ZF5HP24.

I hadn't noticed you have a 9 post total so far. You'll need one more post to be able to download form the FAQ's. (thanks to RJ237)

Graham

 

Graham, can he access the FAQ's with 9 posts? I dno't remember the rules.
RJ_________________
97 XK8 Conv. 85K mi

 

Ooops. You've remembered better than me! Can access but not download attachments.

I'll go and stand in the corner and give myself a

Graham

 

I will join the chorus on changing the transmission fluid and filter. It should make a big difference. Be sure to get the correct fliud and in the meantime avoid spirited driving or any driving if possible.

Good luck and enjoy the road ahead.

 

Anyone can grab downloads linked on the forum that is hosted off-site, like mediafire, or there's still some on my personal zenfolio account I think also. Its the files that one 'uploads' to the forum through the message reply box through "attachment" that is subject to the newbie limitation rules.

 

Thanks guys! I'll look into it there... Now I just need to find a trusty Jag mechanic in the Miami / South FL area. Anyone know someone on this forum from South FL that may be able to point me in the right direction?

Thanks again!!! (liking this forum already)...

*****

 

check out the 'regional' area *****, that's the area we promote for recommendations and warnings

 

Well, unfortunately the gearbox went into limp mode yesterday enroute to towards the area where I found a Jag mechanic (Rick in Coral Gables, Gabes Cats). It won't start out of 1st, so when I try to move fwd, it just edges forward veeeerrry slowly then all a sudden it gives a big thump as it engages what seems to be 2nd gear and then shifts normally from there till I stop again. Of course, the amber dash lighting on with the "gearbox failure" malfunction message popping up. It did this once before, but after turning the car off for 30+ mins, it went away till yesterday. Rick at Gables Cats opens on Monday morning, so I didnt sleep much last night, nor will I tonight. I guess I just hate not knowing what to expect, but having just spent some heavy $$$ on purchasing the car, I'm truly hoping I don't need a new box....

In the mean time, if anyone can shed any info whatsoever, which will also prep me to ensure this new mechanic is being up front with me (although he's been around for a long time and has some reputable reviews online), that would be great!!

Thanks!!

*****

 

Do a search for A drum failure, *****. It will not give you a warm feeling. Many members have done the replacement them selves, but it's not like changing spark plugs.
RJ_______________
97 XK8 Conv 85K mi