Todays the big road test. I have had the 1st gear lurch ( and hopeful not the damaged front drum) problem with my '99 XK8 ZF 5hp24 trans. My trans only has 55k miles and the issue started about a year ago. Six months ago I had a Jag Tech change the fluid. While the tech stated the fluid was black, no metal filings or heavy clutch material. This service did the repair for about one month. I was able to avoid the lurch if I babied the car till 3rd gear or above till I decided what to do.
After much research I decided to replace the Pressure Regulator Valve in the valve body. ( yes, in the garage on the floor). Safety/ Safety. Used multi good jack stands. To make the task easier for me I removed the exhaust for ease of fluid refill using the proper procedures. Fluid with less than 800 miles was burned again, foul odor, again without any metal file of clutch material in the pan. In addition, I ultimately found the fluid level to be close to 3/4 QT low . Folks, I cannot underline the proper fluid level procedures. No shortcuts. I was surprised when I thought the trans was full and it took another quart of Mobil 1 Synthetic multi trans ATF fluid. So, today is the big road test. I am confident I will see an improvement. Notes to follow. Thank you all for your input. It is greatly appreciated. Rich.

 

good luck!

 

Good luck!

 

good luck - expect to hear positive results!

 

We are supposed to have good weather next days so you can get out and put some miles in and see how she holds up. Keep in mind the car needs to be level when filling, very level. Also when you drain the pan you are not draining the torque converter which holds almost as much as the trans itself, so the 'old smelly' was the mixing of old and new in your last change.

Looking to see good news in your next post.

 

Hi Guys, level while doing task is a must. I purchased a Laser Thermometer from Harbor Freight for $ 27. Well worth the money and it works great! My wife is picking on me for running around the house testing everything. ( gotta make sure it works, right?) I am optimistically pleased at the trans performance after a 60 mile road test. Shifts are more exact, transmission feels stronger. Time will tell if it stays this way. If so I would say it is a success. Thank you all. Rich