My Transmission appears to be stuck in 5th gear...
My trans does not down shift. Once I get moving it works great in 5th gear
and on the freeway perfect. I have no idea on this one, it just started that way one morning about a week ago. I have a Trans fault light on the dash,
reverse works fine, and if I try to manually put car in lower gear it still stays in 5th (or top gear).

1998 Jaguar XK8

Thank you for any help

 

That's what they call "Limp Mode" You need to visit a Jag specialist to have the transmission codes read. You may not like the answer. But first, try a hard reset and see if the fault returns. Disconnect the negative battery cable and touch it to the positive post, then reconnect.
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+1

Limp Home Mode stays in 4th gear and the ECM limits engine power.

As with so many faults on the XK8, getting the codes read is the first step in troubleshooting.

Graham

 

Any local auto parts store will be able to read your transmission codes, so that's good news (shorter distance to crawl). Post back when you have them.

 

I will put money on it you will need a new rotary switch on the side of the tranny, takes 30 minutes to change....

Your TCM does not know what gear you are in so goes to a default 3rd so it feels sluggish pulling away but feels OK cruising but no pull if you accelerate, this is to protect you from damaging your gearbox.

Easy job, take a look on eBay $75ish or new is about $400

 

My XJR went into limp mode once while driving on the parkway, After doing a hard reset by disconnecting the battery, it never came back. I'm assuming mine was just some wacky software, has your car shown any signs of tranny trouble before this?

 

I tried the reset, disconnected both cables 2nd time, fault came back no change..

 

No, no sign of trans trouble before this.

 

Switch on the side of the tranny? This sounds really interesting. what side is it on? Could I remove and and clean contacts?

Thanks, Kevin

 

Right hand side, easy to get to

 

This is what the Transmission Rotary Switch looks like:



And this is where you'll find it:



Graham

 

BTW don't forget to put your car details in your signature.

 

Graham- I love reading your posts- it is quite an education. Guessing you are not a former Jaguar factory spanner, you seem to just be a smashing wizard at Jags. Thaks for all you do to and for all of us!

 

Thank you so much! I will try to get to the rotary switch tomorrow. And I updated my user profile...I think...

 

That's better !
(Jaguar should be ABOVE the Tarar8 though).
-JIC you didn't know the TR series were known as Tara in the UK which is a Liverpudlian version of 'Tata' - Goodbye - because they closed every factory that made them!
Hope the Jaguar - Tata thing isn't an omen....

 

Where do I check Transmission Fluid level on a 1998 XK8. My owners manual does not say, and did not recieve my shop manual I orderd yet.
I looked at the rotary switch but still have not removed it. I can not get my hands up ontop of the trans to unplug the wire.

I would like to check fluid level first. I am worried I might have a bad transmission...

Kevin

 

I know alot of people in the UK were not happy because the better built Triumphs went to the USA, and the ones made in the old factorys were for the UK. And the TR8 was never even released in the UK. Too bad because it
is a very durable dependable car.

I think Jaguar is here to stay though

 

If you consult the DIY sticky's near the top of the forum page you will find instructions for changing and also checking the fluid. You will be amazed at how complicated they make it as there is no dip stick.

 

I cant seem to find instructions on how to check the trans fluid level?

 

Here's the link to the FAQ (click on the * below):

*

See post #2 in the thread.

Graham