my 2003 XK8 started showing oil on the concrete. It is coming from a hose that passes next to the alternator and looks like it goes towards the radiator or an oil cooler. The hose connects to a metal line with a crimp connection and that seems to disappear under the engine somewhere.
Anyone out there that can tell me what this hose is and how to change it?
I did not get a chance to look too much as it was 40 degrees F with a wind blowing and the car was barely jacked up enough to see what I did see.
I hate winter.
Thanks

 

Sounds like the power steering line. Is yours a 4.0?

Many members replace the crimp with a fitting with hose clamps.

 

Mine is a 4.2. It is definitely leaking at the crimp point.
What type of fitting and hose clamps do people use?
I was thinking that if you just cut the crimp out and slid the hose over the pipe that it would not be good enough just using a hose clamp.
Thanks

 

It's very common for that power steering cooler hose to leak. I think I recall that the cooler is on the low-pressure/return side of the circuit, so hose clamps should work - maybe use two hose clamps for insurance.

Cheers,

Don

 

What’s interesting is that that leak is common with the 4.0 and not with the 4.2.

 

Our 2003 XJ8 has the 4.0L and our 2004 had the 4.2L. I can't remember when the X100s got the 4.2L.

 

Here in the U.S. the 2003 to 2006 XK8s / XKRs came with the 4.2 engine.

 

According to Ford Archives and other sources, my 2003 XK8 Coupe as built in Jan 2002, assigned a VIN # and held until the 2003 build and in May 2002.It has the 4.2L. and ZF 6HP26 transmission. occasionally my VIN # creates a confusion with Jaguar Dealers due to the model change over and having the last few VIN#'s from 2002 models. The car even came with a 4.0L growler on the front. You know, use the last one before we change to the 4.2L emblem. Seems a common practice for British Car Makes in past? :-)

 

Mine is definitely a 4.2L. and has the crappy ZF 6HP26 transmission.
Being as it looks like it is on the cooler side which is the return line to the reservoir, I may try the hoses clamps.
My 1971 Cutlass has hose clamps on the return and it only will leak if they aren't tight

 

The 6HP26 is far better and more reliable than the 5HP24 in the 4.0L cars. But it does need regular service, like any other transmission (pan/filter, fluid, electrical connector sleeve and Mechatronic seals), and yours might also benefit from the 2005 firmware update.

Cheers,

Don

 

^^ Agreed. Fresh ATF is always a good idea in these aging cars....

 

My 2006 XK8 had that leak about three years ago. Just cut the metal tube with a mini tubing cutter (tight, but possible), slide on two hose clamps and a short length of hose...good to go.
Or you can replace the line which includes the power steering cooler...a bit on the expensive side.

 

The X100 4.2 has an oil cooler in front of the radiator. In addition, a transmission oil cooler in the left (in the direction of travel) side box of the radiator. Also the mentioned hoses to the power steering pump.
According to the description i would guess it has to be the hoses from the oil cooler.

I wanted to replace the cooler hoses on my 4.2 and have them pressed onto the existing pipes. Unfortunately, I couldn't find anyone because it's aluminum tubes and nobody wanted to take on the warranty risk. Understandable when you consider the damage that can result.

For the same reason, I would also advise against repairing with hose clamps considering the oil pressure is up to 5 bar.

Fritz

PS: I share your opinion about winter. ;-)

 

Pantera928,
As Don B says, it sounds like the dreaded Norma connector.
Refer to this post to identify https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...entify-252678/

 

Well, with respect to the 6HP26, I still think it is crap. I have changed the fluid and filter several times. Done the adaptations a few times, replaced the seals for the solenoid pack and the tube seals above the mechatronics unit. All result in making it better but only for 1000 miles or so.
Not sure what a 2005 FW upgrade is or how to get it and my local dealer is clueless too.

 

What are the symptoms of misbehavior?

The firmware update is available via IDS/SDD, the Jaguar dealer diagnostic software that was contemporaneous to your car. Some dealers may no longer have IDS or SDD or may have no technician remaining who knows how to use it.

Cheers,

Don

 

Well Don, since you asked.
Sometimes it will shift harshly but most of the time no issue.
sometimes it makes the groan(squawk) and throws a code dealing with a 5th/6th gear ratio error and goes into limp mode.
Most days it is fine. I do not drive the car hard as it is not a fast car. It has 80,000 miles on it and has been acting up since I bought it with 67,000 miles on it.
My local dealer is pretty much useless. I once took it in back in 2020 for adaptations and they only had one guy and one set up that could do it.
I have since bought a Foxwell device with Jaguar/Rover specific software on it and can do the adaptation routine myself.
I have tried the Lifeguard 6 and the Ford Mercon fluid for the ZF.
Ideas where I can get the FW upgrade since my dealer is useless? I can do FW upgrades if I have the proper files and equipment. I do this on control system firmware for a living.
Thanks

 

Hi Greg,

That must be very frustating! It does sound as though a firmware update or "reconfiguring the TCM" could be helpful, but you may also need the special additive to reduce squawking/chirping. I'm attaching some of the TSBs Jaguar has published in response to 6HP26 issues. Some mention replacing the fluid, some clearing the adaptations, some reconfiguring the TCM (updated the firmware), and some replacing one liter of ATF with a special anti-squawk additive. Some may not be relevant to your symptoms, but they may give you a better understanding of known problems and possible solutions. The published literature often mentions harsh shifts between lower gears (1/2, 2/3), but I have found that the final firmware update Jaguar released for the 6HP26 (in 2005) usually resolves harsh shifts between other gears as well.

To update the TCM/Mechatronic, you need a working installation of a suitable version of JLR SDD, WDS or IDS. You also need a suitable vehicle communication interface (VCI) such as a Ford VCM (not a VCMII or VCM2), a genuine Drew Technologies Mongoose JLR version, or one of the other approved interfaces. Both the VCM and JLR Mongoose have been discontinued, so you would need to find a good used one. The JLR Mongoose cable was copied or cloned, and it is possible that clones are still available. But the clones do not seem to be as reliable as the genuine Drew Technologies version so programming modules with the clones is risky. I did my first couple of 6HP26 firmware updates with a Mongoose clone and they successfully completed, but only after 45 minutes or more, which gave me plenty of time to worry that the TCMs had been bricked.

I don't know where you are in Georgia, but it would be great if you could find a good independent Jaguar specialist who has a working SDD system and knows how to use it. I use either SDD v. 131.03 or v. 134 depending on the age of the vehicle, but I believe the TSBs mention that any version from 116 should work (I may be wrong about that). The earliest version I have is 125, and it does not seem to have all of the calibration files that my later versions have.

There are other possible causes of transmission misbehavior, such as fluid contamination of the transmission electrical connector, CAN problems, engine running problems, etc. For example, have you had codes for misfires, MAFS, lean or rich running, the crank sensor or ABS system? The MAFS is the primary source for the engine torque signal that is critical for orchestrating smooth gearshifts, so cleaning or replacing your MAFS as aged-based maintenance may be helpful. The engine speed signal comes from the crankshaft position sensor, and the vehicle speed signal comes from the ABS system via a wheel speed sensor, so any diagnostic trouble codes related to those could be contributing to transmission misbehavior.

And of course it is possible that your transmission has an internal problem such as a hardened or cracked Mechatronic bridge seal, compressed Mechatronic tubular seals, or a failing solenoid or pressure regulator. In addition to flushing the fluid, have you also replaced the pan/filter, electrical connector sleeve, and Mechatronic seals?

Also, low battery voltage or low voltage to the ECM, TCM or ABS module can cause problems, so it's good maintenance to periodically clean your B+ power connections between the battery in the trunk and the fuses boxes in the trunk and engine bay and the alternator and starter, and to also clean your important ground points in the trunk and engine bay (especially the ones referenced by the engine management system and TCM) and engine ground strap. Also check for water ingress at the ECM electrical connector, and have your alternator output tested for good voltage regulation and low AC ripple.

Cheers,

Don

 

Thanks Don. I have already read most of the TSBs. Also I am told that the additive is no longer available but that it is part of Lifeguard 6. True?
This car has provided no codes to help with diagnosis.
I can check some of the connections and grounds you mentioned. This is a typical issue on Alfas that I work on.
THe battery has been tested and always tests good even though it is 6 years old.
You mentioned, "And of course it is possible that your transmission has an internal problem such as a cracked Mechatronic bridge seal, compressed Mechatronic tubular seals, or a failing solenoid or pressure regulator. In addition to flushing the fluid, have you also replaced the pan/filter, electrical connector sleeve, and Mechatronic seals?"
I have replaced the filter/pan a couple of times. Also have replaced the tube seals and electrical connector sleeve.
I have considered a rebuilt Mechatronics unit but that is a very expensive part if it is not needed. Also, sources for rebuilt ones seem to vary a lot in price and quality. Any recommendations?
I am not familiar with the following that you mentioned.
To update the TCM/Mechatronic, you need a working installation of a suitable version of JLR SDD, WDS or IDS. You also need a suitable vehicle communication interface (VCI) such as a Ford VCM (not a VCMII or VCM2), a genuine Drew Technologies Mongoose JLR version, or one of the other approved interfaces. Both the VCM and JLR Mongoose have been discontinued, so you would need to find a good used one. The JLR Mongoose cable was copied or cloned, and it is possible that clones are still available. But the clones do not seem to be as reliable as the genuine Drew Technologies version so programming modules with the clones is risky. I did my first couple of 6HP26 firmware updates with a Mongoose clone and they successfully completed, but only after 45 minutes or more, which gave me plenty of time to worry that the TCMs had been bricked.

I don't know where you are in Georgia, but it would be great if you could find a good independent Jaguar specialist who has a working SDD system and knows how to use it. I use either SDD v. 131.03 or v. 134 depending on the age of the vehicle, but I believe the TSBs mention that any version from 116 should work (I may be wrong about that). The earliest version I have is 125, and it does not seem to have all of the calibration files that my later versions have.

FYI, I am in the Atlanta area in Georgia

THanks

 

Hi Greg,

You may be right that the additive has been discontinued. My records show that the Jaguar part number was C2C 37157 and the product was actually ZF Lifeguard Fluid One, part number S671.090.288. A quick search for both of those numbers turns up no hits. I have a faint memory of someone having identified a third-party equivalent, but I am probably thinking of the power steering fluid additive. Hopefully other members will recall.

Lifeguard 6 ATF was apparently revised fairly early on, at least by December of 2004, since Jaguar issued a TSB regarding squeal or squeak noises from the transmission and instructing that "the transmission needs to be flushed and the fluid replaced with a new specification fluid." (TSB attached) But as late as 2007, Jaguar was still recommending the use of the additive to address squawk. (TSB was attached to my previous post). So I don't have a definitive answer as to whether the revised Lifeguard 6 contains the additive. Hopefully other members will remember, but it may be moot if the additive is no longer available.

Jaguar Land Rover Worldwide Diagnsostic System (WDS), Integrated Diagnostic System (IDS) and Symptom Driven Diagnostics (SDD) were Ford-era diagnostic systems used by Jaguar dealerships during the years when X100s/X103s were manufactured and serviced under warranty. Independent shops that specialize in Jaguars often have one or more of these systems on hand. Many Jaguar dealerships apparently no longer do or lack personnel with the knowledge to use them.

Downloading and setting up SDD is not necessarily easy, but it is usually doable with the right laptop and OS. The bigger challenge is finding a correct vehicle communications interface such as the ones I mentioned. There is a lot of information on SDD in the X350 forum if you want to learn more - use the Advanced Search function.

Cheers,

Don