Someone tell me if I'm wrong but leaving the sport mode off means that the car starts rolling in second gear..wouldn't that technically cause more strain on the transmission? Plus slower to get up and go obviously and the MPG's would decrease but if putting less abuse on the transmission was the trade off I'd say that's a pretty good reason to leave Sport Mode on. I'm just curious about all this, someone tell me if i'm completely wrong. Thanks!

 

I'm subscribing ... this is interesting

 

I'm guessing from your picture you have a 4.0 XKR with the 722.6 transmission. The engine has a lot of torque so first gear is only needed if you are climbing buildings. That's a very strong and reliable transmission and it doesn't feel any strain starting from second.

That said, I like sport mode because it avoids the frequent shifting between 4th and 5th at 35- 55 mph. Of course, another way to avoid that is to select 4th when driving around town.

 

Appreciate the input, actually it's just the base XK8 not R, would the same logic still apply?

 

I know I have the hard shift from a stop in the cold time to time. I found sport mode did not change that on my 03 XK8

 

I'll add my "Theory" here that Sport Mode puts additional stress and wear on the transmission due to the quicker shifts it provides. Again only MHO.

 

sport mode just changes the computer strategy a little . slightly higher pressures and slightly later shifts . in theory this would wear less on the clutches due to less slippage. slippage or a "longer" or "softer" shift wears more on the friction plates and creates heat.
IMO we're splitting hairs . our ZF's break the forward drum due to a high mainline pressure spike. Valvebody problem of which can be fixed.
722.6 normally fails the lock-up clutch in the torque convertor, again the fix is in the valvebody.
if your going to have these problems "sport mode" or not is not going to be the difference.
If your trans is working good now ,and you want to protect it , one should find a good trans shop to "fix" the problems before they kill the unit . search a couple of companies with your trans ,ZF or 722.6 , Transgo ,Sonnax, Superior

 

Sport+4 for me around town.

Even then, I find hills where it feels like the transmission
should be in a lower gear.

 

The 5HP24 does not start in second, so use the sport mode around town.

 

I had read somewhere that putting a car in neutral at long stops helps keep the trans cool????

 

My 03 has that stupid real quick, split moment slip then hard shift into gear when you pull away from stop lights, stop signs. Does not do it every time and once warmed up it does not do it at all. Based on that I think a pan drop and filter change could fix?

 

If you've yet to drain-and-fill your ATF at more than 100,000 miles, you will be pleasantly surprised at what a difference that will make with the shift performance in your 6HP26. Be sure to read up on using Mercon SP instead of LifeGuard 6 before you decide to pull the trigger. More and more of us are extremely satisfied with Mercon SP's performance in our 6HP26 units....

 

I read that the whole PAN has to be replaced, that the filter is built into it????
So what is Mercon SP's. What is the full name of it, so I know what to tell my shop guy to make sure he puts in the right stuff.

 

Okay guys, this thread started as a discussion of the 5HP24 and you have turned it into a 6HP26 discussion.

KayScotts- there are a couple of things you can do to extend the life of your transmission.
1. Filter and fluid change. I'm not getting into a discussion of what fluid to use.
2. Upgrade of the main pressure valve in the valve body while the pan is off. Either the ZF replacement or the Transgo.

http://www.jagrepair.com/images/Auto...%20ZF5HP24.pdf

 

I've found that my '97 XK8 gets better mileage on mostly highway trips with the Sport mode on.


Dave

 

Thanks for the info! It definitely seems like this isn't as much of a concern as I thought it may be

 

How, the car is running at higher rpm's

 

In town it seems to make it worse but both times I used it on my bi-monthly 300 mile trip it did a little better than in normal mode.


Dave

 

I have the same experience as Dave. Have checked it many times.

 

x3 here

when I shift to D on the highway.

Staying in Sport+4 on the highway is not too much of
a penalty and the car passes right now.

The SC helps