My 1999 XK8 transmission is acting up. When I try to go in drive it is real slow to move. I can feel the transmission trying to engage after a bit it slams real hard and I get a transmission fault on my dash. After it slams hard it runs great and picks up speed like normal. Sometimes when I come to a stop or slow down real slow it happens all over again.

 

Get the codes.

 

Get the wallet.

 

How many miles on the transmission?

Mine ran for 110,000 mi. before consistantly acting up.

Then I took it to a shop that could explain the problem to me and knows how to rebuild ZF transmissions.

$3,700 later, it runs better than ever.

 

3700 bucks for a rebuild? at 80k I wonder if I should have mine serviced to perhaps extend its life.

 

After checking the codes, you should check your fluid level. If the fluid level is low then air pockets can form as the fluid is circulated throughout the transmission. The air pocket gets to the torque converter, and suddenly the air is compressed by the pressure in the TC. As the two sides of the air pocket slam together you get a symptom like what you're describing; the engine revs and then the transmission suddenly catches with a jolt.

 

Let me ask the experts something... My transmission is working fine right now, but I know someday I'll probably be having problems. What do the "experts" think about the additives that they sell at auto parts stores that are supposed to lessen the hard shifts and jerky transmissions? My thought is that it would be worth a shot since the transmission is going to have to be rebuilt anyway. But can those additives do damage that would result in an even more costly rebuild? And has anyone here ever used them with any success?

 

I am not an expert but depend on a friend that has his Transmission shop to help me out. When I had my 95 xj6 in for the trans poor shifting he replace the fluid and added Red Lube Guard and it fixed the problem and began shifting smoothly. I had in the past used BG Trans additive in my 90 4Runner and it worked well. I am a little cautious in recommending adding trans additives because of the input from my friend. It seems that like anything you purchase you have the good and the bad and most importantly how it reacts to the type fluid you are using, the frequency of the fluid changes and the mileage on the fluid. Additives will clean and restore the seals and rings but depending on the age and use it may not work in your favor. Be cautious and be informed!

 

The independent auto repair shop and the transmission repair shop both said that the ZF transmission is sealed for life and has no dip stick. Also it is not easy to access the fill plug.

If your ZF transmission is out of warranty, then you are "allowed" to maintain it.

Be sure to read the other posts about the good & bad of ZF transmissions.

 

Thank You!

 

It sounds like you have a severe case of the lurch.
Thake a look at the site in the included link.

http://www.thelurch.com/lurching_zf_transmission.htm

 

I got the codes for this troubled car. P0733 -Gear ratio incorrect and P1722 - Manual Control

 

I had the P1722 code and ended up having the transmission rebuilt. Can I tell you it is the right thing for you? No! You need to make that choice. As for the price I think I paid far less than that for my repair and I added a torque converter. The person I had do mine was a long time acquaintance that I trust and respect. You need to find a person in your area that has a good reputation.

This link will give you additional information http://www.gusglikas.com/AutoRepairTransZF5HP24.htm

 

yah, the slamming real hard is never good, I didn't want to jump the gun on the 'rebuilding' suggestion, but that is what I had envisioned had broken when first reading your post. Gus had an A or B drum (can't remember) failure, but if that ends up being the cause, you can get the refurbished parts at good prices (check ebay believe it or not), just need to find a shop willing to do it for you...and then the changing of the oil, pan and filter, better to do it now while its open. Check this link for a 'package' transmission service kit...though you may need more fluid than this 'drain and fill' kit if you're opening it up. best of luck!