The transmission on my 2002 XK8 coupe failed yesterday. It's been exhibiting issues for a while and has already been serviced (which did improve matters temporarily). What should I expect to pay for a rebuild or (used) replacement here in Los Angeles, and which of these options is preferable? Thank you in advance, Paul

 

I believe I have a different transmission than you but had mine in my 2000 XK8 replaced with a rebuilt and then rebuilt 2 years later due to failed torque converter - it's a matter of finding the right shop that can do the job. I paid $3800 first time and $4500 for second go.

 

XK8XPAT - curious as to what happened to the transmission, as I think you have the 6HP26 trans along with the 4.2L engine...is this correct?
Again curious as to what has happened as it could just need a TCM replacement.

 

2002 is 4.0 with the 5 speed ZF box.

 

Thanks....could not remember the exact year for the change to 4.2L / 6HP26 other than in the early 2000's.
I have read that the 5HP trans is known to have drum A failure.

 

I just had my 5H24 rebuilt (2yr 20kmi warranty) for 3700 + 1000 for other partially damaged parts (rusted cooler lines, busted mount, coupler, cracked tail shaft housing...).

TJ

 

XK8PAT, I have a 2003 XK8 with the 6HP26 and the 4.2L motor. My trans has been acting wonky for years but I have babied it along and serviced it several times. Well, it finally could not keep working well enough to be fun anymore (my indi mechanic said "it's blown"). He sourced a trans from a donor car with 60K on it (mine had 139K). He quoted me around $3,000 installed, serviced and out the door. He also said he has had no reported issues with previous donor trans swaps. I am counting on him!

 

$3K out the door for a rebuild in the San Francisco area

 

New Jersey feedback:

If you search hard enough its closer to $2500.

I think the biggest surprise was to find widespread price fixing. I lost count of the number of places that quoted $4,000 to $5,000 - period! It was like: well if everyone sticks to this price, we are ok! Is it negotiated price fixing? I'll never know, but if it walks like a duck . . .

2nd biggest surprise? AAMCO, a chain store operation that focuses on transmission repair, quotes were at the low end, around $2,000. The guy i chose was in same price range, but $2,000 would be without a new torque converter.

FWIW, I blew the A drum. They wouldn't have warranty their work without replacing torque converter. Logic being - failure resulted in metal fragments/shavings. No way to know that none migrated to t. converter. (I invite comments on that logic. If it doesn't make sense, please educate us.)

John

 

It does seem a little suspicious, John, as the fluid has to go through the filter, as I understand it. It would not surprise me to find 6HP transmissions cheaper, since there is a lower demand.

 

Hi XK8XPAT,

Sorry to join your thread late. What are the symptoms of misbehavior from your transmission? Is the Gearbox Fault warning illuminated in the instrument cluster, or is the Check Engine Light illuminated?

Cheers,

Don

 

John I think you asked me for advice/reference when you were shopping for your transmission rebuild. Sounds like it all worked out (it works and no big surprises) out for a reasonable price. I'll try to answer a few of your after thoughts. Regarding price, I wouldn't call it price fixing but, more the going rate and trying to tell if the customer is serious about getting it fixed. A $6-10k car needing a $4k repair is often passed on by the customer and the shop owner also has to think about the liability of doing a major repair on an older vehicle known for it's complexity and cost of parts. Because once you touch a car you're married to it. Not kidding pretty much anything that goes wrong with the car going forward is your fault because the customer spent a lot of money with you.

One thing that was in your favor was you were able to shop it and talk with different owners. Many times when people need a repair they don't have the luxury of time or being able to choose who works on their vehicle (break down). I'm not surprised that AAmco had the better price they do most times know what they're doing. If the owner is confident in his rebuilder and supply chain that he can fix your car and make money doing it for $2500 then why not. Also, bills need to be paid and if your shop is slow you can get very negotiable.

Torque converter is changed pretty much 100% of the time with a rebuild. Why? When you tell a customer that an internal problem exists and it needs to be removed and torn down in order to give a final price the practice is to quote; Mr customer the cost for the rebuild will be $2000 (?) plus any additional hard parts that are needed. Guess what, the converter is a hard part. And it should be changed for the reason you mentioned (contamination), not being able to examine it (sealed) to check for wear, and eliminates it as a possible cause of a future failure (shudder, etc). It is just the way the chains teach you to sell the job.

Anyways, you're good to go, have a warranty and a car that works. And that's a good thing lol

Cheers!

Andrew

 

Thanks Andrew, makes sense. What got me on the "price fixing" accusation started with a discussion with a shop one town over. How did i get to them? Well my next door neighbor is the Cottman Transmissions shop landlord! He said, go talk to Joe. Tell Joe I sent you.

Well it was zero on the leverage scale! Joe just looked at me, and before I could even finish describing the symptoms, he cut me off with (what was now becoming) the standard line: "oh those trannys are a bitch to fix. $4,500 and I'll do it next week." Not what you'd call a warm and fuzzy feeling:-).

My next stop was my local mechanic, who I know well, used for years - same thing except his plan was to ship/swap it for a rebuilt a few states away. Zero flexibility.

Guess I was reliving feeling beaten up and bruised when I said price fixed :-).

In any event all is good now, hey I wouldn't have gotten there without each of your assistance. Thanks again.

John