After watching Rev Sam's video on this I decided to call my Jag service department and ask what they charge for changing the tyranny fluid. They want $289.00 to do the job. That does not sound bad at all, especially if you do it yourself and break off a bolt when taking off the transmission pan.

From what he told me, they usually don't take the pan off, just pump out the old fluid and pump the new fluid in. My service manager said that the transmission fluid should last until the transmission needed replaced or the life of the car!! He also indicated that it was not a bad idea to have it changed every 100,000 miles or 10 years.

This makes sense to me, as the transmission case has magnets and the filter inside it to keep the fluid clean, but over time the fluid must deteriorate, so just changing the fluid makes sense.

Bill N
03 XKR vert

 

I think it is standard practice for people to fit a new sump assembly when changing the ATF - as it also contains the filter + a good idea to fit a new sleeve and larger head bolts at the same time.

It is usually obtained as a complete kit, for the ZF 6HP26.

You have to make sure you obtain the correct fluid for this transmission, a very expensive fluid!

 

Yes, there's a filter in there, but like any other filter it gets dirty and clogged, and needs to be changed out. I think that really needs to be done if it's to be a proper job.

 

+1 on that, it makes sense to change the filter and the sleeve when you're in there.

 

This is lined up on my short term to-do list as well.

I found all the necessary items at reasonable prices online, I bought an oem MB filter, pan gasket, transmission connector sleeve, dipstick tool, and IR temp gun. Now just have to pick up the fluid and get on with it! There's a thread I posted up a few weeks back that should have the PN's in it if you're interested, as well as a discussion on the fluid required.

 

Bill has the ZF transmission, so different parts and fluid.

 

My dealership told me 1300 dollars for my 02 xkr. they seem to try to discourage me from changing it stating "sealed for life" condition.

 

Jag officially says not to change the fluid, so Dealers gouge when you ask. This is bunk. Not changing it at 60K starts a degradation cycle in the fluid that works towards a life averaging 100k. A bad gamble for the owner but great for Dealers that get $5k and up for tranny changes...see the connection?! Get the kit (pan/filter and fluid) from thectsc.com for about $250, the electronics sleeve for $20 and 10-15 new bolts at aobut $2 each and take it to an independent that knows how to check the fluid. He will charge around $200 plus $75 for the sleeve change. This move will save you thousands and a lot of aggravation.

 

By the way, I have had this done twice and the master tech that does it says that he can always get the bolts out without stripping, he strikes each one with a hammer and chisel before removal and has never damaged one.