I had a local Ford garage change my 2003 XK8 fluid and filter pan. I supplied the pan, bolts and fluid. The first visit resulted in the pan being dropped and fluid drained. 5.5 liters were used during refill and level check. After a few hundred miles, I returned for a drain and refill. This time only 3 liters were used. Does that seem right? I expected 4 to 5 liters being used. They did say they knew the full procedure to check the level and I got a snotty look when I printed them out for each appointment. Of course now I'm over analyzing every shift thinking that the level is wrong. Thoughts?

Steve

 

steve, I'm looking at setting up a similar visit. would you mind sharing how much they charge ? there are way too many places that'll see this as $$$ if I don't do my homework. I plan on doing the same thing and purchasing the pan and filter separately. just wondering about the labor charge.thanks.

John

 

The first thing I did was talk to the dealer and confirm that they knew how to properly check and refill the ZF6. They said they did (hopefully they didn't lie). The labor charge for the pan/filter change, all new pan bolts and refill was $250. All bolts came out without breaking. The second drain and fill labor cost $150. Hope this helps.

 

Why 2 drains and refills? I presume their labor rate is $150.00 an hour?

 

On the second trip it sounds like they only pulled the plug drained and replaced what came out.

 

Exactly. My concern was the amount that came out and was replaced. 3 liters wasn't what I expected. So the nagging thought I can't get rid of is, did he refill the transmission properly.

 

If I remember correctly that's about what came out with just the plug removal on mine.

 

Just a ZF 6HP26 drain-and-fill (no pan drop) on my wife's 2006 XK8 always results in just over 4 litres (and just shy of 4.5 quarts) of old ATF draining out....

 

When opening the pan you will only drain the main body, the torque converter still holds a few quarts of the orig fluid, after driving this will be mixed with the new and dilution will occur, another drain and fill will boost the level of 'new fluid' properties. You will always have some fraction of old fluid mixed. Earlier cars had a drain for the TC but I can't say what years.