X350 gearbox woes
Discussion
The gearbox on our 2003 XJ6 is getting temperamental - holding onto the wrong gear too long, then lurching and banging through the gear changes - so it's time to sort it out.
We spoke to a gearbox specialist to ask about getting a full flush done but he reckoned it's gone beyond that now and needs a rebuild. We've been quoted £1880 + VAT (£2256) all in, but he'll need the car for 2 weeks as he doesn't have a rebuilt box in stock, so that's no good.
I've been looking around to see how much an off-the-shelf box will be and have seen this: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-X5-REMANUFACTURED-ZF... - it's the same box essentially, but does anyone know if there's anything specific to the Jaguar version that rules out a straight swap. There's also the issue of getting the gearbox software updated to the latest version as well; this wasn't mentioned by the chap we spoke too but I understand it's pretty much essential.
Anyone have anything useful to add or recommendations, preferably near Derby or Nottingham?
We spoke to a gearbox specialist to ask about getting a full flush done but he reckoned it's gone beyond that now and needs a rebuild. We've been quoted £1880 + VAT (£2256) all in, but he'll need the car for 2 weeks as he doesn't have a rebuilt box in stock, so that's no good.
I've been looking around to see how much an off-the-shelf box will be and have seen this: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-X5-REMANUFACTURED-ZF... - it's the same box essentially, but does anyone know if there's anything specific to the Jaguar version that rules out a straight swap. There's also the issue of getting the gearbox software updated to the latest version as well; this wasn't mentioned by the chap we spoke too but I understand it's pretty much essential.
Anyone have anything useful to add or recommendations, preferably near Derby or Nottingham?
judas said:
The gearbox on our 2003 XJ6 is getting temperamental - holding onto the wrong gear too long, then lurching and banging through the gear changes - so it's time to sort it out.
We spoke to a gearbox specialist to ask about getting a full flush done but he reckoned it's gone beyond that now and needs a rebuild. We've been quoted £1880 + VAT (£2256) all in, but he'll need the car for 2 weeks as he doesn't have a rebuilt box in stock, so that's no good.
I've been looking around to see how much an off-the-shelf box will be and have seen this: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-X5-REMANUFACTURED-ZF... - it's the same box essentially, but does anyone know if there's anything specific to the Jaguar version that rules out a straight swap. There's also the issue of getting the gearbox software updated to the latest version as well; this wasn't mentioned by the chap we spoke too but I understand it's pretty much essential.
Anyone have anything useful to add or recommendations, preferably near Derby or Nottingham?
I can tell you I've had numerous cars in with this box fitted, some of them even non drivers brought in on the back of a wagon, and I've never had to replace a box yet. Do the flush and filter and then a proper diagnostic.We spoke to a gearbox specialist to ask about getting a full flush done but he reckoned it's gone beyond that now and needs a rebuild. We've been quoted £1880 + VAT (£2256) all in, but he'll need the car for 2 weeks as he doesn't have a rebuilt box in stock, so that's no good.
I've been looking around to see how much an off-the-shelf box will be and have seen this: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-X5-REMANUFACTURED-ZF... - it's the same box essentially, but does anyone know if there's anything specific to the Jaguar version that rules out a straight swap. There's also the issue of getting the gearbox software updated to the latest version as well; this wasn't mentioned by the chap we spoke too but I understand it's pretty much essential.
Anyone have anything useful to add or recommendations, preferably near Derby or Nottingham?
J
As above, gearbox oil change sorts most of the problems out with this box, maybe a re flash of software may also help, I think the garage quoting you wanted paying for more than just an oil change. Check on the Jag forums a flush and oil change sorts out lurching and banging of gears.
Thanks for the replies so far.
l80ous said:
As above, gearbox oil change sorts most of the problems out with this box, maybe a re flash of software may also help, I think the garage quoting you wanted paying for more than just an oil change. Check on the Jag forums a flush and oil change sorts out lurching and banging of gears.
It had a partial fluids change and new sump filter back in October in an attempt to address the issue. It's now booked into a Jag specialist on Monday for diagnostic check, software update and re-learn session. I'll report back on whether this fixes things.Well, the gearbox software was flashed on Monday and we're supposed to drive like we've got a box of bone china teacups filled with nitroglycerine in the boot for the next couple of hundred miles while the gearbox 're-learns' 
Not sure if it's sorted the problem yet - we're still getting a bit of a clunk changing from 1st to 2nd (or 2nd to 3rd if the car normally starts in 2nd) - don't know if that's because the gearbox is still in learning mode and hasn't quite got it yet, or because the underlying problem is mechanical and still there.
Fingers are still very much crossed, but I'm sensing a rebuild is coming up...
Not sure if it's sorted the problem yet - we're still getting a bit of a clunk changing from 1st to 2nd (or 2nd to 3rd if the car normally starts in 2nd) - don't know if that's because the gearbox is still in learning mode and hasn't quite got it yet, or because the underlying problem is mechanical and still there.
Fingers are still very much crossed, but I'm sensing a rebuild is coming up...
Just to resurrect this thread. The re-flash didn't wholly fix the problem with the gearbox after all. However (fingers crossed!) we've just found the root cause: a faulty wheel speed sensor.
We started getting random ABS and DSC errors last week, so I plugged in my new diagnostic tool and it said the right rear sensor was faulty. New one went on yesterday and the gear changes are now super smooth!
Just to think I came close to spending 2k+ on a gearbox rebuild! Then again, I didn't really need to go and buy that Range Rover last weekend after all...
We started getting random ABS and DSC errors last week, so I plugged in my new diagnostic tool and it said the right rear sensor was faulty. New one went on yesterday and the gear changes are now super smooth!
Just to think I came close to spending 2k+ on a gearbox rebuild! Then again, I didn't really need to go and buy that Range Rover last weekend after all...
Hmmm..
Is the same ZF 6 speed used in the S-Type from about 2003 onwards? I had three replacements for the same car all under warranty. The JMD and Jaguar did this no questions asked. In fact, the second replacement was a Jaguar factory modified version and when it broke they requested the gearbox be returned to the factory so that they could understand how their modification had not worked.
Other than this experience, the car was great for over 130,000 moles.
R.
Is the same ZF 6 speed used in the S-Type from about 2003 onwards? I had three replacements for the same car all under warranty. The JMD and Jaguar did this no questions asked. In fact, the second replacement was a Jaguar factory modified version and when it broke they requested the gearbox be returned to the factory so that they could understand how their modification had not worked.
Other than this experience, the car was great for over 130,000 moles.
R.
One problem with the 6 speed ZF is a faulty rubber gasket between the valve block and the main gearbox casing. The gasket is about 10 quid and it's 2 hours on a ramp to drop the valve block down. Valves can stick in the valve block but very often an oil and filter change can solve it. This box is used on BMW's as well and can do 300'000 miles - it's a superb unit and the 8 speed is even better.
A lot of these gearbox specialists haven't got a sodding clue - you just need to find that one guy who knows his arse from his elbow and won't charge you £2000 to change a ten quid gasket and an oil change.
A lot of these gearbox specialists haven't got a sodding clue - you just need to find that one guy who knows his arse from his elbow and won't charge you £2000 to change a ten quid gasket and an oil change.
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