XJ (X351) ZF6 needs some attention
Discussion
Hi guys,
I'm a frequent poster on the Aston forum but new to here. I have a 2010 XJ 3.0D as my daily driver and the gearbox could do with some attention. I haven't driven another similar car to compare, but the changes aren't always as smooth as they should be, and in manual mode if changing down whilst braking I can feel the transmission disengaging, pausing, then harshly re-engaging - not ideal!
Sometimes when putting it into 'D' from 'P' I can feel a shunt from the transmission, again something it shouldn't be doing. This isn't from twisting the gearknob round too quickly either. I spoke to my Indy about it and they suggested a service @ £500. I've heard of proper ZF authorised places doing it for around this cost, however can't find anywhere local (Derby). There's a large ZF facility in Nottingham, however although their website lists it as having repair facilities I can't find a number anywhere or a way to book it in. I would be happier with somewhere like that diagnosing it first rather changing the oil/resetting/updating software and hoping for the best.
Has anyone had any experience with this? Recommendations for somewhere local that can be trusted to diagnose/repair greatly received! Or is it just me and these gearboxes are a bit naff? The car has done 70,000 miles so not especially high and hasn't had a hard life (owned in the family from new).
I'm a frequent poster on the Aston forum but new to here. I have a 2010 XJ 3.0D as my daily driver and the gearbox could do with some attention. I haven't driven another similar car to compare, but the changes aren't always as smooth as they should be, and in manual mode if changing down whilst braking I can feel the transmission disengaging, pausing, then harshly re-engaging - not ideal!
Sometimes when putting it into 'D' from 'P' I can feel a shunt from the transmission, again something it shouldn't be doing. This isn't from twisting the gearknob round too quickly either. I spoke to my Indy about it and they suggested a service @ £500. I've heard of proper ZF authorised places doing it for around this cost, however can't find anywhere local (Derby). There's a large ZF facility in Nottingham, however although their website lists it as having repair facilities I can't find a number anywhere or a way to book it in. I would be happier with somewhere like that diagnosing it first rather changing the oil/resetting/updating software and hoping for the best.
Has anyone had any experience with this? Recommendations for somewhere local that can be trusted to diagnose/repair greatly received! Or is it just me and these gearboxes are a bit naff? The car has done 70,000 miles so not especially high and hasn't had a hard life (owned in the family from new).
I have a 2011 XJ with the same box, and most of the same problems. When I'm parked I sometimes get a decent thump when engaging drive, and when it's not up to temperature the changes are a bit ropey, but other than it being a bit slow to react sometimes, I haven't had too many issues.
I know that the dealers say the 'box is sealed for life, so you'll have no joy there (also my experience of the Derby dealer isn't great...) so I'm in your boat with regard to an Indy.
I know it's a way out from you, but I recommend J.A.G. In Bilston, they managed to diagnose a fault over the phone despite the main dealer's failure to do so, and have just charged me 1/3 the price for some minor work.
I agree that you should get it diagnosed by a specialist first, before throwing money at it, but I'd say a jag specialist is as likely to know the fault as a ZF bod.
Have you heard of Terraclean? I've had 2 cars done in the past, and will soon be booking in my XJ, but you can also get transmissions done in much the same way. I've no experience with that process, and I've heard slightly mixed reviews, but perhaps something to look at, if you think £500 for a gearbox service is a tad steep (which you should).
I know that the dealers say the 'box is sealed for life, so you'll have no joy there (also my experience of the Derby dealer isn't great...) so I'm in your boat with regard to an Indy.
I know it's a way out from you, but I recommend J.A.G. In Bilston, they managed to diagnose a fault over the phone despite the main dealer's failure to do so, and have just charged me 1/3 the price for some minor work.
I agree that you should get it diagnosed by a specialist first, before throwing money at it, but I'd say a jag specialist is as likely to know the fault as a ZF bod.
Have you heard of Terraclean? I've had 2 cars done in the past, and will soon be booking in my XJ, but you can also get transmissions done in much the same way. I've no experience with that process, and I've heard slightly mixed reviews, but perhaps something to look at, if you think £500 for a gearbox service is a tad steep (which you should).
Some dealers will still do the service, they just warn you that it's sealed for life blah, blah... I had my local dealer do it and I supplied the fluid and filter etc. That said, a ZF specialist will be better placed to diagnose the issue, there are some not too far from Derby:
https://www.zf.com/unitedkingdom/en_gb/corporate/a...
Terraclean works by running a special fuel mixture (with a load of detergent additives etc.) through the engine so I'm not sure how you'd do anything similar with a transmission.
https://www.zf.com/unitedkingdom/en_gb/corporate/a...
Terraclean works by running a special fuel mixture (with a load of detergent additives etc.) through the engine so I'm not sure how you'd do anything similar with a transmission.
Give David Marks in Nottingham a call.
http://www.davidmarksgarages.co.uk/about_us
I used him to service the box in my X350 V8 a few years back. Did a cracking job. I'm sure he will be up to speed on the X351.
http://www.davidmarksgarages.co.uk/about_us
I used him to service the box in my X350 V8 a few years back. Did a cracking job. I'm sure he will be up to speed on the X351.
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