S Type auto box fault.
Discussion
Just got a 2000 S Type 3.0 V6 Auto. The car has done 76,000 and had been stood around for a while. When I first started to use it a 'Gearbox Fault' would light up on the display. Turning the ignition on and off would cancel the message. This happened about 6 or 7 times in the week. Since then and coinciding with more use it has only come on twice in the last 8 days. The gearbox works fine changes through all the gears, inc kickdown etc. All I seem to notice is a slight 'jump' as though it is trying to change gear just before the message comes on. When the light is on the gearbox still works fine. The only other thing of note is occasionally it will take a second or so to engage reverse when it is selected. Anyone any ideas of experienced anything similar?.
When I initially got the codes checked it had nothing retained. I have been led to believe that the earlier cars do not retain codes in a memory, only later cars do this. Anyway the 'gearbox fault' light appeared again the other day (it has only appeared three times since I last posted,) so I called in to the dealers, left it running and got them to pull the codes. The codes came up as P0745 and P0743. They suggested that I book it in to have the gearbox re-flashed but they didn't have time for me to leave it with them that day and suggested that I book it in next week. The occasions when the fault has shown has always when I have been travelling at around 60 mph, not sure if that is relevant.
Trooper2 said:
Here is what the codes are
P0743- Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Electrical.
P0745- Pressure Control Solenoid Malfunction.
I'll let Gavin tell you what is wrong though...
P0743- Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Electrical.
P0745- Pressure Control Solenoid Malfunction.
I'll let Gavin tell you what is wrong though...

Trooper2 is correct.
P0743 is saying that the Torque Converter Clutch Solenoid circuit is malfunctioning, meaning either failing to open
the solenoid because the part is broken, the PCM is broken or the harness has got a problem.
P0745 is saying that the Pressure Control Solenoid is stuck, meaning either failing to open the solenoid correctly because the part is broken, the PCM is broken or the harness has got a problem.
The temptation for most dealers is to throw parts at the problem, but the manuals the dealers have access to (JTIS etc) actually tell the dealer how to completely check operation of the transmission, Powertrain control module and the harness itself.
So - I would have the dealer just perform the diagnostics on the vehicle and check the PCM & harness. If they are OK then the problem is in the solenoid block - VERY easy to fix.
One thing for sure though, if the dealer tells you it needs a new transmission - they are wrong. A few parts at the most. If the dealer is needing to replace a solenoid assy then also have them fit a new transmission filter at the same time.
I did replace the filter and change the oil a few weeks back. When I had the sump off the auto box I noticed what I assume is the solenoid assembly, this I am assuming is the black coloured box to the side of the filter. Is this correct and is it a case of replacing the whole lot or is it possible to strip it down and just replace the offending solenoid. From the brief look I had at this bit it appeared to have a few solenoids in it, there again I could be totally wrong.
john robson said:
I did replace the filter and change the oil a few weeks back. When I had the sump off the auto box I noticed what I assume is the solenoid assembly, this I am assuming is the black coloured box to the side of the filter. Is this correct and is it a case of replacing the whole lot or is it possible to strip it down and just replace the offending solenoid. From the brief look I had at this bit it appeared to have a few solenoids in it, there again I could be totally wrong.
Yes you are correct, it is the black coloured box and it corresponds with the electrical harness connection coming into the transmission. See this:
www.transhardparts.com/parts/parts/56954J.htm
and this:
www.bulkpart.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=2&Category_Code=5R55Nsolenoid
I'm not sure if you can get the individual solenoids though, but one thing you could do is remove it and give it a very thorough wash, if debris got in through the exhaust port then the valve will stick.
HOWEVER....
The most important thing is to make sure that the PCM and harness are working correctly before you go changing the solenoid body, or even just removing it to clean it.
Gassing Station | Jaguar | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff