auto box oil change

[mike020150]

Hi Kevin,
Be careful! It sounds as if you are looking at the two identical fixings located a few inches higher and a couple of inches forwards of the level/filler plug. The latter is only just above the gearbox sump joint. Mike.

[KevRen]

Thanks, Mike!!!!

[KevRen]

Have located the actual fill/level plug and completed the first fill before cycling through the gears. This first fill only needed around three litres, although I drained off the best part of 6.5. Does that seem about right?

Thanks you for all the advice so far!

Regards

Kevin

[mike020150]

Yes, that sounds about right. Patience is a virtue etc! Keep repeating the exercise whilst the engine is running and the oil is cold and eventually, you will get the correct quantity of oil into it. If possible, don't forget to have someone else moving the gear lever between positions during the filling process to ensure the valve block is filled completely. Mike.

[KevRen]

Hello all!

Wondering now whether this is ever going to happen Just re-read the JEC article on the gearbox oil change which refers to the oil being a translucent golden colour. The oil I've purchased and put in is red. I purchased it from Smith and Alan on ebay:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/370377267109? ... 1439.l2649

The description says that the oil is ATF MV LT71141 Synthetic and can be used where a LT71141 is required.

Any thoughts?

Kevin

[mike020150]

Hi Kevin,

The eBay ad certainly claims to cover a vast range of oil specifications. If you have any doubts, I'd suggest contacting ZF to see if your oil supplier is on ZF's approved list. Mike.

[jeff1954]

It's allright doing this oil change yourself but what about the old oil that's left in the torque converter and oil cooler. I was under the impression that special equipment was required to flush them out?

Jeff

[mike020150]

Hi Jeff,

You are quite right in that it must be 50 years since auto gearbox manufacturers stopped fitting torque converter drains.

Removal of only 90% (?) of the transmission oil per oil change is a good argument for regular changes and for refilling with the same oil to avoid any issues about mixing oils.

If a transmission fails in a manner which results in debris, it's vital that the oil cooler is flushed through before attaching it to the new transmission. Mike.

[jeff1954]

Hi All
Just an update on this thread. I took my car to an indipendant Jag specialist who flushed and changed the filter and oil in the system using 10 ltrs of oil in all and re-flashed the box.
The cost of this was £372 17 inc VAT. Which I didn't think was bad I had this done at 50.000 mls
so the next time it will need doing will be a long time off as I only do about 4000 to 5000 mls a year.

Jeff

[painter]

Can a '96 box benefit from a reflash. (or can it be reflashed). I still have occasional problems with mine and coming to the conclusion that Bristol is not so far away.

[Nik]

Can a '96 box benefit from a reflash. (or can it be reflashed). I still have occasional problems with mine and coming to the conclusion that Bristol is not so far away.

Don't think that there is a reflash for early cars available

What problems are you having with your box

All the best ,

Nik

[painter]

Hi Nik,
intermittent problem, (approx.1 out of 15 uses), amber light comes on and restricted use, feels like 3rd gear only, until ignition turned off, wait one minute and restart, then it's ok.
Been very tempted to change the box in recent years as unreliable, can't use it for long trips.
The gear changes never quite feel sharp/responsive, although kick down is manic and it drives well most of the time. Have always put off what seems to be the inevitable because it then goes for a long time without problems Notably on rare occasions it won't find reverse, which in some circumstances can be a bigger problem. Frustrating as otherwise the car is in remarkable condition and a joy to drive.

[mike020150]

What a shame that you've lost confidence in the car. There are many combinations of issues which can illuminate the engine check light so, to enjoy the car again, you need to get to the bottom of them. The best way forward would be to have the stored diagnostic codes read by a good specialist. Then, you can tackle the issue or issues one by one to get the car back to full health again. Mike.

[doug424]

Hello Painter (et al),
Something to consider.
I have replaced twice the gearbox position feedback switch on my car. The failure symptoms were intermitent, but increasing with time, messages for gearbox problems.

I spoke with Dave Marks some time ago and the fault is well known as the electric cable input is on the top of the assembly and is ideally situated to allow water in to the switch. The guts slowly corode and eventually it packs up.

The second one I fitted came from Eurojag and once the car is off the ground the change is an easy DIY job to do. Cost in 2008 was £63.

Doug Barrass,
Ashford, Kent.

[painter]

thanks Doug,
first I have heard of that but worth changing as it seems a likely culprit and much cheaper
than a gearbox. I have a service coming up so will add this on.