Clunky Transmission?

[willow]

Hi All

I'm thinking of selling my 2008 XJ Sovereign 2.7TD even though it's absolutely mint and has only done 12000 miles.

I bought it 3 years ago at 8000 miles as a weekend car but ever since i bought it I find the automatic transmission very 'clunky'.

The gear changes are very noticeable and when the car is coming to a slow halt the final 'disengage' is a big clunk that jolts the car. It's noticable to the driver and passenger.

I am very non-techical so don't really understand the workings of an auto gearbox and therefore have no idea of the problem.

At each service since I bought the car I've told the dealer but no change. At the last service i paid for a 'gearbox reset' but again no change.

I also have a 2008 XJR and and 2007 S-Type R which are lovely and smooth in comparison.

The Diesel XJ is a beautiful car but I don't drive it as I feel it's unrefined due to this clunky drive problem. It's annoying.

I'd be very grateful to receive any feedback as i'd love to fix it and keep the car.

Maybe the diesel box is inferior to the R box and this clunky box is normal??? I'd love to find out.

Many thanks

Andrew

[PaulGover]

My very similar car has a smooth gearbox. About the only time there's a "clunky" change is rolling out approaching a roundabout, or if I change my mind and hit the throttle in mid down-shift.

I think I remember there being a gearbox software patch available to address clunky changes.

Is your dealer a Jaguar agent? If not, it would be worth taking the car to one to get the patch applied. (I believe Jaguar's current practice is only to apply patches to address specific customer concerns - i.e. they work on the principle "if it ain't broke, don't fix it", and don't apply upgrades just to stay "up to date").

The gearbox is supposed to "adapt" to the driver's style. You can make it "relearn" by disconnecting the battery for a period (say an hour - but make sure you have the radio code handy, and remember to reset the window lifts, radio and aircon settings).

To really do the job properly, you're supposed to reconnect the battery, then start the engine and let it idle to normal operating temp, then stop and restart the engine, idle another 2 minutes to teach the ECU idling behaviour, and then drive for 2-3 miles normal use. Since the diesel wastes so little heat into the cooling system, it takes too long to reach normal temp. I'd start it, drive a bit, and then do the restart,and drive idle bit. It will then be "adapting" over the next few miles.

[davidr]

Andrew,
My 2006 XJ TDVi is lovely and smooth and it's done 10 times the mileage of yours!
I think (although I wouldn't bet my house on it!) that the gearbox is the same in the XJR and the TDVi so they should feel the same. What you are experiencing is certainly not normal.
I have heard of cars having their gearbox electronics "reflashed" which replaces and updates the gearbox software. This might be your solution. Another thing to try could be to have the gearbox and oil and filter changed - this can work miracles!
One thing I'd recommend is that you use your car more. They're not well disposed to low mileages and you're at risk of issues with the particulate filters, turbos, EGR valves etc.
Hope that helps
Regards
David

[willow]

Thanks David

I had the gearbox reflashed in April when it was serviced and it made no difference.

I only use it on proper runs as i know about the problems caused by short runs and the DPF.

The main reason I don't use it more is the clunky drive. It's so annoying I always pick one of my others!!

I'd love to have it fixed somehow.

[ptjs1]

Andrew,

I believe that it's not just about reflashing the software, it's also about the way it's done. Your profile doesn't indicate where you are based. Perhaps it would be a good idea to take it to XJK or similar for the experts to have a look. As the clubs technical adviser for X350s, you could give them a ring in the first instance to get their thoughts.

Good luck

Paul

[willow]

I've just been reading Jaguar Driver magazine and there was mention of a owner who had a 'lurch' as the car comes to a stop.

I could definitely relate to a lurch as part of the clunk that I get. It's like something being released. A clutch?

In the writer case he had to have a new gearbox under warranty that would have cost him £3500.

Worrying!

[J44EAG]

Ah, ha. The dreaded lurch again!

Try this link.

http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j& ... 6542,d.ZGU

Mike

.

[willow]

Ah, ha. The dreaded lurch again!

Try this link.

http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j& ... 6542,d.ZGU

Mike

.

Fantastic!!!! Thank you.

I've emailed the dealer with a copy of the TSB to see what they say.

I'd been describing it as a 'jerk' but 'lurch' is better!!

Will let you know.

Thanks again.