Hello Y'all:

Since last I posted my transmission problem, I believe it is in need of repair. Question: replace or rebuild? I discussed this with the closest Jaguar retailer to me, and was told that it does not rebuild, but only replaces, and found a used transmission (30,000mi) that is available for replacement; cost is a bit over $4,000 not including sales tax. This transmission would be flushed and installed with new pads, etc. Have any of you had to make this decision? My only experience with rebuild was the Borg-Warner in my 1978 XJ6, and that was a nightmare, leading to a new transmission, but that was also 30 years ago. Thanks for reading and contemplating. Your Southern Girl, Ali

Submitted by SE21-64524 on Fri, 05/09/2014 - 08:55

Hello All: an update: I only drove in 3drd gear selection for about a month. One day I was curious about going back to DRIVE, and lo and behold, all is well!! don't know just what took place inside the transmission, but, no warning indicator, so, ???? Enjoy the touring season, and wishing those in the concours competitions 99.9999pt cars!! Ali

Submitted by SE21-64524 on Thu, 10/17/2013 - 09:20

Hello Andy: Thank you for your suggestion. I have inquired about a rebuilt transmission to three companies, and all were within a few dollars of one another, and I am awaiting an answer regarding guarantee. The difference between the retail Jaguar shop and having it exchanged locally is a couple of thousand dollars! Will keep this thread updated with the timeliness of the product delivery, time to do the mechanical work, and the final product's performance. We are still picking tomatoes out here in eastern NC :) Ali

Submitted by asimko@netsolnj.com on Mon, 10/14/2013 - 06:53

Alice, you are much better off with a rebuild. I have had many done (not on a jaguar, but other vehicles for the business) . used transmissions are always a mixed bag. the older the vehicle, the less likely you are to get a good one. keep in mind, the longer you drive it, the more likely you are to cause a massive failure, probably doubling the rebuild cost, after torque converter gets screwed up as well. i'd bring it in now, while the car is still drivable and the fluid isn't full of garbage from a clutch coming apart.

I have had much better luck with small rebuilders, as opposed to franchises, but this is just my opinion

good luck, that is really a beautiful car

Submitted by SE21-64524 on Fri, 10/11/2013 - 08:28

Doug, Josh, and William: The replacement offer did put me off, as I could have found a used transmission. I have found rebuilt transmissions for my VIN at less than a $1000, and can have the exchange accomplished locally. I will have a transmission shop investigate before a replacement takes place. The problem I encounter is the transmission light comes on when in drive, which goes out after shutting down for a minute or so, and lateley, it is often, so, I found that driving in 3rd eliminates the circumstance, now. This does not solve the problem, but is stopgap at best. I will keep you up to date, and thank you so much for your thoughts and suggestions. Ali

Submitted by joshbartlett@r… on Thu, 10/10/2013 - 11:32

I agree with Doug!
I think I'd make a trip to a local trans. specialist... check with your GM dealer. They should have someone they work with. I have had Jag. automatics rebuilt; they are often the same as or similar to others used by GM and other american mkes. It shouldn't be anything the specialist hasn't seen before. He could also confirm that the problem is actually transmission.

I don't think paying $4000 for a used trans. is ever a good idea. Will the Jag dealer guarantee it? I wouldn't think so....

Josh Bartlett
1997 XK-8
1969 E-Type OTS
1937 Packard 115c

Submitted by dougdwyer1@com… on Thu, 10/10/2013 - 09:46

HI,

Out of curiosity what kind of problems are you experiencing? Sometimes what seems like a transmission problem is actually an electronics problem

If your XJS is the 6.0 V12 it'll the GM 4L80E transmission. If you have a 4.0 six-cylinder it'll have a ZF transmission. Nothing exotic either way. I have to think that an automatic transmission specialist could overhaul either one for much less than the $4000 quote you received for a used transmission.

Cheers
DD