98 XJ 8 trans service

[sulup]

Hello out there everone! I`m new here so please bare with me.I just bought a 98 XJ8 with 79k miles.It looks like it is a one owner car.My question is about the trans.There is no dipstick to check the fluid.After owning american cars you always check the trans fluid,and if needed change the fluid and filter every 30k or 40k miles.Can I get some advice on checking and changing the fluid.I`m learning that it is a sealed unit.Some say leave it alone and others say it can be serviced with synthetic fluid.Any help would be helpful on this matter. Thanks Lou /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/patriot.gif

 

[Steve]

Hi Lou, welcome to the forum! I personally am rather suspicious of "sealed for life" transmissions, my 5-series BMW has one as well.....they can be serviced, but I'm not certain how easy it is to do this.

Stay tuned, and someone who knows for certain will be along shortly.

 

[Jagbits]

Jaguar claims the transmission is a sealed unit and it does NOT need to be serviced but I suggest contacting a Jaguar dealer service department and ask if that is still the case, they will know if Jaguar released a service bulletin that states otherwise.

 

[jlaird]

Dealers, BMW ones anyway seem to have a pump thing to take out the old fluid and put in new. Lifetime, who's mine or the cars, heh.

 

[vettedog72]

I dont know what "life time transmission fluid" means either. BMW of the early '90 vintage needed regular changes and I recall reading they had a 100% failure rate if the fluid is changed after long overdue eventhough they could continue performing well without the fluid change.

The point is if the fluid has not been changed regularly, and if it is like a BMW it will fail shortly after the change.

 

[sulup]

Hello, Thanks for the reply.

 

[sulup]

Hi, Thanks for the reply.

 

[sulup]

Hello, Just want to thank you for the reply.

 

[sulup]

Hey everyone just want to say thanks again for all the info you provided me on this matter.I elected to leave the trans alone. Lou