Jaguar XJ 3.2 V8 sport 1998. - Torque converter. - Stevie Duce

Yesterday I engaged drive and there was a thump as I pulled away and the car from then on would only engage 2nd gear which was enough to get me home at a slow speed. A warning message of "gearbox fault" came up on the dashboard. The car can still engage reverse. This morning a mechanic from my local garage accompanied me on a short drive and witnessed the thump and then no gear change and said it was almost certainly the torque converter. Would the car still be able to engage reverse if this were the case? I was told it's a big job and could cost around 1,800 pounds plus VAT to put right. I would like advice as to what to do next because the car has only recently come out of the same garage having had the gearbox oil and filter changed and I wondered if this latest fault could somehow be connected or is it just a coincidence and bad luck? I'm unsure what to do next and would welcome any advice that could be given. Many thanks.

Jaguar XJ 3.2 V8 sport 1998. - Torque converter. - Rich320d

I'd be asking them to take a look for free, especially as the gearbox has failed after a recent oil change by them.

Make sure they used the correct auto trans fluid. I've heard of old auto gearboxes suddenly giving up after a fluid change, maybe it dislodges debris causing failure?

Jaguar XJ 3.2 V8 sport 1998. - Torque converter. - Collos25

I amof the school that says leave well alone with autoboxes somechange the oil others not but I have heard so many sorry stories of gearbox failure after a oil change ,I agree with Rich itcertainly does dislodge debris and its this that causes all the problems.

It may be worth while looking for a complete recon box or have yours completely refurbished by a specialised firm,has the garage a clean room if not they should not be touching autoboxes.

Jaguar XJ 3.2 V8 sport 1998. - Torque converter. - jc2

If you've still got some drive,it is unlikely to be torque convertor-more likely to be one or more of the clutches on the gears.

Edited by jc2 on 23/12/2010 at 15:41