How smooth should a auto gearbox be?

Big Cat · November 21, 2011

Hi me again!

As the title says how smooth should a auto gearbox be?

I have just bought my first Jaguar and also my first auto car. I am used to driving manual diesel cars and I am not sure what I should be looking out for.

My car is a 1996 4.0 Xj6 and when it changes from 1st to 2nd there is a noticable (I want to say clunky but its not really the sound but more of a slight jerky) gear change. This is the same for most of the up and down changes but particularly 1st to 2nd. I have taken it to a local specialist as I have read the gearboxes can be expensive so would rather do the work now incase it fails. He didnt seem to think I should worry.

Another thing to mention is the car has 64k and full service history, the fluid is a pinky colour and doesnt look burnt.

I suppose does this sound normal is my real question? Any replies with bad news or to give me some piece of mind would be appreciated

Thanks again.

Alastair · December 4, 2011

Hi there,

I have an XJ six diesel sovereign, it's 2009, and it's smooth as silk changing right from first to top gear, you can actually feel it change gear but it's very very slight indeed. If you're getting really bad clunks, I would get it seen to sooner rather than later

Best,

Alastair

Big Cat · December 4, 2011

Hi there,

I have an XJ six diesel sovereign, it's 2009, and it's smooth as silk changing right from first to top gear, you can actually feel it change gear but it's very very slight indeed. If you're getting really bad clunks, I would get it seen to sooner rather than later

Best,

Alastair

Cheers for the reply. I will get it looked into tomorrow. Fingers crossed its nothing serious!!!

Nic James · December 25, 2011

How'd it go?

Big Cat · December 31, 2011

How'd it go?

I had it looked at by another local specialist and he agreed its nothing to worry about. He also reckons as the car has hardly been used the last few years it will get smoother over time if I run it gently for the next few hundred miles. Ive also changed the fluids and filter and it seems a lot smoother.

maxclint · April 17, 2013

I used to own a xj6 sov. 1995 x300 and the change from ist to 2nd could be quite noticable but still smooth as were the other gear changes but your car sounds ok to me, remember later cars are greatly improved over earlier models with changes now truly seamless.Idont think you should worry too much,just enjoy your xj an excellent car.