Nothing but great experiences to report on doing the latest round of maintenance regarding a complete transmission fluid flush and replace on my 2009 AM DBS (ZF auto). I worked with AM Newport Beach and have nothing but outstanding service and support from their crew Chris at maintenance; Kyle; master service scheduler/billing and John as the main service manager. Chris is the man; always answers my questions and concerns with detail. I consider Chris and his skill sets wrenching above excellence in the AM platform and technical specs (20 year veteran working on the AM platform). He reminds me of my ole trusty Air Force crew chief whom told you like it is with solid tech expertise and background on these systems (truth, trust and integrity for the technical).

See image below of the replacement sample removed (Chris was kind enough to remember my request to save this sample). Although old fluid looks bad; it's part of the fluid flush cleaning everything out and doing it's work within the transmission. I have two extra; very very very hard to find Lifeguard ZF 6 quarts if anyone needs them (very hard to find stuff!). Car felt crisp shifting and refreshed when I drove her home.

Bottom line: Change your transmission fluid and here's to only working with the best on our cars = AM Newport Beach 100%


*BTW - I was not paid to provide this feedback just giving those guys wrenching in the trenches their due.

 

Mandatory ZF website :
drain maximum all 80000kms or 8 years !!

 

I plan to do that service next season; maybe this season even. I had it done on a few Jag's in the past.

 

Unsure why ZF Lifeguard 6 is thought to be hard to find? Rockauto seems to have plenty in stock:
https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=12101833&cc=1441813&pt=11387&jsn=4 41]More Information for ZF S671090255 (rockauto.com)

 

I've done my own fluid changes on ZFs, both 5HP and 6HP versions. When I researched fluids I found that Ford put the ZF6HP transmissions in some Mercurys and Fords. Ford specified its own fluid - Motorcraft Mercon SP (which now has a newer name). The last two transmissions I did (years ago now) were both in Jaguars, an XJ and an XJR, and I used Motorcraft Mercon SP. I owned both of those cars for more than two years each and the transmissions were fine using that replacement for Lifeguard 6.

Changing fluid in a ZF6HP (or 5HP) takes a a little finesse on the fill and getting fluid level correct. To really simplify the process, you have to overfill the trans cold, and while the engine is running. Then you have to monitor the fluid temp (important, not the trans case temp) to a specified value, while the excess overfill begins to heat up and spill out.

Once the correct temp is reached, you cap off the fill port and done. It is a little scary being under the car w/o a lift and the engine is running (I've done it both ways). Also, the chassis of the car needs to be level in both directions (if you're under the car on jackstands) otherwise the fluid level will be incorrect even though the correct temp is met. Been here, done this.