Hi, Scotty!
I drive a 2002 Jaguar S-type 3.0 Auto Transmission with 114,851 miles on the odometer. I'm definitely not the first owner of this car and it was a private purchase through Facebook. In highsight, the transaction was unprofessional but I was desperate for an affordable vehicle. The transmission uses a "J-shift" gear shift but DRIVE will not engage unless I shift to 4th gear and sometimes it must be shifted to 3rd gear to engage. Reverse works fine. While city driving, the transmission may have trouble going from 1st to 2nd gear which is terrible because the times that I'm driving the most are rush hour commuting through a heavily congested downtown/hospital area. Occasionally, I see a small amout of smoke emanating from the engine bay even though my temp gauge is normal. The smoke is accompanied by the smell of burning wires(best guess) it reminds me of a soldering iron.
Please give me some advice! What's going on with this car?
Though the transmission problems may be your focus - I think you should have someone isolate the source of your under-hood electrical smoke first. If that's not addressed, your vehicle could catch fire - there is gasoline under your hood. Additionally, most transmission functions are computer-controlled, based on engine sensors. Any electrical problems may be causing your shifting irregularities.
You needed an affordable commuter, and your first thought was "Jaguar"?
What I need at the moment is constructive advice and trollish comments, thanks!
Well, understand that what the car is suffering from is what could be termed "Jaguar-itis". Those cars are very prone to serious, very expensive to fix problems as they age. They always have been. (In general old luxury cars don't make for good inexpensive commuter cars.)
Given what you are experiencing I would find the source of the smoke first since that could potentially lead to a disastrous fire which would render the transmission problems irrelevant.
well I try to dish out the wisecracks and help as well. lol. Transmission-wise there's not a great deal an owner/driver can do. Make sure the fluid is fresh and full. If there's smoke, then at least you have trail to follow. What is cooking?