OK. I have a problem.
I have a XF ute with an EF motor and auto. Went on a bit of a trip the other day and had a few problems with auto.
1. Torque converter locking up eratically in 4th. Sometimes it will lock OK, othertimes I can be in for a wait, like 10 k's.
2. Momentary kickbacks from 4th, to 3rd or maybe 2nd (not to sure, very quick). Only lasts a second then back to top.
Annoying to say the least at 110kph.
3. Have had the occasional harsh change from 1st to 2nd. Last month or so.
4. Whilst I normally drive in D, occasionally I have had no manualisation. Drive no matter where the gear selector is.

From my reading here it looks like it could be an S7 solenoid and a faulty neutral switch. Unfortunately I think the S7 is the one in the pump?

I know there a few on here with good auto knowledge. Any help much apprecciated.
Thanks

Try replacing the gear position switch first. It will be difficult to remove, as they get stuck by the selector shaft rusting. It does have an oil seal behind it too.
Make sure the oil level is correct too.

I believe the gear position switch is the neutral switch, is that right?
Thanks for reply.
I know that this sort of stuff is out of most peoples expertise. I think that is because most people are nerveous about playing with autos. Everything is kept a big secret about them, secret automans buisness. But they are just another mechanical contrivance, just less explored by mere mortals.
Any more diagnosis would be helpfull.
Thanks

almost sounds like an electronic issue as apposed to a mechanical issue.
the gear position switch is on the box connected to the shifter, it tells the ECU which gear has been selected by varying the voltage signal being sent.
in gears 1-D the ECU has complete control over which gear is selected by turning the S1/S2 solenoids on or off in different combos.

the S7 solenoid controls converter lockup only, so it would be unlikely that its this that is causing the erratic gear changes.

if the erratic gear changes are consistent enough for you to replicate and you have a multimeter handy you can check what voltage signal is being sent to the ECU.
put the positive sensor on pin 64 of the ECU and see whats going on - should get a voltage signal along the lines of this:
P: 3.8-4.2
R: 3.3-3.7
N: 2.8-3.2
D: 2.3-2.7
3 1.8-2.2
2: 1.3-1.7
1: 0.8-12

A faulty gear position switch may be behind it all, it would certainly be a starting point, but might be worth checking that the wiring looms and plugs are all ok
pull the plugs apart and clean them with contact cleaner (or WD40 or similar - just make sure they dry decently before plugging back together).

would be interested to hear how you get on...

I'd be leaning to the switch myself, as well as oils.

but....

What catch code ecu are you running?

similar issue with a mates car ended up being a police spec ecu. lock-up didn't occur until after 80k's
however it would lock and unlock at around 90.

Being incorrect diff ratios, and misinterpretation he opted for a bog standard el ecu and all problems were resolved.

worth a look.