I have a 2020 Defender X P400. Bought it CPO. I’m coming from 2017 Disco V diesel.

Question about the Comfort driving mode. To me, it isn’t very comfortable at all. Throttle response is aggressive and shifts are not that smooth in my opinion (compared to the buttery Disco). Also the aggressive engine breaking and downshifting when braking just do not seem “Comfortable” to me at all.
ECO seems much better in that regard, but has its drawbacks (cannot use vented seats for example).

Weirdly, sometimes the Comfort mode DOES seem very nice. Almost night and day difference from what I described above. Shifts are smooth. Throttle response is smooth. No aggressive engine braking. But then later that day, or the next day it’s back to not-so-comfortable.

Why would it be “smooth” sometimes, and NOT other times?

Finally, can you use the GAP tool to adjust how the “Comfort” drive mode acts? eg adjust throttle response. Adjust shift response.

thanks all!

 

Most likely it is because the transmission was adapted to how the previous owner drove. The ZF 8HP learns your driving style and adapts accordingly. However, the transmission should always be smooth. Never have I driven a car with the ZF 8HP (and I've driven A LOT of cars with the 8HP transmission) that wasn't smooth unless there was something wrong with it. Try having the transmission logic reset at the dealer. There also might be software updates (not OTA) that the dealer can perform to improve the throttle mapping.

That is also one of the reasons why I didn't go for the P400 - the first 2020MY Defender I test drove was a P400, and I couldn't stand the throttle response. It was completely dead under 2000 rpm, and then above that I felt the throttle was overly sharp. That was fixed with the 2021MY. Every P400 I've driven since has been much better.

No, you cannot adjust the parameters of driving modes with the GAP Tool.

 

Thank you for the great and helpful response

 

This was the procedure in the LR3 ZF transmission, not sure if it works with the L663:

Manual relearn procedure
This procedure is a less reliable alternative to a diagnostic tool, but it may help in some cases.

• Initial setup: Ensure the vehicle is stationary and the EPB is applied.
• Perform the reset:
  • Turn the ignition to the "ON" position (do not start the engine).
  • Press and hold the accelerator pedal all the way down for about 30-60 seconds.
  • While keeping the pedal pressed, turn the ignition off.
  • Release the accelerator pedal and wait at least 2 minutes.
• Restart and drive: Start the engine and drive the vehicle for at least 30-60 minutes. This allows the transmission to relearn your driving habits.

 

I have been told the same procedure for a 9-speed ZF gearbox reset. Just not the 30-60 minute drive bit.
1) Press Start button but don't turn on the engine.
2) Press the Accelerator down to the floor for about 15 seconds.
3) Hit the start button again to turn off the power.
4) Remove foot from Accelerator
5) Wait for 2 Mins.
6) Start the engine and Drive.

 

Ive performed this procedure and I will say that the first drive afterwards was noticeably improved. Well keep my fingers crossed! Thanks all

 

I have a Poster above (CincyRovers) who says you cannot adjust the drive parameters with the GAP tool. So, I have a Yes and a No. Hmmmm? Bueller?
Thanks for your reply