Orlando/Central Florida area Land Rover mechanic? Or is this something any mechanic can handle? I just want someone to change my transmission fluid and filter. The job seems easy enough and I'm pretty capable but don't love the idea of sitting under my truck while it's running pumping in new fluid. Or some tips to make the job easier? I'm at 162k miles and the thing had dealer service up to 144k as far as I can tell but would like to change the trans filter.

 

Any independent mechanic can handle a job like this, a lift helps considerably but is not necessary. That said, it's a pretty unnerving affair but once you get accustomed to the heat and noise it's actually not that bad. A couple things that will make it easier. Most importantly, spray the bolts holding the pan on really well and take your time loosening them. Go back and forth a little at a time if they resist turning, spraying liberally. They live in those metal standoffs and corrosion can hold them fast, so you don't want them to snap. Driving onto a couple pieces of 2X10s at the corners can get you a few more inches of clearance, which can be really helpful. Get a decent hand pump, preferably one that threads onto a jug of trans fluid to fill with. You can do it with a $10 syringe style but fluid gets everywhere and makes a giant mess, which only adds to the level of discomfort while lying under a running truck, inches away from the cats and trying to give it an enema. Still, I recommend trying it yourself. It's not physically difficult at all, just mentally challenging. Follow the RAVE regarding cycling through the gears, setting the brake, etc.

 

Thanks. Hearing someone say that was helpful. I ordered the kit and will get it done.

 

I always replace the fluid twice (short drive in between) to get more of the old fluid out. An electric pump ("12V oil/diesel extraction pump", $18, ebay) makes it a lot easier. Watch the AB video, it is fairly easy.

 

I've watched the AB video it why i was looking for a LR mech as there a bit of process to it. I don't have a 4 post lift and laying on my back under the running truck sounds terrible. I'm going to try it anyway though. I purchased a pump off ebay like you suggested. I had the same thought but didn't look into pumps so thank you for the direction.

Changing it twice sounds terrible as well but I guess it's a good idea. Do you change the filter first and then swap fluid twice or swap fluid, change filter and swap fluid again?

 

Cheap insurance to make sure you've got the trans fluid level correct: https://extinctmotorsports.com/land-...l-sight-glass/

 

I have no lift and just crawl under the truck for this job (I am 170lbs). Most of the work is done without running engine. When I refill and the fluid overflows, I turn off the electric pump, start the engine, turn on the pump again, do the shifting through the gears, and then wait until it is full. You have to crawl under with running engine for a short moment only in order to screw in the fill plug. The engine needs to run a few minutes only, so nothing gets really hot.

 

Alright, I did it. I got an electric pump, the AB kit, and got to work. On the bright side I purchased a really great example of these things that's rust free and every bolt I turn, turns. So, the drain and fill plugs and the pan bolts came out without a fight. The fluid wasn't even discolored! Anyway, I drained the fluid and pulled the pan and filter. Reinstalled the filter ad pan and the hooked up the pump. I got 2 quarts in and fired up the truck. The pumps not fast, like, at all, so I immediately began pumping more fluid in.

I got almost 5 quarts total in before it started to overflow out. This felt early but I threw in the fill plug and hopped in the truck to cycled through the gears. Back under the truck I pulled the plug and turned the pump back on only to find it immediately over flowing back out again. So I let it drain a bit and put the plug back in.

I'm concerned that I only got almost 5 quarts into the transmission. I thought I get at least 6+. Can anyone confirm this is ok or if there is something I should do or watch for?

All in all it's not a bad job. I did burn my arm on the exhaust when I was rushing to stop spilling fluid everywhere and laying on your back putting the pan back in isn't fun but it's not a hard job. The pump was nice so I didn't' have to lay under the exhaust while it was running.

 

Cool. Congrats on the successful DIY! To slay the dragon you just have to commit to it, the technical requirements are basic stuff. I still feel like a D1 pan is kinda worth the effort. On principle alone the D2 pan is a kick in the nads, and I struggle to understand how that benefits anyone beyond the manufacturer.

Despite dropping the pan, some fluid stays in the trans. Hence the recommendation to do it twice. Helps reduce the concentration of old fluid to new fluid.