Assuming that due to age and mileage... the fluid and filter has been changed?
And what does the fluid look like... clutch bits (flakes) in the fluid?

 

Okay. I’ll order up the lower mounts and install them. Thanks for the advice.

 

Yes, fluid has been changed and properly topped off, but not the filter. The old fluid was dark but not burned, and there were no visible flecks in it.

 

149k miles - same problem. New tranny fluid and still a problem. Periodic hunting and hard downshift. Only when hot. Comments on motor mounts are spot on, but not related. Took me a while to diagnose the failed mounts - sounded like it could have been other things, but had gotten to metal on metal under torque. Anyway - thoughts on this would be appreciated !

 

Using the right fluid? Quantity was set properly? That last is not trivial and needs to be done right, I wouldn't trust a lube shop.

Other than that, may need diagnosis by a good shop or dealer.

 

Thanks all for responding. Finally getting around to dealing with this. It's been sitting in the garage since December while I rebuilt the rear differential (new front pinion bearing) and did some other odds/ends in my limited spare time. Yes, the ATF level was indeed set properly. I did it myself by the book when I did a fluid swap. That said, it's probably worth checking the level again but the problem is definitely getting worse. Assuming that the level is still okay, I'm thinking of having a reputable transmission shop replace the valve body. I'd do it myself but doubt I'll have the time for a while.

 

I replaced the upper mount but not the lower one yet. I have the part though and will do it.

 

Any further updates/resolution to this ?

 

Sorry for the long lag. I've updated my email address today so as not to miss any more notifications. I was driving it up until September and just being careful with the transmission, but finally decided to tackle it the right way and replace the valve body while also doing a complete cooling system refresh and fixing an oil leak at the accessory drive. Since it's our 3rd car now, I just pulled it into the garage and am only working on it as time allows. I had ordered a rebuilt valve body from China (Ucarpart.com) and finally went to install it today when I discovered that the rear gasket was damaged and it looked like the unit had never actually been rebuilt. It was only $200, so I guess I couldn't expect much. After a couple of hours of searching today I finally located a new OEM valve body in the UK at a place called the One Stop Gearbox Shop for $1,000 and had it shipped. Should be here sometime this week, and I'll try again.

The rest of the refurbishment work is going great. I ordered the correct specialty tools to deal with the accessory drive pulley and lip seal, and also the one to get the A/C compressor bracket lined up right upon reassembly. I'm using all genuine Land Rover of Volvo parts whenever possible, Got the water pump done today along with the lip seal for the accessory drive, and the one-way clutch pulley, and all of the motor mounts top and bottom. Surprisingly, they were all in pretty good shape. I'd replaced the top dog bone a year ago, but I suspect the previous owner probably replaced the others. All the same I installed new OEM mounts. Tomorrow I'll tackle the rest of the coolant hoses.

 

Did you ever fix the wheel speed sensor. It can give you shifting problems.