Hey everyone.

Just crossed the 250,000 mile mark on my 2006 LR3. All-in-all, the vehicle is running well and I'm gradually going through the steps to ensure that it makes it 300,000. With this, I have a few questions that I'd really appreciate some guidance on.

Ever since I moved to CO, I've been noticing some hesitation in the transmission when shifting from 3rd to 4th, and 4th to 5th on the highway. Usually, the vehicle just jerks a bit and then shifts, no major RPM fluctuation. However, I've recently noticed that the vehicle will hesitate twice within a second or two when trying to shift one gear, and then I'll get a transmission fault on the dash which limits my gear selection and forces me to pull-over and restart the vehicle. This has only been happening on super hot days here in CO. For example, a few days ago, it was around 90F, and after half-an-hour on the highway, the vehicle did its gear change hesitation, and gave me the transmission fault. So, I'm thinking this is a temperature-related issue in the transmission. What I'm thinking is the fluid must be overheating, causing it to become thinner, making it less effective in the system.

It is time for a transmission service, however, I cannot find anyone that will flush the system and replace the fluid without replacing the filter which is built into another part on the underbody (I can't remember which). This filter thing makes the service cost $1250 at a non-dealer LR specialty place, and $1700 at the dealer. All I'd like to do is flush the transmission and replace the fluid as I think that having new fluid that has not degraded will make a huge difference.

Do y'all have any advice as to what I should do to help solve this transmission hesitation issue? I know the transmission in this LR3 is a pain to have serviced as it's a special unit, so I know it'll cost some money (which is fine), but anything over $500 for a flush and fill is hard for me to believe.

I appreciate y'all's help and look forward to your responses.

 

If you're prepared to do it yourself, changing the fluid makes a quite a difference and is a really easy job on these vehicles. Changing the fluid should deliver significant benefits, and the ideal method is to do it twice with an interval of a couple of days/weeks to get as full a change as possible. It's all done via the engine bay.

 

Pagoda,

Thanks for the response.

I'm definitely comfortable doing it myself if it's a simple flush and fill, however I was under the impression that the ZF transmission was not easily accessible as it was sealed or something. When you say this is accessible from engine bay, would I be able to do this without a lift? Where is the the transmission fluid reservoir access to put the new fluid into? I've never noticed any other fluid fill points other than power steering, oil, etc.

Thanks again for your input!

 

Not true, very easy to drain or even do a DIY flush. The input line from trans to radiator is on the LH side of the radiator right near the coolant bottle, with some lengths of clear 10mm hose (around 3m) you can pump the fluid out of the trans with engine running.
I use a clear graduated 10l container so i can see how much fluid has come out and i then fill the same as i removed.
You can drain the pan first and top up with fresh or pump it out then fill.

 

This is the thread you need. Read it end to end and it's v simple. Pick the oil carefully (out of an abundance of caution I only used ZF 6 on my V8 and ZF8 on my V6 but some say cheaper comparable oils are available in the US). https://disco3.co.uk/forum/filos-aut...sion%2Bservice

 

Interesting, this is good news then haha. I'm unsure why I thought a fluid flush and fill was not as simple as this with the ZF.

Thanks for your input! Greatly appreciated.

 

Wow, this is one heck of a explanation. Thanks for the link.

I'm thinking of getting the OEM/ZF fluid from Atlantic British as it's one less thing I'd have to worry about. 10 quarts needed total if filling dry, only 6 for a flush/fill... I'll take a closer look at the link you sent and see how much they used all-in-all.

Thanks again for your help!