LR3 transmission slips - service worth it?

[cornfarmer]

My transmission has been slowly slipping more and more and I think it's time to do something. I've gotten a few transmission fault codes thrown at different intervals, and at first it was just a minor issue and talking to my shop we decided to kick the can down the street for a while. This is at ~117k, SE V6.

I was under the impression that the trans fluid was the 'lifetime' stuff (yeah right) and I assume you can't use a generic/proper spec ATF other than the pricey LR stuff right? I'm probably looking at a grand to have the shop do it - anything else in there that might be good to do if I let them do the job?

 

[A.J.M]

You need the correct fluid but from your description.
I wouldn’t be surprised if the fluid change doesn’t fix your issue and the box needs rebuilt. So be prepared for that news.

a grand is steep for the work.
It’s £300-350 here for it with the correct fluid on a mega flush machine.

 

[cornfarmer]

You need the correct fluid but from your description.
I wouldn’t be surprised if the fluid change doesn’t fix your issue and the box needs rebuilt. So be prepared for that news.

a grand is steep for the work.
It’s £300-350 here for it with the correct fluid on a mega flush machine.

All part of LR ownership that I've mostly accepted over the years. It's usually steep (ish) at the specialist shop, but not nearly as steep as the dealer. If I'm told it needs a rebuild I'll have to think about even keeping the vehicle around at that point. Taking her in at the end of the week so we'll see.

 

[Howski]

Around a grand is in line for a fluid and filter change in the states. Think I paid close to $900 for mine a year or two ago. Fluid isn’t cheap and it’s a PITA job

 

[NorthwestDriver]

You can buy ZF Lifeguard 6 for $15/L at several places. It’s really not too bad, it used to be much more expensive. 7L is a good amount to have on hand for a standard filter change, 10L if you are removing the valve body. You can buy the fluid, filter, and steel pan conversion for $350-500 depending on if you stick to OEM or go aftermarket.

 

[thewarhammer]

Flush it for sure. My l320 RRS was doing some weird stuff and I did a triple flush. It’s actually fairly easy. Just need a diagnostic tool to make sure trans temperature is proper. Changing the filter sucks but the fluid flush isn’t bad.

also, you can use zf lifeguard fluid or ford Mercon sp. the same trans is in a ton of different vehicles. The mercon is red too so if you did multiple flushes you can see the trans color change.

 

[cornfarmer]

I'm taking it in tomorrow and might mention Lifeguard 6 or Mercon SP and check the reaction.....I'm expecting they might blubber about how finely crafted the artisinal LR ATF is, etc. etc. and how I should never use anything else. They're a Jag/LR shop, but it's not my usual (which isn't convenient anymore), and I've been feeling some up-selling vibes since my last visit. *sigh*

 

[Model97]

ZF makes these. Their fluid is likely to be a good choice.

 

[billiebob]

Once an automatic starts slipping it is past point of a fluid change. Most Owners Manuals give detailed service intervals.... to ignore that is asking for a massive bill.... which might include a tow.

 

[billiebob]

ZF makes these. Their fluid is likely to be a good choice.

THIS ^^^ Use the fluid in the Owners Manual... PERIOD

 

[thewarhammer]

Not trying to start an issue but if you use what’s at your local dealer, you’ll likely be using zf fluid in the bottle of the type of vehicle (Land Rover trans fluid or ford mercon or whatever).

I mentioned ford fluid because it is identical to ZF fluid. It’s been proven to be and sometimes ZF lifeguard is not as easily sourced. It being past the point of saving is not true. Slipping and shuddering is very common in these ZF 6 speeds and the problem is easily alleviated by a simple fluid swap. Most dealers won’t do this and the manual will tell you it’s a life time fluid. It’s also the same manual that says 15k oil change intervals are sufficient.

 

[Model97]

Once an automatic starts slipping it is past point of a fluid change. Most Owners Manuals give detailed service intervals.... to ignore that is asking for a massive bill.... which might include a tow.

That isn't true. Fluid additives degrade over time and can be replenished, recovering function.

 

[Model97]

THIS ^^^ Use the fluid in the Owners Manual... PERIOD

I was being a little sarcastic. Engine oils and transmission fluids are formulated to relevant industry standards. In some instances (heavy duty transmissions from ZF, Eaton, Alison, etc.) there might be enough volume to justify investment in a specific formulation. Neither Land Rover or any other vehicle manufacturer would do this. They rebrand under their own labels.

 

[Model97]

Not trying to start an issue but if you use what’s at your local dealer, you’ll likely be using zf fluid in the bottle of the type of vehicle (Land Rover trans fluid or ford mercon or whatever).

I mentioned ford fluid because it is identical to ZF fluid. It’s been proven to be and sometimes ZF lifeguard is not as easily sourced. It being past the point of saving is not true. Slipping and shuddering is very common in these ZF 6 speeds and the problem is easily alleviated by a simple fluid swap. Most dealers won’t do this and the manual will tell you it’s a life time fluid. It’s also the same manual that says 15k oil change intervals are sufficient.

ZF doesn't even make ZF fluid. They contact with a formulator who makes a variety of oils and brand it as theirs. This is very common.

 

[thewarhammer]

ZF doesn't even make ZF fluid. They contact with a formulator who makes a variety of oils and brand it as theirs. This is very common.

Right. I didn’t say ZF made their own fluid. Hence why I said whatever you buy at a dealer that is branded “auto company X” is identical to ZF branded fluid. Perhaps that wasn’t as clear as I meant it to be and should have worded it better.