So, the manual says filled for life but it's been recommended by those more experienced than me that a niggling fault I have might be fixed by a double flush of the gearbox and a software update from the stealers.

So what oil do I need?
How much do I need?
How much does it cost?
Where from?
Can independents do software updates?
Is it a tricky job best left to someone else?

Obviously it won't be cheap, might not be easy but I would appreciate any advice

Apologies if this has been asked before - if so just point me at the thread, I have tried the search but clearly I am useless  Geoff

I live by the "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" adage!  Got - 2017 SDV8 Autobiography in Loire Blue
Had- 2008 TDV8 Vogue SE in Java black
Had - 2007 S/C in Stornoway Grey

I live by preventative maintenance costs less in the long run.

If you are ok with spanners and have access under the FFRR then it's not a difficult job. If not then best left to those who know what they are doing

I think that the sealed for life addage is a hangover from BMW days. What does ZF say?

I cant see a trans maufacturer offering a product which is subjected to a lot of wear and tear not permitting oil changes.

the 6HP26 is fitted to a lot of different cars. It would be interesting to see what the maintenance schedules are for it in those vehicles.

how broken is it? There is nothing that can't be fixed with a hammer😜😜
FFRR 4.4 SDV8 Autobiography Santorini Black.
Fiat 500x 1.4 multiair Lounge 2015
2010 LR D4 Commercial 2.7 TDV6

The "Sealed for life" bit should actually read as "Sealed for the life of the warranty".

Megaflush makes a big difference, failing that a double flush is the next best thing. As far as the ZF box goes, yes it is fitted to many different vehicles, including my old D3 V8 which I had megaflushed to deal with sluggish gearchanges. That was done at 70k miles by which time the fluid was black and burnt.

The way ZF make the thing sealed for life is by having more fluid than is strictly necessary. Much the same way as service intervals have been extended by making the engine sump bigger. Twice as much oil lasts twice as long, right ??? Still doesn't change the laws of physics though, oil has a finite life.

There is a lot more on this topic on the forum, including some guys that actually go to Germany to ZF to have the work done there. I had done it here in Nigeria, filter/oil etc. note that I bought the parts and oil in the UK !! Reason to do this was because there were some very minor "issues" (going back to 1st upon with a slight jolt when going to standstill when warm, slight delay on engaging from neutral to 1st when warm). Advice from the Dutch dealer chief mechanic was to change oil and filter despite the low km's and "lifetime" fill.

I am happy as the gearbox is now changing gear absolutely perfectly (haven't done the software change and not planning to do so but suggest to do it if you can).

I suggest that if there is "reason"to do so, to change filter and oil. Gearbox oil and the clutches do "wear" and a change out after a long hard life is no luxury. I would suggest to go to an experienced place if you can. Note there may be "issues"with the bolts being "stuck" in the gearbox housing, sounds like a galvanic corrossion problem so make sure that you have new bolts available !! MY 2010 5.0 SC Galway green and sand interior!!
Have the Faultmate MSV2 Extreme to be tinkering with the settings etc. !!

Not sealed for life according to Landrover.

On the inspection 2 service schedule for TDV8 it has change auto transmision filter and fluid at 150K miles or 10 years.

I think i would be changing the fluid a bit sooner myself anyway as a preventative measure 56 TDV8 Vogue SE
9 Freelanders, 2x 2002 TD4ES, 2001 TD4, 2002 1.8GS, 2000 XEDI, 2x 2000 1.8ES, 2004 1.8 & 2000 1.8 GS (rolled)
91 Lotus Carlton (sold)
90 Lotus Elan (BRG)

It's not broken really, when I slow down quickly to almost a stop and then accelerate (roundabouts typically) it revs as if in neutral (which it effectively is) whilst the gearbox makes up it's mind whether to be in first or second. Then it makes up it's mind and clunks into second and I'm away again.

I'm intrigued by the megaflush idea but they seem to be based down south. Geoff

The roundabout issue is more likely to be software related by the sounds of it. I would suggest not to megaflush unless you change the filter as well. The filter is getting clogged up slowly with the wear products and that is not "helping" the new oil after the megaflush. MY 2010 5.0 SC Galway green and sand interior!!
Have the Faultmate MSV2 Extreme to be tinkering with the settings etc. !!

Andy_J wrote:

Not sealed for life according to Landrover.

Typical there's me believing what it say in the handbook, where it does say sealed for life - anyhow it'll be a long time before I get to 150k or 10years so I'm thinking I'll have it done now and if I've still got the car have it done again then  Geoff

Perhaps they have updated the service scedule and not done anything with the manual. I wouldn't have know this if I had not been on Topix.

Schedule also idicates a 75K mile or 5 Year fluid change for transfer case & locking diff, off topic, but useful to know 56 TDV8 Vogue SE
9 Freelanders, 2x 2002 TD4ES, 2001 TD4, 2002 1.8GS, 2000 XEDI, 2x 2000 1.8ES, 2004 1.8 & 2000 1.8 GS (rolled)
91 Lotus Carlton (sold)
90 Lotus Elan (BRG)

My tfr box just had a leak repaired, so new fluid.

Under warranty. So saved a few quid on a tfr box oil change. There is nothing that can't be fixed with a hammer😜😜
FFRR 4.4 SDV8 Autobiography Santorini Black.
Fiat 500x 1.4 multiair Lounge 2015
2010 LR D4 Commercial 2.7 TDV6

Give these guys a ring: http://www.independentlandroverservices.co.uk/

I'm sure they'll give you a quote, not silly money and 1000% better than the other local 'speciallists'