My gearbox has always done this & is smooth with no probs but when started from cold I have noticed since owning that for the first mile when I let my foot of the throttle (its downhill out of my village) the revs drop to tickover with no gearbox braking. Its not dropping out of gear as when you apply the throttle it smoothly picks back up. So to me it has to be torque converter slip. Recently changed the oil & filter with no horrible surprises so wonder if its a design feature until warm? Any ideas guys. Mike Worse things happen at sea! Well thats what swmbo said when WRENS came to sea!!!

no expert on these matters, but it takes a minute or two, to get things up to temperature before the torque converter locks up. I have an automatic citroen and it behaves exactly the same on a morning, revs very high for first mile or so and when things have heated up drops about 5/600 revs without moving my throttle position as the convertor locks up.

I don't think you have anything to worry about.

obviously someone will correct me if I am talking out my backside!!! Current: TDV8 (3.6) RRS HSE



Past: TDV8(4.4) Vogue
Discovery 3 Commercial
TDV8(3.6) Vogue
TD6 Vogue
D2 V8 ES
D1 V8 ES
RR Vogue Classic

Mine does the same as you describe Mike when its cold.

Thanks guys,I could not find anything written anywhere & decided the best way to find out was ask  Worse things happen at sea! Well thats what swmbo said when WRENS came to sea!!!

I have got into a habit of driving first 100 yards to the end of my road in Manual (1st gear) when cold.
Just to get the juices flowing.

If I leave in auto, the first change (to 2nd ?)was a slight thump. Alcohol and eBay is never a good mix

2006 4.2 Supercharged, Java Black

That's a good idea guy as my drive down to the road is very steep & I have to brake all the way down  Worse things happen at sea! Well thats what swmbo said when WRENS came to sea!!!

...goes without saying that Mrs E4 starts car, doesn't wait for any warming up etc and blasts off up the road in auto like she's at Santa Pod !  Alcohol and eBay is never a good mix

2006 4.2 Supercharged, Java Black

I believe (as it was explained to my) that this is because the torque converter doesn't lock up until the ATF is up to temperature. By allowing it to slip it creates more heat and warms the 'box up more quickly.