Hello all,

Just had my first long run (about 600 miles) in my 2006 3.6 TDV8 and wondered if my gearbox is working as normal. When cruising at 70mph in 6th with cruise control on, revs just below 2k and I hit an incline, even a slight one, it kicks down to 5th to maintain the speed. Is this normal? I thought with such a huge torque value it could get up most hills in 6th? Just wondered if I have a torque converter issue. It’s going for a gearbox oil change soon anyway but wanted to know if it’s a fault or everyone has this. Thanks in advance.

Normal I'd say, happens in the 4.2 sc too

Thank you

Thats not kickdown, thats just dropping down a gear, kickdown occurs when you floor the accelerator and it should almost redline the revs before changing up to the next gear. BMW i3 Electric Car
2012 Full Fat RR 4.4 TDV8 (now gone)
2006 VW Touareg 3.0 TDi V6

Yeah mine (TDV8) does that going up and going down hill - I do believe it's part of how the transmission (8-speed Ford made in Mexico if what I've read is correct) is set up or computerised (is that correct) so as to give safety - being in lower gear puts you more in control and doesn't let the vehicle run away from you - and lessen engine wear but also is connected to fuel economy and environmental considerations... On longer, more drawn out climbs/ascents I might go into renegade mode and use the paddles to over-ride from D and pop up a gear or so, as I don't like to hear the sound of the beastie going above 2000 unless on the level, and preferably on a motorway.
Don't like using kick-down at all even on level, as burning oil smell might make it's self present: bloody oil coolers!!!
Never used cruise control though...

The OP has a 2007 3.6, so not the 8 speed box. I’m sure it’s 6 speed....

 2011 Range Rover Vogue SE 4.4 TDV8

Previous cars :
2003 Range Rover Vogue TD6
1999 Discovery Td5 ES
1995 BMW M5 3.8 6 speed
1992 Range Rover 3.9 Efi Vogue
1992 BMW M5 3.8
1988 BMW 735i SE
1989 Ford Sierra XR4x4 2.9i
1981 Ford Fiesta Supersport

mjdronfield wrote:

The OP has a 2007 3.6, so not the 8 speed box. I’m sure it’s 6 speed....

I think the cruise control might also predict the “rate of speed change”, ie, it might not need to change down as such, but does to ensure speed does not drop at all. I suppose you could knock cruise off and manually knock it into top and see if it’s happy, just to see.

Can’t say exactly as I’ve never had the 3.6.

I think it learns the way you drive too, so that might have a bearing perhaps... ie if you have done short journeys and not had a good run, might need a few longer trips.

I’m sure others will post some actual real world knowledge 🤣

 2011 Range Rover Vogue SE 4.4 TDV8

Previous cars :
2003 Range Rover Vogue TD6
1999 Discovery Td5 ES
1995 BMW M5 3.8 6 speed
1992 Range Rover 3.9 Efi Vogue
1992 BMW M5 3.8
1988 BMW 735i SE
1989 Ford Sierra XR4x4 2.9i
1981 Ford Fiesta Supersport

Thanks for all the comments, if it’s normal, then I’m happy.

Yep my L322 does the same, kickdown is when you feel the little switch on the floor engage (when the accelerator pushes it) and 45 seconds later it changes down too far to a gear that is almost out of puff and then changes up again.

Just kidding, it's only about 43 seconds really. Still not as laggy as a Mercedes 'box. Formerly happymadison1978

Amazing how the kick-down reaction can vary from motor to motor; mine is about a single human blink and the acceleration is close to neck breaking... My TDV8 is actually quicker in both reactions and speed/acceleration than my jag XK8 was, and that wasn't slow... Maybe the XK wasn't playing at its best?!?

Yes, you do have to make sure you have a clear bit of road in front of you if you are going to wake up the 4.4 TDV8. The 8 speed box helps there too.

 2011 Range Rover Vogue SE 4.4 TDV8

Previous cars :
2003 Range Rover Vogue TD6
1999 Discovery Td5 ES
1995 BMW M5 3.8 6 speed
1992 Range Rover 3.9 Efi Vogue
1992 BMW M5 3.8
1988 BMW 735i SE
1989 Ford Sierra XR4x4 2.9i
1981 Ford Fiesta Supersport