Hi all. I've started to notice what feels like slack/play somewhere in the drivetrain when I'm taking up power, mainly after deceleration not so much from a stop.

For instance if I'm rolling up to a roundabout and then accelerate to continue the power seems to come back on with a slight jolt/knock like there is some play being taken up. Almost reminiscent of my old defender!

Not sure if it's related but I also feel that the first to second change isn't as smooth as it could be but not entirely sure that the gearbox is at fault for that.

Is there any common faults I should be aware of that match these symptoms before I crawl underneath?

Many thanks
2012 Westminster

First of all check your suspension bushes and prop shafts for any play, I would also consider an oil change on both the auto box and transfer case if not already done. Poor old transfer case often gets forgotten and does need a change of oil now and then. I’m probably going a bit OTT but change my transmission oils every 30K, but I do tow a large tin tent so think it’s worth it.

I get a lumpy 1-2 change sometimes especially if I'm accelerating very gently. Seems smoother when I pull away harder. My last car had a ZF6 speed which did the same for 5 years and 85K miles so it doesn't worry me. Any clonks or noises though and I'd have a closer look. As Dave says gearbox, diff and transfer box servicing should be done. Also slight hesitancy on power takeup can be helped by cleaning the MAP sensor which quickly gets blocked on these cars. 2012 TDV8 Vogue (L322)

Mine does this occasionally. Also, do you think it sometimes unnecessarily changes to first when you would think it should stay in second if you haven't come to a complete stop and excelerate away?

Not sure what it's doing around 1st 2nd as it doesn't display the gear it's in (unlike my old Audi). I do think it hangs on to the gears too long / revs too high on hills and I often use the paddle to change down. I've got 255/55 R20 which is effectively a higher final drive ratio so it maybe just thinking it's pulling a heavy load?
Both on my Audi and L322 gear behaviour and smoothness got better after a service. 2012 TDV8 Vogue (L322)

Following closely.

Our Westie does exactly the same. Driveline ‘slosh’

Not a massive fan of the 8-speed. Clunky when cold, rev’s too high going up hill etc. So keen to see what may be causing this for the OP. 2012 4.4 TDV8 Westminster - Baltic Blue, Jet interior
1997 P38 2.5 DSE auto & 1998 P38 2.5 DT Manual
1988 Vogue 3.5 EFI - Manual, gone.
2004 Volvo C70 2.0T convertible, had since new.
2007 Mazda MX-5 2.0 Sport Roadster/Coupé, had since new.
2024 Mini Cooper S cabrio, JCW kit, 2.0, DCT auto

Have you had the gearbox serviced? 2012 TDV8 Vogue (L322)

Thanks for all the replies so far, plenty to keep me busy at the weekend! Coincidentally diff and transfer box fluids are also on the list for this weekend.

Not had the gearbox done yet to my knowledge, although being on 73k miles I maybe didnt think it was desperately needed considering the sort of miles some of these cars do!

Definitely consider your gearbox for an oil change, even if its not in desperate need you will notice a difference in the gear change once on fresh oil.

Check centre prop bearing Cheers, Greg
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2011 Vogue SE 4.4 with lots of toys in Stornaway

Dannnn wrote:

Thanks for all the replies so far, plenty to keep me busy at the weekend! Coincidentally diff and transfer box fluids are also on the list for this weekend.

Not had the gearbox done yet to my knowledge, although being on 73k miles I maybe didnt think it was desperately needed considering the sort of miles some of these cars do!

I have been experiencing the same in mine - seemingly more recently since owning for 9 months.

2012 4.4Tdv8 with 8spd ZF.

All fluids (Inc TXB) changed last year. Doesn’t always do it but in the right environment there feels like some slack somewhere

Also for note that yours is a 2012 - this will likely be your yr10 service which requires a transmission oil change

If it's banging or knocking when taking up power It's pretty obvious you will have something loose or worn. If it's just a harsh power transfer 'thump' like you would get if you were clumsy on a clutch then I'd look at the gearbox internals or as I said earlier make sure your MAP sensor is clean (Hint - it won't be if you have not cleaned it) and this will give you a harsh power takeup. 2012 TDV8 Vogue (L322)

Thanks Jay, I just went out and cleaned mine and it was indeed gross!

Seems smoother overall and a bit more peppy at low rpm. Clunk isn’t constant and didn’t do it on test drive but will monitor.