Hi All,

I've had my L405 for about a month now and done a couple of long runs on the motorway.

One thing I've found, which might be a character of the car and gearbox, is that even with gentle throttle inputs the gearbox kicks down.

Example, if I'm driving at 70mph and want to increase speed to say 80, even with a gentle flex of the right foot the gearbox will kick down a gear.

I thought it would just use the torque and not have to kick a gear down?

I've owned various diesels many with less power and cylinders and they don't have a need to drop a gear.

So, is this normal? I always drive in D by the way.

Otherwise, what a magnificent place to be on a long journey.

Iceboy

It is an 8-speed gearbox so it is quite easy and normal to change from 8th to 7th. Current:
- 2017 L405 3.0 V6 Autobiography
Sold:
- 2013 L405 4.4 TDV8 Vogue
- 2004 L322 4.4 Vogue (BRC LPG)
- 2002 L322 4.4 HSE (having fixed timing chain guides)
- 2000 P38 4.6 Vogue (BRC LPG)
- 1981 2-door In-Vogue
- 1980 Ex-Army SIII LWB
- 1976 SIII LWB
- 1968 SIIA
Stripped for parts:
- 2003 L322 4.4 Vogue

Yeah, I’d say it was common practice. If you’re cruising and maintaining speed for an uphill it’ll hold the gear. If you want to accelerate and gain speed then it’ll drop a gear to do it. V8 or else ...

This is one thing I preferred on my Disco 4 6 speed to the D4 8 speed. Fewer kick downs and just used the torque.

If I’m using mine on cruise or just normal motorway stuff and see a slight incline ahead I just flick the right steering wheel paddle to keep it in 8th gear and use the torque instead of the very unnecessary change down 2016 4.4 diesel

Thanks All.
Iceboy