I expect this question has been asked before but could not find anything definitive...

My 2008 has a locking rear diff. It is actuated by a motor and gear that sits on the top of the diff at the near side (UK). The system has ceased to function resulting in a cascade failure of other subsystems including Transmission fault, SAS, ABS, Special programs, EAS etc... What I have managed to find out is that this is more often than not the motor failing. I do have a new unit but given potential access issues, was hoping for some advice

*Can the unit be replaced without dropping the diff? Some say yes, some say no but actual experience or anything definitive would be appreciated. Plan would be motor only rather than the whole unit including the electronics/gearing. Unless that is unwise.

*I have an IID and have toyed with the idea of just going into the CCF and changing the setting for rear diff locking to "NOT FITTED". Any thoughts on that as an option?

Any guidance gratefully received Range Rover Vogue SE L322 3.6TDV8 2008

I had to change the motor on my 07 SC last year,it is possible to do it without dropping the diff,the motor is held on by 4 hex bolts,you do have to work blind though as it sits on top of the diff and you have to feel for the bolt position.

Absolute pig of a job as your lying on your back getting a face full of whatever crud drops off the underside.

Think it took me 3-4 hours in total,cured all the faults that you describe.

I have an IID and have toyed with the idea of just going into the CCF and changing the setting for rear diff locking to "NOT FITTED". Any thoughts on that as an option?

I'd be interested to know if this has been done by anyone???

my ediff motor packed in 7 years ago, but open circuit, I get no alarms apart from a transmission fault message on start up, code gives diff motor open circuit, causes me no issues whatsoever but be nice to not see the message pop up every time I start the thing up.... 😂

I’ve done this job, see my posts on it here -

https://www.fullfatrr.com/forum/topic65988.html Jonathan

2007 Defender 90 XS Hardtop

Thanks all! And especially thanks for the info on the fact the motor replacement can be done without dropping the diff despite it being a "pig" of a job.

I found the technical bulletin too and will use Fastlane to get the new software.

Won't be doing it any time soon though as we are currently under lots of snow, and like JCW, I will have to do this on the drive  Range Rover Vogue SE L322 3.6TDV8 2008