OK my TD6 is approaching that time when the gearbox seems Likely to go kaput. Nearly 100,000 miles on the clock. Recent symptoms being, lazy take up in the mornings, occasional cattle grid type sound for short occasions etc.

It always changes gears smoothly though and never bangs into gear or sticks in any gear, but I am preparing myself for the inevitable. I suspect that either the torque converter or gearbox is on its way out.

I would appreciate some advice or recommendations on where to go for honest And accurate diagnosis and possible repair. I live on the Welsh borders close to Chester, but would happily travel a reasonable distance (50+ miles - maybe more) No longer FF owner but still interested. Present car Jaguar XE
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Previous car Td6 SE
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Previous LR- Disco 300TDi Auto

Go into a specialist now, explain your symptoms (I wish I did)

At least get them to check fluid level etc

That's my plan, I was hoping for some recommendations or suggestions rather than just randomly picking someone from yellow pages.

I assume you had a similar problem that got worse. No longer FF owner but still interested. Present car Jaguar XE
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Previous car Td6 SE
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Previous LR- Disco 300TDi Auto

Yes, my gearbox was reparied in Gloucestershire.

Mine suffered the same symptoms as yours, probably went on for thousands of miles before it expired, then it went on the drive to my house (luckily), a specialist well may save you £££'s if caught early..

Had my TD6 box rebuit in July (95,000 miles), cost £2k. Had same symptoms as you, as well as holding onto gears longer especially when cold.

finally went and ran in 'safe mode' til Mr AA condemed it. I wish I'd had mine serviced, oil and filter change and flushed through, think Indy's were quoting about £180 ish to do it

I had my fluid and filter changed a few thousand miles ago after reading all the woes on here. Don't know if it delayed or exacerbated the problem though.

Anyway, still waiting for any recommendations for places to go if anyone can suggest. There is an auto box specialist about 10 miles from me but don't know how good they are. No longer FF owner but still interested. Present car Jaguar XE
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Previous car Td6 SE
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Previous LR- Disco 300TDi Auto

Sorry cant help there mate, i'm on Hertfordshire, went a the local auto box specialist, got about 20+ years behind him, family run business with a good reputation locally.

You could google the companies name see what comes up? might have feedback or recommendations on other RR boards, or even other manufacturers forums

ZF Powertrain about 70 miles from you

I have the GM box not the ZF. Thanks anyway. No longer FF owner but still interested. Present car Jaguar XE
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Previous car Td6 SE
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Previous LR- Disco 300TDi Auto

Sorry about that, been looking at ZF boxes the last two days and my head's spinning

No probs mate, thanks for replying anyway. No longer FF owner but still interested. Present car Jaguar XE
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Previous car Td6 SE
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Previous LR- Disco 300TDi Auto

This place is only 10 miles away. The website isn't very inspiring but they seem to be very experienced. Anyone used them?

http://www.transcentre.co.uk/trans.html No longer FF owner but still interested. Present car Jaguar XE
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Previous car Td6 SE
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Previous LR- Disco 300TDi Auto

Check eBay as there is a place in Rotherham doing same day exchange for already recon'd box's and torque converters but not sure how good they are and a bit far from you  FFRR MY06 facelift With TDV8 Alloys Zeros/ATR's
Mantec Sump Guard, Rigid Load liner, MY10 BT upgrade.

Thanks for that, the distance isn't a huge problem, I am more concerned right now about finding what the problem is. Torque converter, box, or even both.

Once I have the problem diagnosed I can price up repairs etc. that's why I want to go somewhere who will give me an honest diagnosis. Hopefully a good place will also be entrusted with the repair. No longer FF owner but still interested. Present car Jaguar XE
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Previous car Td6 SE
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Previous LR- Disco 300TDi Auto

In Germany, ZF will do an overhaul of the GM gearbox. Not cheap- but you know it's done well.

That said - they don't do the Sonnax valve body modification. I would def have this done.

I think the only way to saye a GM5L40E gearbox that is on its way out with noticeable symptoms is to replace the valve body and torque converter and even then you are taking a risk on debris in the box - at nearly half the cost of a full rebuild. Just drive it till it goes and then have it repaired. 
RRC 2Dr, RRC 4Dr,
P38, and 2 L322s
(wife thinks I'm nuts - prob right, too)