Hi, looking for some advise please. I have an 2014 4.4 SDV8 Autobiography bought from Stratstone 18 months ago, mileage is currently 75k. The vehicle has been plagued with issues and I have had to use assistance around 10 times due to break downs where the car was unable to be driven (red warning or limp mode)

The latest issue is in regards to the gearbox. There is a hesitation upon pulling away, the revs build slightly but the car does not move, it then clunks into gear and pulls away. The situation is worse whilst on a hill or turning out of a junction. I have been advised the car is still drivable and to continue using it.

My wife took it to the dealer today, the mechanic took it for a test drive and immediately confirmed the issue. I have been advised the service team have to follow a bullitin procedure to rectify the issue and initially this would involve flushing of the transfer box. LR approved extended warranty have declined the claim and said this is not covered and I would need to fund this (£800) with no guarantee it would rectify the issue. If this procedure does not work and it’s mechanical then this may be covered but not guaranteed.

Any guidance would be greatly appreciated. Many Thanks. Dan

There is a known problem with the transfer case operation that is resolved with flushing the transfer case oil then performing a transfer case re-calibration, which is an inbuilt function initiated by diagnostics. However the TC problem isn't normally associated with your vehicle's symptoms. The price seems high for the minimal work and oil involved so perhaps ask an independent workshop for a price to have it done anyway to see if the problem is resolved.

Have you spoken directly with the warranty provider?
I’ve had experience of possibly the same dealer telling me “it isn’t covered” then finding out the warranty company hadn’t even been asked. The warranty company paid in my case.

Does the Warranty increase exclusions or change based on age/miles?

I'm looking at buying a RR 2014 SDV8 from a main dealer based on the 2yr used warranty. I'm slightly alarmed at how this wouldn't be covered by a dealership warranty! What's their excuse? 2015 L405 SDV8 Autobiography
ex 2008 RR Vogue TDV8
ex 2001 RR P38 4.6 Vogue
ex RR Classic

Lazy bar tenders who give no customer care once they have your money.
Avoid the stress and inconvenience

Go buy another vehicle from someone who values customers.

Personally, I'm surprised that an issue with driving away can be resolved by 'flushing the transfer box' - this is permanently engaged (either in high or low)!

To me (no, I don't own a 405 ... yet!) the issue sounds like either low fluid level in the main gearbox, or a serious failure within the mechatronic unit. Regards,
Mick

'Bertha' - 2014 SDV8 Autobigraphy
'Vincent' - 2010 TdV8 Vogue SE
- 'Molly' - 2005 HSE Auto
'Dixie' - 2000 D2 Td5 ES

The transfer case issue shows-up when turning, particularly at slower speeds but not in a straight line, as the clutch grabs when it should slip when the front and rear wheels travel different distances.

Thats interesting..

I've noticed with mine that on occasion only from standstill then moving into a hard right or left turn I get a thump.. Nothing dramatic, quite muted but a thump none the less, not gearbox shifting down at all as I am in 1st gear, 2014 5.0SC, approx 22K miles.. transfercase was seemingly flushed but not because of this symptom...

Just flushing the TC won't fix this particular problem as re-calibration is also required.

Spooky wrote:

Personally, I'm surprised that an issue with driving away can be resolved by 'flushing the transfer box' - this is permanently engaged (either in high or low)!

To me (no, I don't own a 405 ... yet!) the issue sounds like either low fluid level in the main gearbox, or a serious failure within the mechatronic unit.

('Also - how often should the gearbox fluids be changed? Is it part of a main service every X thousand miles?')


If you look in the Wiki under information there are copies of what is carried out at each service for the L405.
This will tell you at what mileage and interval the gearbox oils etc should be changed.
Hopefully this will help.

Thanks

I guess i should have checked there in the first instance! Current
Vogue SE 4.4 SDV8
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I’d start by changing the gearbox oil. The Landrover “recommended” 160,000mile/10 year change interval is way too long. ZF, the gearbox manufacturer recommend 100,000km(60,000mile)/8 year changes see this

It’s the same gearbox as on the D4. How to change the oil is here on the disco3.com site.

Thanks for the link.

My problem is that i am handy with electrics, computers and code, but an absolute novice with plumbing, spanners and oily bits

I may defer this to a local specialist (not a main dealer) to take on for me. Current
Vogue SE 4.4 SDV8
Previous highlights
Many Mini's!
Audi S8
Audi A6 Avant (the petrol guzzling Bi-turbo)
Subaru H6 3.0 Estate
Peugeot 406 Coupe V6
Audi 80 Quattro Sport