QuestionThank you for your answer.
Can the evaluation by an Autologic or T4 test system be done on the gearbox while it is installed in the vehicle, or does it have to be removed? And can it fairly decisively point to an internal mechanical problem?
(As mentioned, the transmission was tested by an "expert" firm, here in Cape Town, South Africa, and also by a "reputable", relatively large, Land Rover dealership. They are both quite non-committal, even on the point of whether there is a serious problem. The party who supplied the "reconditioned" transmission has business relationships with both these parties and there are obvious financial implications for him, should I be able to conclusively demonstrate that the problem resides in the transmission itself.)
Thank you again.
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Followup To
Question -
I recently had the Automatic Transmission of my 2001 Freelander Tdi replaced. The replacement (purportedly fully reconditioned) was not supplied by Land Rover, but the work was done by a reputable authorized Land Rover dealership. However, I am not at all happy with the performance of the new transmission.
All possible electronic diagnostic tests were done (ECU, etc.), but no faults were detected. I found the non-committal attitude of a transmission specialist firm (acting on behalf of the supplier of the replacement transmission) and to a certain extent also the Land Rover dealership, very frustrating. The symptoms are as follows (I have not yet confronted the other parties with my second observation yet):
(i) Gear changes (particularly from 2nd to 3rd and from 3rd to 4th) are generally ‘bumpy’ (aggressive), and sometimes there is a ‘jerk’ that seems to shudder along the chassis of the car.
(ii) But perhaps easier to quantify, I perceive consistent excessive slippage, under moderate load conditions, in 3rd and 4th gears: On a level road (or a slight incline), keeping the engine revs steadily at 2000 rpm (for example), I am doing a certain steady speed (e.g. 63 Km/h in 4th gear). However, on inclines the (stable, enduring) speed/revs ratio increases considerably, by perhaps as much as 35%, depending on the gradient. This does not occur in 5th gear; in 5th gear the (stable, enduring) ratio remains consistent, regardless of the gradient (e.g. 90 Km/h @ 2000 rpm, as per vehicle’s tachometer and speedometer).
QUESTIONS
Is this kind of (enduring) slippage normal, or acceptable?
If not, is the likely cause of a mechanical nature, internal to the gearbox?
Am I correct in believing that there is probably a direct relationship between the two symptoms?
Can you please provide the most likely prognosis?
Thanks and regards.
Louwrens Toerien
Answer -
The problems you describe suggest a failing transmission. We have not had any success repairing those units, so we isntall factory exchange boxes from Land Rover. In addition, we sometimes install transmission control units at the same time.
I suggest you find a dealer or shop with staff who are trained on these gearboxes and let them evaluate it. Whomever looks at it will need an Autologic or T4 test system to access the computer diagnostics.
AnswerHere in the USA, Land Rover suggests we replace gearboxes with factory exchange units because field repair has not been very successful.
When the gearbox is in the vehicle the dealer T4 test system (which is used here and in Africa) can test the electronic selector, the controller, and the transmission valves. The vehicle is not dismantled for this testing. It's done through the diagnostic port.
If all the electronics in the vehicle checkes out the transmission would be pulled and swapped out. At least, that's what we would do here.
Are you aware that you can go to Land Rover's web site, www.landrovertechinfo.com and download service info for a small fee?
The only caveat that I would add is that service practices vary considerably from one country to another. I'd ask other South African service agents how they would appraoch the problem before making a decision. I've told you how we do it in the USA.
I've seen several Freelanders with symptoms like you describe and we fixed them with exchange transmissions.
