ATF change… or not?

new to all this · Apr 13, 2023

Hi

Having sorted out the thermostat issues with my recently purchased D2 I can now move on to looking at servicing. She has done 164k miles so far.

the history is very patchy and looks to be a diy job mainly so not many invoices.

I was going to add changing the atf and filter to my list but I’ve seen a couple of people so far saying that if your transmission is ok then leave alone as the new fluid could dislodge debris and cause issues.

the service interval for this has obviously long passed.

should I leave or replace along with all other fluids??

thanks

steve24v · Apr 13, 2023

My 90 had a 4hp22 from a rr classic, cooler pipe split which meant I had to put in new fluid. Since then like you said, I had problems with it sticking in first gear until the fluid warmed up then it was fine. If I left the engine running for 5 minutes the g/box fluid warmed up a bit to make it a bit better.
Was told the new fluid acts as a detergent and lifts all the crap in the gearbox which causes the problems. There was a thing on the ashcroft website about it (not sure if it's still on there though).
Not sure if the disco 2 g/box is any different to the older ones, but I wouldn't do it as its a new/rebuilt g/box if it does cause this problem.

new to all this · Apr 13, 2023

steve24v said:
My 90 had a 4hp22 from a rr classic, cooler pipe split which meant I had to put in new fluid. Since then like you said, I had problems with it sticking in first gear until the fluid warmed up then it was fine. If I left the engine running for 5 minutes the g/box fluid warmed up a bit to make it a bit better.
Was told the new fluid acts as a detergent and lifts all the crap in the gearbox which causes the problems. There was a thing on the ashcroft website about it (not sure if it's still on there though).
Not sure if the disco 2 g/box is any different to the older ones, but I wouldn't do it as its a new/rebuilt g/box if it does cause this problem.

Thanks. I will concentrate on other pressing issues first then.

kermit_rr · Apr 13, 2023

Let a bit out, see what it looks like, will give you an idea what to do

Spong · Apr 13, 2023

I didn't get a lot of choice as it dumped its fluid along the M6 on Monday, but fingers crossed it has been OK since fixed I the leak and refilled it. I replaced the filter and sump seal while I was there, the fluid that was left looked more like drinking chocolate than ATF.
I'm glad I didn't know about the potential problems with the fluid change though, as it would be one more thing to worry about! Too late now....

lynall · Apr 13, 2023

I would change it again after you have done a few miles, if shes gonna blow she is gonna blow regardless of new or old fluid.

steve24v · Apr 13, 2023

Found this on the ashcroft website, was exactly what mine did (press the FAQ then scroll down the page). Think if the filter/oil is changed every year you likely won't have this issue as the crap won't get through the filter to the governor.
Don't know if the later boxes are any different internally or improved to overcome this issue though?

https://ashcroft-transmissions.co.uk/product/zf4hp22/#:~:text=The governor valve is sticking,remove and clean the governor.

PopPops · Apr 13, 2023

I changed the ATF (not filter) on my box about 3 years ago, I had seen the Ashcroft articles but had no records of when it was last done. The ATF came out a horrible brown colour, but not burnt. There were no issues afterwards with gear changes.

I've recently replaced it again after most was dumped on the A303 after a cooler pipe let go. I've done a few hundred miles since and there are no issues with gear changes (so far!!).

The D2 box doesn't have a governor valve as it is electronically controlled.

LR recommend changing the ATF every 24k miles, but some even recommend 10k miles, or once a year.

steve24v · Apr 13, 2023

PopPops said:
The D2 box doesn't have a governor valve as it is electronically controlled.

Should be fine to change it then, as its the governor that gets clogged up

new to all this · Apr 14, 2023

steve24v said:
Should be fine to change it then, as its the governor that gets clogged up

Thanks. I think I will change it. The service schedule says it should be done every 2 years/24k. Fingers crossed.

ATF change… or not?

new to all this

Well-Known Member

steve24v

Well-Known Member

new to all this

Well-Known Member

kermit_rr

Very

Spong

Well-Known Member

lynall

Well-Known Member

steve24v

Well-Known Member

PopPops

Well-Known Member

steve24v

Well-Known Member

new to all this

Well-Known Member

Similar threads