by Alain Hoffmann
Manual trans is the tried-and-proven R-280 5-speed. Still a bit difficult to select second but no big deal.
It's an option, similar to the one used on Range Rovers before 1999. It's an ZF4HP22EH, 4-speed with electro-hydraulic commands. Gear changes are now selected electronically as well as the trans lockup. The brain (the ECU) lies under the left side front seat and always talks to the engine-ECU. Trans lockup is now available in every gear. This helps engine braking on and off-road.
However lockup is only available if the oil is warm. So the time it can be locked varies from 0 minutes at 25°C exterior temp to 12 minutes at -25°C. An "sport" setting can be chosen in which the trans shifts up later and down earlier. Manual setting is also possible. In standard setting the trans choses the gear considering load and road inclination. If the ECU goes wrong, the trans will shift to a limited standard hydraulic working.(No idea what this means).
The ID is on a plate riveted to the lower left side of the oil sump. No oil filler and no feeler gauge is used, the new Discovery uses a filler hole on the trans as well as an oil change plug.
Oil change: Dexron IID or III, initial fill 9,7 Liters, refill depends on how hot the oil was and how long you leave the plug off.Let the oil out. Retighten the plug to 15 Nm. Fill by the filling hole until the oil comes out again. Turn on the engine, shift a few times through every gear, put in park again. With the engine idling, fill up until a thin flow of oil comes from the filling hole. Fit the plug with a new sealing ring and torque to 30 Nm.
is the LT 230Q with some important modifications. No more speedometer connection, as this comes now from the wheel speed sensors. Changing from high to low is now actuated by cable. Diff lock is replaced by the ATC-system.
has been revised and has now a CV-joint on the transfer box end. This was necessary as the caster of the front axle changed. Only possible maintenance is now the exchange of the U-joints. No more grease fittings. The rear prop shaft is the same as on the old Discovery.