Had transmission service last week - now something is wrong

[Lukeis]

Hey Guys

My gearbox has always felt perfect but after reading the posts here I thought I would take action to help prolong the life of my transmission for me and for the next owner.

Last week I took it in, had the transmission serviced and the steel pan put in via one of the conversion kits.

Since then and moreso in the last day or two I have noticed the car is 'labouring' at times on low revs, it has NEVER done this before.

Yesterday while towing a caravan I had the cruise set for 96/98km hr on the freeway and it would labour/shutter until the car accelerated, I put the cruise on 100km hr and it seemed to fix it.

today driving home from the coffee shop (same drive I do every morning) at about 40-50km hr cruising up over a crest i noticed the same shutter/labouring as if I was in a manual car and needed to shift down.

As mentioned this has never happened prior to service and before calling them I really wanted some input as to what they could have possibly done wrong during the service? Is there anything I can check or fix?

Thanks, Luke

[LRD414]

What oil was used?
Were the gearbox adaptions reset (diagnostic tool)?

Scott

[Lukeis]

Hi Scott

I confirmed before the start of the job that the correct oil was being used, the mechanic said he specifically confirmed with the oil company or whomever that the oil was definitely suitable (though not the $98/L LR oil). I have mentioned this to him on the phone a moment ago as the searches I found revealed a shutter for people who DIDNT service due to the oil degrading.

Re the gearbox adaptions.. I had no idea there is an adaption setting to be reset? that could make sense (based on oil being correct), what/where is this setting done? I will check the mechanic has done it, I also have a nano com so could potentially do it myself?

As always, thanks for your help mate

[justinc]

If lifeguard 6 is not used, especially on a highish mileage trans or one with a desperate need of servicing, you are playing with fire I'm afraid. I RETAIL lifeguard 6 for between $42 and $47/litre...
$96 is outrageous.
JUST USE THE CORRECT OIL

Jc

[101RRS]

Repco is under $40 a litre and I get mine when it is on special so get it for under $30.

As Justinc said using compatible oil is not good enough - use Lifeguard 6 only. There are heaps of threads on this - some have reported no issues using other oil but no long term reports, where others have had issues.

Garry

[Lukeis]

Thanks for the input guys, I might insist the mechanic drops whatever oil he put in there and add's lifeguard 6 instead - repco has it for $38L. What are the chances it's done damage? been in for less than a week but probably covered 600Km.

car has 116K on the clock.

also, any idea on this gearbox adaption setting?

[LRD414]

also, any idea on this gearbox adaption setting?
It is a simple service function done via the diagnostic tool, it's a reset of control module settings that will have changed over time as the oil's properties change. I don't know Nanocom but is certainly on the Gap iiD. Can be done any time but is recommended after an oil change.

Scott

[loanrangie]

The new fluid will now be mixed with the remaining LF6 so i think you should get a full flush and re-fill.

[l00kin4]

It is a simple service function done via the diagnostic tool, it's a reset of control module settings that will have changed over time as the oil's properties change. I don't know Nanocom but is certainly on the Gap iiD. Can be done any time but is recommended after an oil change.

Scott

Just to confirm, Nanocom can do this reset too. From Nanocom manual:

135951

David

[101RRS]

Also if you can put up with it for a while the gearbox will slowly readapt itself - but resetting with the GapII is better.

Maybe taking it out on a run for an hour or so and driving it like you stole it might help.

In the short term whatever oil is in the gearbox, if it is marked as being compatible, will not cause damage but it would be better the get LG6 in for the longer term.

I bet only a basic drop of oil was done and not a full megaflush - so they probably only changed 1/3 to 1/2 of oil was changed anyway.

[Globetrotter]

Could just need a top up of oil

[justinc]

The learning / adaption reset drive cycles are quite involved and if not done properly are pretty much worthless. I was told by a ZF tech that driving hard early during the procedure is not at all recommended. There is a few downloads on the net about relearning the adaptions. Personally, i only reset after a trans overhaul and let the customer know that for the first 1000km just drive moderately. I haven't had a good result resetting adaptions after servicing a really filthy trans, one in particular spent the first few days clunking under light load and flaring in higher gears....

Jc

[PerthDisco]

When mine was recently serviced I asked if they reset the gearbox and they said they no longer do this if the gearbox was previously working ok. Sounds like for similar reasons.

[DiscoJeffster]

I had a fantastic experience replacing my fluid and doing a reset. It went from seriously clunky at second to first change downs to silky smooth. I do a 5L drop per annum so it’s not like it was old oil.

[Eric SDV6SE]

I had mine serviced at 170,000kms, Lifeguard 6 oil, full flush, steel pan and new filter, same story with resetting the adaptations, this was not done. Rang back after reading similar posts, the guys that did the service (Sovereign Automotive in Perth) told me that they don’t reset unless the trans has faults, otherwise they let the tranny “relearn” by itself. After about 5000ks no issues, including towing, freeway driving, traffic start stop etc.

[Lukeis]

unfortunately I reset this shortly after the first suggestion and before reading further posts about perhaps not needing too.

In any case it sounds like i should just be patient and let it re-learn itself from here and this is a common outcome from the transmission service?

[Rextheute]

The learning / adaption reset drive cycles are quite involved and if not done properly are pretty much worthless. I was told by a ZF tech that driving hard early during the procedure is not at all recommended. There is a few downloads on the net about relearning the adaptions. Personally, i only reset after a trans overhaul and let the customer know that for the first 1000km just drive moderately. I haven't had a good result resetting adaptions after servicing a really filthy trans, one in particular spent the first few days clunking under light load and flaring in higher gears....

Jc

This , after a replacement via ZF in Dandenong was told drive gently for 1000km ( not like a loon ! ) then bring it back , levels checked and reset .

All Good to Go !
But use lifeguard .

[Lukeis]

I did the reset and after a week of driving the shudder was still there so it went back to the mechanics today.

ive told him about lifeguard 6 and it’s on order now

thanks for the advice, now I just have to hope they haven’t done any damage. is there a way to know??

[justinc]

So they serviced a 6 spd d4 trans not using the proper oil??? Trying to save money??? For you or them??

I rest my case..


😠😠😠

[Lukeis]

Mechanic maintains the oil he used stated it is correct and that he even called the company to confirm it would suit. Assuming the addition of lifeguard 6 foxes the problem we now will be seeking a refund from the first oil supplier

A little too early to call Justin but will definitely update in a weeks time

[BobD]

My son's D3 V8 had some alternative fluid in the transmission when we got it after it had been serviced by the previous owner. We pulled it out and replaced it with Lifeguard 6 as soon as we got it home after I read on the supplied invoices what oil had been used. The car is now up to 230,000km with no transmission issues at all so it doesn't seemed to have been harmed by the alternative oil, luckily. As for yours, the blurb on the web says it is suitable for D3 and D4 ZF 6 speed, but I certainly would not have used it.

[101RRS]

The issue with alternative oils is not in the short term but the long term impact on the gearbox.

[Lukeis]

Is anyone technically minded here? As a complete novice on both oils and transmissions I understood how you would get more long term more wear and tear etc but I’m at a loss to understand he mechanics of how it has an instant effect on the smoothness so if someone can explain it I’d love to learn

curiosity kills

[DiscoJeffster]

Is anyone technically minded here? As a complete novice on both oils and transmissions I understood how you would get more long term more wear and tear etc but I’m at a loss to understand he mechanics of how it has an instant effect on the smoothness so if someone can explain it I’d love to learn

curiosity kills

Oils have various additives and viscosities. Those both play a part to how the complex interactions of clutch plates occur. An oil that does not conform to the specification may allow slippage between clutch plates, may flow too fast or slow through the valves etc. All this equates to how gears change. Oil flows through valves at a rate and clutches slip at certain rates dictated by the oil. Mess with this and you have the potential for poor performance.
This is no different to the engine which is why we stress to meet the Ford specs as these engines seem to be sensitive.

[shanegtr]

ZF do have an approved aftermarket lubrication list for their products. Currently there is no aftermarket approved oil as a replacement for LG6,8 or 9
https://aftermarket.zf.com/remotemedia/lol-lubricants/lol-en/lol-te-ml-11-en.pdf
There are a few oil products out there that claim to meet specs, but nothing that ZF themselves have approved yet

[Tombie]

ZF do have an approved aftermarket lubrication list for their products. Currently there is no aftermarket approved oil as a replacement for LG6,8 or 9
https://aftermarket.zf.com/remotemedia/lol-lubricants/lol-en/lol-te-ml-11-en.pdf
There are a few oil products out there that claim to meet specs, but nothing that ZF themselves have approved yet

Spot on!!!

As one of the primary chemicals of the blend is not available to other blenders I would question if they truly do meet the full specifications!

[DiscoJeffster]

Spot on!!!

As one of the primary chemicals of the blend is not available to other blenders I would question if they truly do meet the full specifications!

Which is that?

[PerthDisco]

Kryptonite

[DiscoJeffster]

Kryptonite

[emoji23]

[Lukeis]

Just to close this one out.

I got the car back today with a gearbox full of ZF Lifeguard 6 and it feels amazing. I didn’t think there was anything wrong with it to start with but now I know how smooth a car can be.

Thanks all all for the input, happy to have a good result.

[Ralph1Malph]

Hello Chaps,
Just a quick follow up.
It was mentioned that Repco stock or did stock LF6. My local doesn't, never heard of it!

Has anyone ever bought LF6 from a Repco in NW Brisvegas? I assume it may be a product only in a mega store Repco?

Cheers
Ralph

[donh54]

LG6 - not LF6, short for LifeGuard 6

[Ralph1Malph]

LG6 - not LF6, short for LifeGuard 6
Yes.
But either way, I still can't find it for sale as easily as other do!

Am I looking in the wrong place?

Ralph

[l00kin4]

This thread a little dated but may help: Cheapest Place to Buy Lifeguard 6 by the Litre (https://www.aulro.com/afvb/l319-discovery-3-and-4-a/204678-cheapest-place-buy-lifeguard-6-litre-4.html)

From that thread: Repco Part No. 749626

Motospecs also mentioned as an option - Eagle Farm

Plenty on ebay too

David

[101RRS]

Yes.
But either way, I still can't find it for sale as easily as other do!

Am I looking in the wrong place?

Ralph

You need to get a different sales person and the LG6 is in the Repco system - not normally carried in store and has to be ordered for pickup the next day.

It is Line: 60CA
Part Number: 749626-1
Description: Fluid-Auto Trans Lifeguard-6 1L

I guess you were asking for LG6 and not Lifeguard 6

Garry

[Tombie]

Or go to the local ford dealer and see if you can get a good deal..

[101RRS]

I thought Ford used their own knock off oil for their own knock off version of the ZF gearbox. I could be wrong I heard that oils ain't oils as far as Ford is concerned.

[loanrangie]

Doesn't the territory use the same zf box ?

[101RRS]

The diesel Territory uses the Ford 6R80 gearbox which is a knockoff of the ZF 6HP26. Basically the same gearbox but the supposed experts say it has minor differences in some castings, not made to the same tolerances and in general not as well made as the ZF product.

It uses MERCON LV auto fluid - how that compares with ZF Lifeguard 6 I do not know.

Garry

[shanegtr]

The diesel Territory uses the Ford 6R80 gearbox which is a knockoff of the ZF 6HP26. Basically the same gearbox but the supposed experts say it has minor differences in some castings, not made to the same tolerances and in general not as well made as the ZF product.

It uses MERCON LV auto fluid - how that compares with ZF Lifeguard 6 I do not know.

Garry

I was under the impression that the ford trans is built by ford under licence of ZF - so not really a knockoff

[loanrangie]

I was under the impression that the ford trans is built by ford under licence of ZF - so not really a knockoffCorrect, I was surprised that ford didnt keep the zf since it was already mated to the tdv6

[Tombie]

The diesel Territory uses the Ford 6R80 gearbox which is a knockoff of the ZF 6HP26. Basically the same gearbox but the supposed experts say it has minor differences in some castings, not made to the same tolerances and in general not as well made as the ZF product.

It uses MERCON LV auto fluid - how that compares with ZF Lifeguard 6 I do not know.

Garry


Try the Falcon [emoji41] or the Petrol Territory [emoji48]

[101RRS]

Try the Falcon [emoji41] or the Petrol Territory [emoji48]

But we are talking diesels [thumbsupbig]

[101RRS]

REPCO are giving 30% off for oils for NRMA members this weekend - so you can get LG6 for a little under $30 a litre.

I assume a similar promotion is also in the other states for auto club members.

Garry

[Tombie]

But we are talking diesels [thumbsupbig]

No. We’re talking Transmissions...

The Petrol Fords use LG6 in their ZFs...

[chigs]

Three weeks ago i had a transmission flush due to shudders which didnt fix the problem, auto specialist told me it was the torque converter needed repair and it was good for t wo weeks. Now i find i can only get forward gears if i press firmly on the gearstick. Could this be a selector problem or something a bit more serious.

[chigs]

Sorry I failed to mention I have a 2010 Discovery 4





Craig
2010 Discovery 4 2.7