Delayed drive engagement auto transmission

**Jimgee** · 24th May 2018, 09:56 AM

Hello knowledgeable Land Rover folk,

So I have a disco 2 with 340k on the clock. As far as I know it is probably the original transmission box so I am suspecting it is pretty worn out.

Basically, when starting up, the gearbox takes 5 to 10 seconds to engage into drive or reverse. I've searched elsewhere and found on other vehicles this can be a sign of a worn out transmission or low oil pressure.

I have replaced the oil and filter. The oil was very dark brown but did not smell burnt. There was a shed load of sludge but not much at all in the way of metal on the magnet. I have fille dit back up using the method described elsewhere with the engine running and an assistant moving between P and R and D whilst I top up.

Once she's up and running the problem doesn't seem to occur again.

Any ideas?

TIA

**sierrafery** · 24th May 2018, 10:41 AM

Hi. Change the oil again if you did it only once cos usually it takes about 5l of fresh oil which is mixed in a 9.7l volume so only 50% refreshed and if the old one was very old that mixage might not be the best, once this is 100% ruled out you can go further with the diagnose IMO

**Jimgee** · 24th May 2018, 11:45 AM

Thanks for the reply Sierra. Should have said that I did do that already. Changed oil drove 100km. Then changed oil and filter. Same issue. Maybe I'll try driving a bit more and see if I can squeeze some more oil in there. I haven't checked that as only did oil change last night and then checked cold this morning.

**sierrafery** · 24th May 2018, 02:25 PM

Then eventually run a stall test on it but if something is really worn you might ruin it for good.... in which case at least you'll know 100% what to do

Stall test.jpg

**justinc** · 24th May 2018, 04:42 PM

There are numerous suspects . Basically the oil drains back out of the torque converter and oil cooler etc, emptying the transmission. Can be due to excessive clearance in the pump, a leaking valve body seperator plate gasket, or a leaking pump housing seal/ o ring. The problem itself isn't a worry while the thing has picked up gears and is driving, but can become worse and worse. 340k if its original then you are really lucky!!!

**jwb** · 24th May 2018, 04:44 PM

Mine does this occasionally. 2002 Td5 with about 260k. I just wait a moment then drive off.
It never shows up again on the same day and also not every day.

**Jimgee** · 24th May 2018, 06:21 PM

Cheers all. Hmm, stall test does seem pretty brutal for the old girl. Guess I'll wait and see what happens. Yeah I think she's had an easy life up until now.

**knuts2au** · 25th May 2018, 05:44 PM

Same here when it's cold first thing in the morning, just leave it for 10 sec's, or go and open the gate while it warms up. My work Patrol is not over enthusiastic to get moving fist thing either when cold and it's only 24K on the clock.

**Lemo** · 28th May 2018, 11:59 AM

Same but after sitting for more then two days

What oil did you use? I use Penrite Semi synthetic AFT MHP and have change it four times and with each change it was greatly improved!
I've also read that Transmax Z is the ducks nuts, but at a cost!! think $85 for 4L

I find if I shift while stationary through the gears it'll pickup faster!

Lemo

**Jimgee** · 29th May 2018, 08:49 PM

Mine doesn't change if I leave it to warm up Knuts... That could sound pretty wrong! I have to do what Lemo said and cycle through the gears as you do when changing oil. Maybe I'll do a few changes after a bit more driving. As it is, it's totally fine once up and running so unless it gets a lot worse I'll just make do for now.

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