Thread: New D3 TDV6 Owner with stupid question

Greetings,

Personally I woud get the auto serviced and have a steel pan fitted instead of the original plastic pan with the built in filter. Make sure they use the correct tranny fluid or else it will end up costing you big time.

I would also get the oil in the diffs and transfer case changed.

I have fitted a Mitch hitch which is a much better system then the standard crappy plow hitch.

By the way D3's have a problem with LED brake and indicator lights, so that will cost a few dollars to sort out.

We tow a 2.5 ton van and a D3 tows like no other vehicle I have owned, it is excellent as a tug.

cheers,
Terry

Has the vehicle had all its services by the book ? - and by whom ?
I'd spend the money on a thorough service - get everything checked - oils etc just so you "know" where you are with the vehicle ... I did this with mine just for peace of mind.
I'd also get the oil in the auto changed - especially as you intend to use it as a tow vehicle.
Is it the original battery ? - these vehicles are very technical and need a "good" battery - I'd install a brand new one to be on the safe side (again)
It's horses for courses but I like to know where I'm starting and wouldn't just take a dealers word for its history.
I'm sure you will get lots of good advise from other members on here - I spent a lot of time doing my research on here (plus a few other forums) and got a great vehicle - then I spent some dollars establishing a "baseline" for it and I haven't looked back ... good luck with your new purchase & welcome to the forum. Don't forget to post some pics.
cheers

G'day gaultfam,

Welcome!

The only stupid question is the one that you do not ask.

Further to TerryO's reply as your primary intended use is for towing I would also have an axillary transmission fluid cooler installed. A good time to do this would be when the transmission fluid is changed. If it is not done then make sure that it is the tranny is topped up with the correct fluid when it is fitted as TerryO recommended. See your hand book for specifications.

I am sure that someone could recommend a good LR specialist in the Melbourne area who would do a good job for you.

Lou...

Servicing "everything" is great for a good night's sleep.

Is this diesel prone to EGR problems ? - If so, the more experienced ones here could advise Gaultfam of the symptoms and the (non-dealer) fix...

I know of a new one that's had heaps of hassles with the EGR contaminating the coolant... and a dealer that has'nt risen to the challenge...

WOW, such a quick response, thanks so much. Does anyone recomend any good service centres in Melbourne (near Rowville) that wont charge an arm and a leg to get the gearbox, diffs, engine serviced ?

Originally Posted by TerryO

Greetings,

Personally I woud get the auto serviced and have a steel pan fitted instead of the original plastic pan with the built in filter.

Can this be done DIY quite easily, I dont seem to find any post on this or pics for that matter.
What is the advantages of fitting the metal sump

Originally Posted by gaultfam

WOW, such a quick response, thanks so much. Does anyone recomend any good service centres in Melbourne (near Rowville) that wont charge an arm and a leg to get the gearbox, diffs, engine serviced ?

Hi gaultfam & welcome to the forum.
A & B Autos in Dandenong do auto services for the leading LR dealerships in Melbourne. They are tried and trusted for the expertise on ZF boxes.
Myself...........I would rather spend the money and get them to do it. Its a small outlay every 80K compared to the large investement that you have made buying your D3.
Good luck, Craig

Originally Posted by gaultfam

WOW, such a quick response, thanks so much. Does anyone recomend any good service centres in Melbourne (near Rowville) that wont charge an arm and a leg to get the gearbox, diffs, engine serviced ?

gaultfam,

Just by way of explanation and so you do not think you have walked into a real issue, the reason many are suggesting an oil flush and change for the auto is that the ZF tranny is listed as "filled for life" or at least not requiring a service at least until something well into the 100,000 + km.

As such most dealers etc will advise you they do not need anything done. This is not the case, particularly if you have or are planning to tow with it.

Most who have changed the oil on the auto advise much improved shifting and it certainly will extend the life of the transmission which is a significant expense if it fails.

Enjoy the new D3.

George