Bulkhead Workshop › Land Rover models › Range Rover Classic 2.4 / 2.5 VM turbodiesel › Workshop guide › Automatic gearbox fluid & filter change

Range Rover Classic 2.4 / 2.5 VM turbodiesel: automatic gearbox fluid & filter change

Transmission · Range Rover Classic (1970–96) · 1986–1992

How often: every 24,000 mi or 2 yrs, whichever comes first. Old ATF and a blocked filter make these boxes slip, flare and run hot. A fluid and filter change is cheap compared with a rebuild.

Land Rover treated the fluid as long-life. Changing it every two years on an older vehicle is cheap insurance.

Gearbox	LT77 5-speed (ATF Dexron IID, ≈2.2 L) or ZF 4HP22 4-speed automatic: ATF Dexron IID, ≈8.5–9.1 L from dry (a drain and filter change takes about 4 L)

Work safely: support the vehicle on axle stands, never a jack alone; let it cool first. Check figures against your workshop manual. You do this work at your own risk.

Parts

ATF (ATF Dexron IID/III, about 4 L for a drain and filter change)
Automatic gearbox filter (ZF 4HP22) RTC4653
Filter O-ring RTC4276
Gearbox sump gasket (if needed)

Tools

Drain tray
Socket set
Funnel with long hose

Step by step

Drive to warm the fluid. Drain the sump (or drop the pan) and remove the filter.
Clean the pan magnet: fine grey paste is normal; flakes or a lot of friction material mean wear.
Fit the new filter and seal, refit the pan with a new gasket.
Refill through the dipstick tube. With the engine idling in P, move through each gear, then check the level hot on the dipstick and top up a little at a time.

More Range Rover Classic 2.4 / 2.5 VM turbodiesel servicing

Engine oil & filter change every 6,000 mi or 6 months
Air filter element every 12,000 mi or year
Fuel filter change & bleed every 12,000 mi or year
Drain fuel sedimenter / water trap every 6,000 mi or 6 months
Check coolant level, hoses and head gasket signs every 3,000 mi or 3 months
Fan / auxiliary belt check every 12,000 mi or year
Coolant drain, flush & refill every 2 yrs
Grease propshafts every 6,000 mi or 6 months
Check swivel housings & seals every 12,000 mi or year
Check gearbox, transfer & axle oil levels every 12,000 mi or year
Change gearbox & transfer box oil every 24,000 mi or 2 yrs
Change front & rear axle oil every 24,000 mi or 2 yrs
Steering & power steering check every 12,000 mi or year
Inspect pads, discs & brake hoses every 12,000 mi or year
Adjust transmission handbrake every 12,000 mi or year
Brake & clutch fluid change every 2 yrs
Suspension bushes, arms & dampers every 12,000 mi or year
Wheel bearings & hub seals every 24,000 mi or 2 yrs
Chassis & bulkhead inspection, rust-proofing every year
Annual safety inspection every year
Monthly walk-round checks every month

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