Bulkhead Workshop › Land Rover models › Range Rover P38 2.5 DSE diesel (BMW) › Workshop guide › Automatic gearbox fluid & filter change

Range Rover P38 2.5 DSE diesel (BMW): automatic gearbox fluid & filter change

Transmission · Range Rover P38 (1994–2002) · 1994–2002

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.

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 III, about 4–5 L for a drain and filter change)
• Filter & sump gasket (to suit ZF 4HP24 or GM 4L80-E)

Tools

• Drain tray
• Socket set
• Funnel with long hose

Step by step

1. Drive to warm the fluid. Drain the sump (or drop the pan) and remove the filter.
2. Clean the pan magnet: fine grey paste is normal; flakes or a lot of friction material mean wear.
3. Fit the new filter and seal, refit the pan with a new gasket.
4. 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.

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