A/T - ZF Transmission Fluid Level Checking
No: 44/01/99/NASRef: 44/01/98/NAS
Issue: 1
Date: 02/19/99
1999 ZF Automatic Transmission Oil Level Check
AFFECTED VEHICLE RANGE:
RANGE ROVER (LP) After XA410504
DISCOVERY (LT) All
SITUATION:
CHECKING AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID LEVEL
The method and conditions required to properly check the AT fluid level in 1999 vehicles which are not equipped with a dip stick differ from the established routines established in TIB 44/01/98/NAS.
RESOLUTION:
PERFORM FLUID LEVEL CHECK USING PRESCRIBED METHOD
Refer to the level check instructions in the PROCEDURE section. Note particularly the accompanying explanatory notes designed to assure understanding of the process and to ensure that correct fluid levels are maintained in the ZF automatic transmissions used in Land Rover products.
PARTS INFORMATION:
LOCALLY SOURCED
ATF Dexron III Qty as required
WARRANTY CLAIMS:
Normal warranty policy and procedures apply
PROCEDURE:
CAUTION:
Vehicle must be on level surface when transmission level fill or check is performed. An improper fill level can result in transmission damage.
NOTE:
Observe the following points regarding AT fluid temperatures when checking fluid levels:
^ Fluid checks must only be performed when the transmission and its fluid are at ambient or "room" temperature between 20° C and 40° C (68° F and 104° F). The transmission will be slightly warm to the touch, but not hot, at these temperatures.
^ Checks performed outside of this ambient temperature range will be unreliable because of the wide range of possible "hot" temperatures and the extreme expansion factor of AT fluid.
Example: If the transmission fluid is checked in a heated condition at 80° C (175° F) the level will have increased by 1.6 inches (40 mm) above the "correct" level. If fluid levels are "adjusted" at this "hot" temperature, when the fluid cools it will contract so that it is 1.6 inches (40 mm) too low.
This translates to OVER 2 liters (2 quarts) below the specified fill level. Such a low fluid level would result in transmission damage, particularly on severe slopes or side tilts, as the result of loss of lubrication.
NOTE:
Transmission temperature specification for level fill or check is stamped on transmission sump. (Figure 1)
1. Refer to WSM Maintenance section - page 10-23.
2. Verify that vehicle is level and that transmission is at ambient temperature between 20° C and 40° C (68° F - 104° F).
3. If transmission fluid has been drained, perform the following:
^ Remove oil filler/level plug. (Figure 1)
^ Fill transmission with Dexron III ATF to the bottom of the oil filler hole.
4. Verify that transmission selector lever is in the "PARK" position.
5. Set handbrake.
6. Start the engine and allow idle to stabilize.
7. Verify and adjust transmission fluid level as follows:
^ If not removed for fluid fill, remove oil filler/level plug. (Figure 1)
^ Fill transmission with Dexron III ATF to the bottom of the oil filler hole.
^ Apply footbrake.
^ Move selector lever through all gears and then back to "PARK" position.
^ Leave engine idling and fill transmission until oil runs from the oil filler/level opening.
NOTE:
Seal ring used in association with the filler/level plug may be reused.
8. Install plug and seal and torque to 30 Nm (22 lbf.ft.)
9. Shut off engine.
10. Clean all excess oil from transmission casing and pan area.