Transmission Oil and Filter

Discovery Series II

Photos and Text by Dean Brown

Parts Needed:

  1. Rover transmission filter kit* (includes gasket and o-rings) ($72 dealership)
  2. Dexron III ATF (8 quarts)

Tools needed:

  1. Torx set (T27, T30)
  2. Oil transfer pump (Pep Boys $15)
  3. Allen wrench (8mm)
  4. Socket set (universal joint socket useful)
  5. Waste-oil pan

Skill Level: 2 / 10 (trivial)

Time: 2 hours

Notes:  No cross member or exhaust system has to be dropped, unlike the D1. Also, note that this procedure will change less than half of the total capacity transmission fluid (19 quarts), but is nevertheless that recommended by the Land Rover service department and the shop manual.

*Note that the transmission filter is a stainless steel gauze pressed into a flat steel box. The shop manual says to wash the filter (rather than replace it), and the gauze on this particular vehicle appeared completely clean (@ 30K miles). You may be able to rinse and reuse your filter instead of buying a new one. The o-rings and gasket appeared perfectly new.

Procedure:

  1. Lift vehicle on ramps or axle stands. Leave in park with hand brake on. At no time will the drive train be rotated while the fluid can still drain.
  2. With the T30 Torx bit, undo the drain plug at the bottom of the transmission pan and drain the oil. About 6-7 quarts will drain out.

  1. Undo the six bolts and spacers that clamp the pan to the transmission.

Bolts and Spacers:

  1. Remove sump. There is a small magnet in the sump that pulls in metal dust. Clean the sump and magnet.

  1. Using Torx T27 bit, remove the three bolts holding the transmission filter to the transmission.

  1. Remove the filter, and pull off the plastic pickup tube.

  1. The new filter has two rubber o-rings, one on each side: Fit the rings to the filter.

  1. Fit the filter and pickup to the transmission, securing with the three Torx bolts.

  1. Fit the drain plug to the sump.
  2. Clean the sump edge, and attach the new gasket. Clean the transmission where it will mate to the sump. Push the sump back up to the transmission, and secure with the six original bolts and spacers.
  3. Remove the filler plug. This is on the front-face of the transmission sump. Place a waste-oil pan below the filler plug.
  4. Using an oil-transfer pump, begin filling the transmission with Dexron III ATF. You will get about 1-2 quarts in right now.

  1. Start the engine and idle to warm. Remain in Park.
  2. Continue to fill the transmission. Approximately 4 more quarts will go in now.
  3. Apply the foot brake and change gears through R,N,D,3,2,1 and back a few times. Do not let the wheels turn.
  4. Add more transmission fluid until it seeps out through the filler hole.
  5. Replace the filler plug.