Transmission problem

[Dog Lover]

Have a 2006 LR3 SE which I purchased used and now has 53,000 miles. Previously, had asked the dealer to check for transmission software update, as it initially seemed to have the must discussed problem of harsh and irregular shifting when rolling to a stop and then re-accelerating. Was told by dealer that everything was up to date and they could not re-produce the problem.

This problem has continued intermittantly and now the vehicle sometimes drops completely out of gear when slowing down or turning.

Just about caused an accident today, as I pulled out into the road with plenty of room, but the vehicle then dropped out of gear and I had no acceleration, as it was suddenly like I was in neutral. High RPM.... but no movement. After a few seconds, the transmission seems to find "drive" and I can then move forward with normal acceleration.

Any ideas of what may be the problem........any help is much appreciated. Thanks!

 

[Ethan Hunt]

Dog,

I would have them do the tranny reflash again. The reason I say this is because I know for a fact that most of the dealerships werent performing the flash properly. I think they werent exiting the program properly. Hopefuly this will solve your issue.

 

[CoMclovin]

As ethan stated, tell them to reflash the tranny. Regardless of whether they can reproduce it, if you complain about it, they should flash it, and ensure the software update was applied correctly.

 

[nwoods]

And don't let them charge you for it. This is a Life Saftey issue that is a known defect (thus the TSB on it)

 

[broiler]

I'm also out of warranty and get this problem too (although not as bad as the first poster). So you guys think this is something they would do for free, even if it's out of warranty? I don't even know if it's ever been done, as I'm not the original owner.

 

[CoMclovin]

If it's a TSB and you're continually having problems with it, yes they should do this for free. If they give you fits you need to let the dealer know you're going to phone into LRNA and talk to them about it.. That usually does the trick with *moody* dealers..

 

[mustbeaudi]

be respectful, polite and point out that you complained on the same issue (often?) during wtty - don't overtly insinuate too blatantly that they set you up - and just persist: after all, it's just a programming job, no parts, a little labor, and wouldn't they rather have you happy coming back when you really need to spend?

 

[Dog Lover]

Thanks to all who replied. Just got the vehicle back from the dealer. Thankfully they did "goodwill" the repairs, as I did report the original problem to the dealer prior to 50K.

Thought some of you with similar problems might be interested to know that although they did do a second ECM software upgrade, the dropping out of gear problem was related to the selector shift lever and linkage. This was replaced and it seems to be running fine now. Also the tranny is operating much smoother at start up or at any acceleration from a braking or rolling stop.

The two tell tale problems for me that indicated a problem with shifter or shifter linkage, as opposed to TCM or ECM software problem, was the fact that the "D" in the dash display would flicker or go out when braking or turning, indicating that the tranny began dropping out of gear.

Also, the original selector lever was much stiffer to operate previously, before the replacement, than the new replaced mechanism is. I bought the vehicle used and just assumed that the selector level was designed to operate a bit stiff.

I guess any noted additional stiffness in operation of your selector level might indicate that it may beginning to seize up. The complete dropping out of gear while braking or turning came on suddenly and was definitely a safety issue! I read on another site that TSB LA307-002 might address this known problem.

Thanks again!

 

[CoMclovin]

Hey, glad to hear they got you taken care of! Thanks for the details on the the shifter linkage issue, this may come in handy for other forum members!

Cheers!

 

[mustbeaudi]

Yes, well done on all accounts including the follow up with the forum. So many folks never do that, so thank you.

Searching help for future users:
Transmission drops out of Drive, shifter stiff, shift linkage stiff, dash gear indicator goes out