Tapps33
Full Access Member
Sorry, late to the party here. First, we have a ZF 6HP28 in these trucks, not the 26. For the most part, there are no differences, but it's the internals to the mechatronic that are slightly different.
As for his issues, I agree with everyone above, change the fluid, and replace the mechatronic seals. If it were me, I'd just go ahead and do the Sonnax Zip kit and new solenoids while I was in there. Mainly because getting the pain on and off, and then charging the fluid properly is a giant pain in the rear....so I only want to go in once...not twice. The only down side is that you have to order a new separator plate when doing the zip kit, and in theory, you need to get the old mechatronic out in order to verify you get the right one....although I have always found it to be the A163/B163 plate. (but I've only worked on 8 different LR transmissions...knowing my luck, yours would be different.)
As for how to add the fluid, you don't even need stands, put it in off road height and you have enough room to slide in from the passenger side. Look around, and there are some neat little tube extenders in order to help you get over/around the cat when filling. Just be careful, if you do use stands, make sure you get 4 of them and get the whole vehicle level, because if the front is in the air and not the rear, you'll get a false "reading." FYI, the "reading" is one to three drips a second. give or take. (Google changing the trans pan, AB has a great video for it.)
Here's a generic tool kit off amazon:
I splurged and picked this system up from FCP Euro....definitely makes it A LOT easier and I know exactly how much went in...but I've used mine 3 times already, so it's kinda been worth it:
As for transmission temp, I just use an IR temp gun...or you could use the GAP tool, but honestly, all you really need is the vehicle to be at running temp. So, just let it idle for a hot minute (pun intended) and you should be fine, in the absence of a GAP tool or IR temp gun.
Quick edit, referencing your temp, 40C sounds about right. Also, if you don't pull the mechatronic and just swap fluid, plan on about 10 liters, if you do pull it, plan on 14 liters. You'll probably have some leftover...but that's not a bad thing.
As for his issues, I agree with everyone above, change the fluid, and replace the mechatronic seals. If it were me, I'd just go ahead and do the Sonnax Zip kit and new solenoids while I was in there. Mainly because getting the pain on and off, and then charging the fluid properly is a giant pain in the rear....so I only want to go in once...not twice. The only down side is that you have to order a new separator plate when doing the zip kit, and in theory, you need to get the old mechatronic out in order to verify you get the right one....although I have always found it to be the A163/B163 plate. (but I've only worked on 8 different LR transmissions...knowing my luck, yours would be different.)
As for how to add the fluid, you don't even need stands, put it in off road height and you have enough room to slide in from the passenger side. Look around, and there are some neat little tube extenders in order to help you get over/around the cat when filling. Just be careful, if you do use stands, make sure you get 4 of them and get the whole vehicle level, because if the front is in the air and not the rear, you'll get a false "reading." FYI, the "reading" is one to three drips a second. give or take. (Google changing the trans pan, AB has a great video for it.)
Here's a generic tool kit off amazon:
I splurged and picked this system up from FCP Euro....definitely makes it A LOT easier and I know exactly how much went in...but I've used mine 3 times already, so it's kinda been worth it:
Transmission Fluid Reservoir - OTC 6792-EDB
Transmission Fluid Reservoir - OTC 6792-EDB
www.fcpeuro.com
As for transmission temp, I just use an IR temp gun...or you could use the GAP tool, but honestly, all you really need is the vehicle to be at running temp. So, just let it idle for a hot minute (pun intended) and you should be fine, in the absence of a GAP tool or IR temp gun.
Quick edit, referencing your temp, 40C sounds about right. Also, if you don't pull the mechatronic and just swap fluid, plan on about 10 liters, if you do pull it, plan on 14 liters. You'll probably have some leftover...but that's not a bad thing.
