Member Since: 20 Sep 2013
Location: Chesterfield
Posts: 47
D3 Torque Converter Replacement
I've just been told by my local LR specialist that my torque converter needs replacing, however its not a job that they do. The problem is that I'm driving to the Alps on Monday evening where my car will be staying for a couple of months. How likely is it fail completely whilst I'm out there or will it just get progressively worse over time?
Am I likely to be able find someone who could replace it before I go or would I be ok to risk it?
21st Feb 2019 1:44 pm
Mr Kington
Member Since: 12 Dec 2011
Location: Scottish Borders
Posts: 1549
Not sure you will get it done before then, very unlikely.
Could try a couple of tubes of Dr Tranny and then keep everything crossed. Driving up and down the Alps wont help it though, and could cause major issues to the gear box. re con TC is about £600 all in, gear box replacement is double that and some more on top....... BA transmissions in Keighley did mine but they need it two days minimum.James favourite hobby is writing in the third person.
21st Feb 2019 1:49 pm
lynalldiscovery
Member Since: 22 Dec 2009
Location: Maidstone
Posts: 7274
Mine has needed replacing for over two years, its getting worse, but thats more than enough miles to get you there and back, as said dr tranny and away you go.
21st Feb 2019 3:30 pm
897sma
Member Since: 20 Sep 2013
Location: Chesterfield
Posts: 47
thanks all, I've booked it in for my return in May. Fingers crossed it'll get me there and back, although being a long term Disco owner I've made sure I have decent breakdown cover
21st Feb 2019 4:27 pm
M3DPO
Member Since: 22 Sep 2010
Location: Notts.
Posts: 8103
What exactly are the symptoms?
Best recommendation is take it to a reputable recommended specialist for a prognosis.
If it is juddering slightly at 27-35mph and you have not already used Dr Tranny put 2 tubes in and take another with you, it will be ok for another 4-5K miles. You may find it better to use sport mode as it tends to hold the gears and use power rather than low down torque which causes the clutches to slip.
Take out recovery and re- patronisation before you go
p.s. I’m not the quickest at typing It can when others can't,
It will when others won't,
It goes where others don't.
21st Feb 2019 4:34 pm
897sma
Member Since: 20 Sep 2013
Location: Chesterfield
Posts: 47
It went to a LR Specialist this morning who diagnosed it as a faulty torque converter but they don't do that job. I've ordered some Dr Tranny so hopefully it will be here before I go.
21st Feb 2019 4:58 pm
Net_fisher2
Member Since: 23 May 2017
Location: Isle of Wight
Posts: 99
M3DPO wrote:
You may find it better to use sport mode
Sport Mode???
Have I missed something all these years?
22nd Feb 2019 2:26 pm
Sea Raider
Member Since: 01 Nov 2016
Location: None
Posts: 4450
Here you go
22nd Feb 2019 3:12 pm
897sma
Member Since: 20 Sep 2013
Location: Chesterfield
Posts: 47
Every day's a school day, I've had mine for 5 years and never knew I had a sport mode. The journey home's going to be lively
22nd Feb 2019 3:55 pm
M3DPO
Member Since: 22 Sep 2010
Location: Notts.
Posts: 8103
You’ll be fitting flappy paddles next
It can when others can't,
It will when others won't,
It goes where others don't.
22nd Feb 2019 4:11 pm
Net_fisher2
Member Since: 23 May 2017
Location: Isle of Wight
Posts: 99
Yep. That fun driving home.
22nd Feb 2019 6:45 pm
Johno247
Member Since: 23 Dec 2018
Location: Horley
Posts: 55
I've just had the Torque Converter replaced on mine... what a difference!! Not sure whether I got a good deal but it cost £1186 all in which included a full transmission flush and filters. Sadly I'd paid £280 the month before for a transmission flush (no filters) to see if that would cure the issues of a fluctuating rev counter needle. Anyway it's done now and I'm happy
Now time to see if you can retro fit flappy paddles do a D3
23rd Feb 2019 9:19 am
DIY Ace
Member Since: 06 Feb 2019
Location: Hampshire
Posts: 879
Johno, I’m suffering bouncing revs at about 1750rpm, is this similar to what you experienced?
I’m contemplating either a flush (short term) or just going straight into a replacement torque converter.
Where did you get yours done and what sort of warranty did they give?
Thanks in advance.2022 BMW i4 M50. Bought Oct 2022. 10,200 miles and counting...
2014 BMW 435d convertible. Bought July 2021. 58,000 miles and counting...
2005 Discovery 3 HSE Auto. Bought Feb 2019. 169,000 miles and counting...
2009 Freelander 2 XS Manual. Bought Sep 2013. SOLD Aug 2021 (already regretted!)
Member Since: 23 Dec 2018
Location: Horley
Posts: 55
Hi Richard,
I'm in south just in Horley near to Gatwick Airport. Yep, I was experiencing the same as you in that rev range, normally driving at around 50 mph. I thought I'd live with it, but during the cold spell I started getting warning lights appear on the dash - 'Transmission Fault'. I thought I'd go down the cost saving line of having the transmission flushed first and found a company in Peacehaven on the South Coast who did the full transfusion by machine. They wanted £500 for the flush (with filters) or £280 without the filters. I opted for the latter cheaper option but sadly it didn't change anything bar leaving a hole in my wallet.
I ended up going with Imberhorne 4x4 (www.imberhorne4x4.com) who are based in East Grinstead, West Sussex, to replace the Torque Converter. They stated that the vehicle needed to have a transmission flush and replacement transmission filters at the same time otherwise they wouldn't be able to provide a warranty. Unfortunately as I had only gone for the flush without filters I had to go with it. They quoted £1186 all in which I didn't think was too bad. I had to wait 3 weeks though for them to fit me in. Well worth it though as it drives like a new vehicle
NJSSAm I Gammon or Woke ? - I neither know nor care.
2016 Discovery 4 Landmark
2011 Mercedes Benz SL350 (R230)
1973 MG B GT V8 - 3.9L John Eales engine, 5 speed R380 gearbox, since 1975.
1959 MGA roadster - 1.9L Peter Burgess Engine - 5 speed gearbox
Past LRs - Multiple FFRs, Discos & a Series I - some petrol, some diesel,
none Electric or H2 fuel cell - yet.
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thanks all, I've booked it in for my return in May. Fingers crossed it'll get me there and back, although being a long term Disco owner I've made sure I have decent breakdown cover 
