P0712 on 2014-2015 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque: Causes and Fixes

What's Unique About the 2014-2015 Land Rover RANGE ROVER EVOQUE

For the 2014-2015 Range Rover Evoque within the specific VIN range of EH815019-FH989125, this code is very frequently linked to a specific manufacturing defect. Land Rover issued a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB LTB00740NAS2 and its revisions) acknowledging that a faulty crimp on the internal transmission wiring harness is a common cause for this code, often accompanied by a 'Gearbox Fault' message on the dash. This makes the internal harness the primary suspect 🎬 Watch: How this common gearbox fault was successfully cured., more so than on other vehicles where the sensor itself might be the first part to check.

Diagnostic Flowchart

Tap your situation to follow the diagnostic path that matches what you're seeing on this vehicle.

Symptoms You May Notice

• Check Engine Light or transmission warning light is on.
• 'Gearbox Fault' or 'Transmission Fault' message on the instrument cluster.
• Harsh, erratic, or delayed gear shifts.
• Transmission may get stuck in one gear (limp mode).
• Improper or malfunctioning torque converter clutch (TCC) operation.

Most Likely Causes

1. Faulty Internal Transmission Wiring Harness 🔴 High Probability A known manufacturing issue with a faulty crimp in the harness is documented in Land Rover TSB #LTB00740NAS2 for this specific vehicle and year range (VINs EH815019-FH989125).
   How to confirm: A technician will scan for P0712 and other related codes mentioned in the TSB. The diagnosis is confirmed by following the TSB's service instruction, which involves replacing the internal harness after removing the transmission pan.
   Typical fix: Replace the transmission solenoid valve electrical harness (internal harness) and the associated service kit parts.
   Est. part cost: $150-$300
2. Failed Transmission Fluid Temperature (TFT) Sensor 🟡 Medium Probability On this ZF 9HP48 transmission, the TFT sensor is integrated into the internal wiring harness that is known to be faulty. Therefore, a sensor failure is addressed by replacing the entire harness assembly.
   How to confirm: After accessing the sensor (which is part of the internal harness), its resistance can be tested with a multimeter and compared to manufacturer specifications. 🎬 Watch: How to test the transmission fluid temperature sensor circuit. However, given the TSB, replacement is the standard procedure if the codes match.
   Typical fix: Replace the TFT sensor. Since the sensor is integrated into the internal wiring harness for this model, the entire harness (part LR049888) is replaced.
   Est. part cost: $100-$200
3. Damaged External Wiring or Connectors ⚪ Low Probability
   How to confirm: Visually inspect the wiring harness leading to the main transmission connector for any signs of physical damage, corrosion, or loose connections. Check for continuity and voltage with a multimeter at the connector pins.
   Typical fix: Repair the damaged section of the wire or clean/replace the external connector.
   Est. part cost: $10-$50

Rare But Worth Checking

• Faulty Transmission Control Module (TCM): This is a rare cause. The TCM should only be considered after all other possibilities, including the specific TSB for this vehicle, have been thoroughly investigated and ruled out.

Diagnosis Steps

1. Use an OBD-II scanner to confirm the P0712 code and check for any other related codes, especially those listed in TSB LTB00740NAS2/3.
2. Verify the vehicle's VIN falls within the affected range (EH815019-FH989125) as noted in the TSB.
3. With a scan tool, monitor the live data for the transmission fluid temperature. A reading of -40°F/-40°C or another fixed, illogical value strongly points to a circuit fault.
4. Inspect the external wiring and the main connector to the transmission for any visible damage, corrosion, or loose pins.
5. If external wiring is okay and the VIN/DTCs match the TSB, the next step is to follow the guidance of TSB LTB00740NAS2/3. This involves draining the fluid, removing the transmission pan, and replacing the internal transmission wiring harness.
6. A later version of the TSB suggests checking the transmission serial number. If it is 141773 or higher, the TSB may not apply, and normal diagnostics should be followed.
7. After replacing the harness, the TSB may recommend re-configuring the TCM with a JLR-approved diagnostic tool.
8. If the TSB does not apply, the final step would be to test the TCM, but this is highly unlikely to be the cause on this vehicle.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Transmission Solenoid Valve Electrical Harness (OEM #LR049888 (May be superseded by LR086170)) — This is the internal harness identified in TSB LTB00740NAS2 as the primary cause of the P0712 code on these vehicles due to a faulty crimp.
  Trusted brands: Land Rover Genuine, VEMO (Aftermarket, P/N V48-77-0026)
  OEM price range: $150-$250
  Aftermarket price range: $100-$180
• Transmission Service Kit (OEM #LR049876) — This service kit is listed as a required part in the TSB. It typically includes the necessary pan gasket, bolts, and fluid required for the service of replacing the internal harness.
  Trusted brands: Land Rover Genuine, ZF
  OEM price range: $100-$200
  Aftermarket price range: $60-$120

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• P0713 — This is the code for 'Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor Circuit High', and seeing it with P0712 can indicate an intermittent wiring problem, which is consistent with a faulty crimp. The TSB also lists P0713-13 as a possible companion code.
• P0600-04, P0710-27, P0710-64, P0712-11, P0713-13, P0975-19, P0978-19, P0981-19, P0984-19, and P099B-14 — These specific codes are listed in TSB LTB00740NAS2 and its revision LTB00740NAS3 as being potentially stored along with P0712 due to the same faulty internal wiring harness crimp.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• LTB00740NAS2 / LTB00740NAS3: States that a 'Gearbox fault' message accompanied by code P0712-11 (and others) on 2014-2015 Evoques (VIN EH815019-FH989125) is likely caused by a faulty crimp on the transmission internal wiring harness. It provides the part numbers (LR049888, LR049876) and service procedure for replacement.

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• A Land Rover Technical Service Bulletin (LTB00740NAS2 and its revisions) directly addresses P0712 on 2014-2015 Evoque models within VIN range EH815019-FH989125. It identifies the cause as a faulty crimp on the transmission internal wiring harness, leading to a 'Gearbox Fault' message.

Hidden / Shadow Codes Worth Checking

• P0712-11: The '-11' suffix is a Land Rover-specific sub-code indicating a 'circuit short to ground' fault type. This is highly consistent with the faulty wire crimp described in the TSB. (see via A Land Rover-specific diagnostic tool like SDD, Pathfinder, or a high-end aftermarket scanner capable of reading manufacturer codes.)

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• JLR SDD (Symptom Driven Diagnostics): Configure new module - Transmission Control Module — This function is used after replacing the internal wiring harness or the TCM itself. TSB LTB00740NAS3 may recommend running this to ensure the TCM software is up to date and recognizes the new component correctly.
• JLR SDD / Pathfinder: Clear transmission adaptations — After a major transmission repair like replacing the internal harness, resetting the learned shift adaptations can help the transmission relearn shift points with the new, correctly functioning components, leading to smoother operation.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• TFT Sensor Location — The Transmission Fluid Temperature (TFT) sensor is integrated into the internal wiring harness (also called the pass-through harness), which is located inside the transmission and mounted to the valve body.. This confirms that the sensor cannot be replaced separately. The entire internal harness must be replaced to fix a failed sensor, which aligns with the TSB's prescribed fix for the faulty crimp.

OEM Part Supersession History

• LR049888 → LR086170 — Part update or replacement by manufacturer. The new part number serves the same function.
  Heads up: No known incompatibilities. Aftermarket suppliers and Land Rover parts dealers list LR086170 as the direct replacement for LR049888.

Model Year Variations Within This Range

• 2014-2015: TSB LTB00740NAS3 introduced a check for the transmission serial number. If the serial number is 141773 or higher, the TSB for the faulty harness crimp does not apply, and standard diagnostic procedures should be followed. This suggests a manufacturing change was implemented at that point.