P0984 on 2014-2015 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque: Shift Solenoid 'E' Circuit Causes and Fixes

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

The 2014-2015 Range Rover Evoque uses a ZF 9-speed automatic transmission (ZF 9HP) that is prone to this specific issue. Land Rover identified that 'insufficient crimps' on the internal transmission wiring harness were a common manufacturing defect. This problem was so prevalent that it was the subject of both a Technical Service Bulletin (LTB00740NAS2) and a safety recall (P091), as the faulty harness could cause the transmission to unexpectedly shift into Neutral, increasing the risk of a crash.

Diagnostic Flowchart

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

Symptoms You May Notice

• "Gearbox Fault" message on the instrument cluster.
• Transmission may enter "limp mode," limiting available gears.
• Harsh, jerky, or delayed gear shifts.
• Struggles to shift up through gears, especially under load on a motorway.
• Transmission may unexpectedly shift into Neutral.
• Check Engine Light or Transmission Warning Light is illuminated.
🎬 See how one owner successfully cured their Evoque gearbox fault.
• Vehicle may get stuck in a single gear.

Most Likely Causes

1. Faulty Internal Transmission Wiring Harness 🔴 High Probability Land Rover TSB LTB00740NAS2 explicitly states the cause for P0984 and a host of other codes 'may be caused by a faulty crimp on the transmission internal wiring harness'. Safety Recall P091 was issued for this exact problem.
   How to confirm: Diagnosis involves checking for the presence of other related DTCs listed in TSB LTB00740NAS2 (P0600-04, P0710-27, P0710-64, P0712-11, P0713-13, P0975-19, P0978-19, P0981-19, P099B-14). If multiple codes are present, the harness is the most likely culprit. The ultimate confirmation is visual inspection after removing the transmission pan.
   Typical fix: Replace the internal transmission solenoid wiring harness. This part is located inside the transmission.
   Est. part cost: $150-$250
2. Failed Shift Solenoid 'E' 🟡 Medium Probability While the harness is the most likely culprit, the solenoid itself can fail electrically. It is part of the same internal assembly and subject to the same conditions.
   How to confirm: After accessing the solenoid inside the transmission, its electrical resistance can be tested with a multimeter. For the ZF 9HP in this vehicle, the expected resistance for a Proportional Control Valve (PCV) solenoid is 5.05 Ohms at 20°C (68°F). A significantly different reading indicates a faulty solenoid.
   Typical fix: Replace the individual shift solenoid 'E'. This is often done at the same time as a harness replacement if its condition is questionable or if P0984 is the only code present.
   Est. part cost: $50-$100

Rare But Worth Checking

• Faulty Transmission Control Module (TCM): This is uncommon and should only be considered after the wiring harness and solenoid have been thoroughly tested and ruled out. A faulty TCM will often present with multiple, sometimes unrelated, trouble codes.
• Low or Contaminated Transmission Fluid: While less likely to cause a specific electrical circuit code, very low or dirty fluid can cause erratic solenoid operation and should be checked as a basic maintenance step.

Diagnosis Steps

1. Scan the Transmission Control Module (TCM) for all stored trouble codes. Note if any other codes from TSB LTB00740NAS2 are present, as a pattern strongly suggests the harness is the fault.
2. Check the transmission fluid level and condition. Ensure it is clean and at the correct level.
3. Inspect the external transmission wiring harness and connectors for any visible damage, corrosion, or loose connections.
4. Given the known issues, if multiple TSB-related codes are present, the internal wiring harness is the primary suspect.
5. If P0984 is the only code, the next step is to gain access to the transmission's internal components by removing the pan.
6. Visually inspect the internal wiring harness for any signs of damage, especially at the crimp points near the connectors.
7. Test the electrical resistance of Shift Solenoid 'E' using a digital multimeter. The specified resistance is 5.05 Ohms at 20°C (68°F).
8. If the harness and solenoid test good, the issue could be a stuck valve in the valve body or, rarely, the TCM itself.
9. Replace the faulty component (most likely the internal harness, but possibly the solenoid).
10. Reassemble the transmission with a new pan gasket and refill with the correct type and amount of Land Rover-specified transmission fluid (ZF Lifeguard 9).
🎬 Watch: Step-by-step guide to performing a transmission fluid service.
11. Clear all diagnostic trouble codes and perform a 'Configure existing module - Transmission control module' routine, which includes 'Touchpoint Adaptions' and 'Clutch Adaptions', using a Land Rover-approved diagnostic tool to confirm the repair.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Transmission Solenoid Valve Electrical Harness (OEM #LR086170) — This is the most common failure point for code P0984 on this vehicle, as documented by Land Rover TSB LTB00740NAS2. The original part number LR049888 was superseded by LR086170.
  Trusted brands: Genuine Land Rover
  OEM price range: $150-$250
  Aftermarket price range: $100-$200
• Shift Solenoid 'E' — If the wiring harness is intact, the solenoid itself may have failed electrically. It is sold as part of the larger valve body assembly by the dealer but can sometimes be sourced individually.
  Trusted brands: ZF (Original Equipment Manufacturer)
  OEM price range: $70-$120
  Aftermarket price range: $50-$100
• Automatic Transmission Fluid — The fluid must be drained to access the internal components and must be replaced with fluid meeting Land Rover's specifications for the ZF 9HP transmission.
  Trusted brands: Genuine Land Rover, ZF Lifeguard 9
  OEM price range: $30-$50 per liter
  Aftermarket price range: $25-$40 per liter
• Transmission Pan Gasket (OEM #LR049876 (Part of a service kit)) — The gasket is a one-time use part and must be replaced whenever the transmission pan is removed to prevent leaks. TSB LTB00740NAS2 lists a 'Service kit' under this part number.
  OEM price range: $40-$70
  Aftermarket price range: $20-$40

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• P0975 — Relates to Shift Solenoid 'B' circuit. Both are on the same internal harness often implicated in TSB LTB00740NAS2.
• P0978 — Relates to Shift Solenoid 'C' circuit. Both are on the same internal harness often implicated in TSB LTB00740NAS2.
• P0981 — Relates to Shift Solenoid 'D' circuit. Both are on the same internal harness often implicated in TSB LTB00740NAS2.
• P0710 — Relates to the Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor 'A' Circuit. This sensor is part of the same internal harness and is explicitly mentioned in TSB LTB00740NAS2.
• P0712 / P0713 — Relates to the Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor 'A' Circuit (Low/High Input). This sensor is part of the same internal harness and is explicitly mentioned in TSB LTB00740NAS2.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• LTB00740NAS2: States that a 'Gearbox fault' message accompanied by DTCs P0984-19, P0600-04, P0710-27, P0710-64, P0712-11, P0713-13, P0975-19, P0978-19, P0981-19, or P099B-14 may be caused by a faulty crimp on the transmission internal wiring harness and advises replacement of harness LR049888.

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• A widespread issue with faulty crimps on the internal transmission wiring harness prompted Land Rover to issue Technical Service Bulletin LTB00740NAS2.
• A related safety recall (NHTSA Campaign ID: 16V643000, Land Rover Campaign #P091) was issued because the faulty harness could cause the transmission to unexpectedly shift to Neutral, increasing crash risk.

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• Shift Solenoid (PCV Type) Coil Resistance — expected: 5.05 Ohms at 20°C (68°F). Failure: A reading that is significantly higher (approaching infinite for an open circuit) or lower (near zero for a short circuit).
• Shift Solenoid (On/Off Type) Coil Resistance — expected: 25 Ohms at 20°C (68°F). Failure: A reading that is significantly higher or lower than the specification.

Hidden / Shadow Codes Worth Checking

• P0984-19: The '-19' suffix is a manufacturer-specific identifier indicating 'Circuit Current Out of Range'. This provides more detail than the generic P-code, pointing directly to an electrical current problem (too high or too low) rather than a general performance issue. (see via A Land Rover-specific diagnostic tool like SDD or Pathfinder, or a high-end professional scanner. Basic OBD-II readers may only show 'P0984'.)

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• Land Rover SDD / Pathfinder: Configure existing module - Transmission control module — This is a mandatory step after replacing the internal wiring harness, as instructed by TSB LTB00740NAS2. It re-initializes the TCM to work with the new component.
• Land Rover SDD / Pathfinder: Touchpoint Adaptions / Clutch Adaptions — After replacing internal transmission components or servicing the fluid, this routine must be run. It allows the TCM to re-learn the precise engagement points and pressures for each clutch, ensuring smooth shifting. Failure to perform this can result in poor shift quality even after the repair.
• iCarsoft LR V4.0 / GAP IIDTool: Transmission Adaptation Reset / Clear Adaptation — Used after a fluid change or component replacement to clear the TCM's learned values. This forces the transmission into a 're-learn' mode during the subsequent drive cycle.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• Engine Bay Chassis Ground — A bolt on an engine mounting, located on the right-hand side of the engine bay just behind the windscreen washer filler cap.. While not the direct ground for the TCM, a poor main engine-to-chassis ground can introduce electrical noise and voltage stability problems throughout the vehicle's electrical system. Verifying this primary ground is a crucial step in diagnosing any complex electronic fault before condemning expensive modules.

Real Owner Repair Stories

• YouTube user video (Range Rover Evoque (year not specified, but within the affected generation)) — A recurring 'Gearbox Fault' warning message on the dash. The user also noted intermittent blue screens from the vehicle's cameras.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) Restarting the car would temporarily clear the fault.
  ✅ What actually fixed it The problem was resolved by replacing the small auxiliary battery located under the glove compartment. The owner theorized that the failing auxiliary battery was causing electrical faults that manifested as a gearbox warning.

OEM Part Supersession History

• LR049888 → LR086170 — Likely an updated design to correct the faulty wire crimp issue identified in TSB LTB00740NAS2.