P2704 on 2014-2015 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque: Transmission Fault Causes & Fixes

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

The 2014-2015 Evoque uses the ZF 9HP48 9-speed automatic transmission, which was one of the first of its kind in a transverse application. 🎬 Watch: A deep dive into how the 9HP48 transmission works. Early versions of this transmission were known for complex software and mechanical issues across several brands, including Jeep, Chrysler, Honda, and Acura. Land Rover specifically addressed code P2704 in Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) SSM71847, acknowledging it as a known issue pointing to internal transmission faults that often require complete unit replacement on early models. The widespread issues across multiple manufacturers highlight the difficult teething problems of this complex, early-generation 9-speed gearbox.

Diagnostic Flowchart

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

Symptoms You May Notice

• Harsh, delayed, or erratic gear shifts.
• Transmission warning light illuminated on the dashboard.
• Vehicle entering "limp mode," with limited gear availability.
• Slipping gears, where engine RPMs increase but vehicle speed does not.
• A clunking or grinding noise during gear changes.
• Complete failure to engage any gear.

Most Likely Causes

1. Internal Transmission Failure 🔴 High Probability As documented in Land Rover TSB SSM71847, this code on early build 2014-2015 Evoques with the 9HP48 transmission often points to a non-serviceable internal fault. The TSB explicitly states that if P2704-07 is stored and the transmission serial number is below 063584, the entire unit should be replaced. 🎬 Watch: A professional walkthrough of the transmission removal process. This indicates a known manufacturing or design defect in early production units.
   How to confirm: A technician must check the transmission serial number against the TSB guidelines. If the number is below the specified range for code P2704, the diagnosis is confirmed.
   Typical fix: Complete replacement of the automatic transmission assembly. One owner on babyRR.com detailed their 2014 Evoque requiring a £7,000 gearbox replacement after initial attempts to fix it with a software update and fluid top-up failed.
   Est. part cost: $4000-$7000
2. Low or Contaminated Transmission Fluid 🟡 Medium Probability While less likely to be the root cause given the TSB, low or degraded fluid can cause a wide range of hydraulic issues, including slow clutch application times. The TSB does advise checking the fluid level as a secondary step for transmissions with serial numbers *above* the cutoff.
   How to confirm: Check the automatic transmission fluid (ATF) level and condition according to the manufacturer's procedure. This is a complex process on the 9HP48 as it has no dipstick and requires the vehicle to be level and at a specific temperature.
   Typical fix: Perform a transmission fluid drain and fill with the correct ZF Lifeguard 9 fluid. Repair any leaks found. A fluid change service alone can cost between $229 and $307.
   Est. part cost: $200-$500
3. Faulty Transmission Control Module (TCM) Software ⚪ Low Probability For transmissions with serial numbers *above* the cutoff in the TSB, Land Rover suggests a TCM software update as a potential fix before replacing the unit. This indicates that software logic could sometimes misinterpret sensor data or that updated shift strategies could compensate for minor wear.
   How to confirm: A Land Rover dealer or specialist with the appropriate scan tool (like SDD) can check the current software version against available updates listed in TOPIx.
   Typical fix: Update the TCM to the latest software version. This is often attempted as a first, less-expensive step, but forum experiences suggest it often fails to resolve the underlying mechanical issue.
   Est. part cost: $0-$300
4. Faulty Valve Body or Solenoids ⚪ Low Probability In a generic context, a sticking solenoid or clogged valve body is a common cause for this code. However, for this specific vehicle, the TSB's guidance to replace the entire transmission for this code suggests individual component failure is either less common or not considered a serviceable repair by the manufacturer, likely due to the complexity and integrated nature of the 9HP48's components.
   How to confirm: Requires advanced diagnostics, including pressure tests and commanding solenoids with a scan tool. The valve body may need to be removed for inspection.
   Typical fix: Replacement of the transmission valve body or individual solenoids. This is a specialist repair and less common than a full unit replacement for this specific code.
   Est. part cost: $800-$2000

Diagnosis Steps

1. Retrieve all stored DTCs from the TCM. Note if P2704 is present with P07D4 or P07E7.
2. Locate the transmission serial number (TSN) on the transmission case. This is visible without component removal.
3. Consult TSB SSM71847 (latest version): If code P2704-07 is present and the TSN is below 063584, the recommended action is to replace the transmission.
4. If the TSN is 063584 or above, proceed with further diagnosis as per the TSB.
5. Check the transmission fluid level and condition. This must be done by a professional, as it requires specific tools and procedures. Top up or replace fluid if necessary and check for leaks at common points like the cover gasket or oil cooler housing.
6. Check for available TCM software updates using a Land Rover-compatible diagnostic tool. If updates are available, flash the TCM.
7. If the fault persists after a fluid service and software update on a higher-serial-number transmission, the issue is confirmed to be an internal mechanical or hydraulic failure (valve body or clutch pack), likely requiring transmission replacement or a complete rebuild by a specialist.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Automatic Transmission Assembly (OEM #LR089144, LR072643 (supercedes LR067386, LR049854)) — This is the most common fix recommended by Land Rover's own Technical Service Bulletin (SSM71847) for this code on early-build vehicles. Rebuilt units are available.
  Trusted brands: Land Rover (OEM), ZF (Original Manufacturer), Roverland Parts (Rebuilt)
  OEM price range: $7000-$8500
  Aftermarket price range: $4000-$6000 (Remanufactured)
• Automatic Transmission Fluid (OEM #ZF AA01500001) — Required for any transmission service. The 9HP48 transmission requires ZF Lifeguard 9 fluid, which is a specific semi-synthetic fluid. Using any other fluid can lead to shift quality issues or transmission failure.
  Trusted brands: Land Rover Genuine, ZF Lifeguard 9
  OEM price range: $30-$50 per liter
  Aftermarket price range: $25-$40 per liter

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• P07D4-07 — This is another 9HP48 internal transmission fault code often cited alongside P2704 in Land Rover TSB SSM71847.
• P07E7-07 — Also listed in TSB SSM71847, this code points to a related internal issue within the same 9HP48 transmission.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• SSM71847: Addresses P2704-07, P07D4-07, and P07E7-07 on 2014-2015 Evoque and Discovery Sport models with the 9HP48 transmission. It advises checking the transmission serial number to determine if a software update or a full transmission replacement is the correct course of action. Multiple versions exist with updated serial number ranges for different codes.

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• Technical Service Bulletin SSM71847 is the most critical document for this issue. It outlines a specific diagnostic path based on the transmission's serial number (TSN). For P2704-07, if the TSN is below 063584, the official manufacturer recommendation is to replace the entire transmission assembly. This is not a suggestion; it is a directive based on known internal faults in early production runs.
• A real-world owner experience on babyRR.com highlights the common but flawed diagnostic path of attempting a fluid and software fix first, which ultimately failed and led to a complete transmission failure on the motorway, culminating in a £7,000 replacement quote.

Hidden / Shadow Codes Worth Checking

• -07: This suffix, seen as P2704-07 in the TSBs, is a Failure Type Byte (FTB) indicating a 'Mechanical Failure'. This confirms the fault is a physical component issue within the transmission, not a simple sensor or wiring problem. (see via JLR-specific diagnostic tools like SDD (Symptom Driven Diagnostics) or compatible advanced scanners (e.g., GAP IID, iCarsoft LR series).)

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• JLR SDD (or equivalent): TCM - Adaption clear — This function is required after replacing the transmission assembly or valve body. It erases the learned clutch-fill times and shift pressures from the old unit, forcing the TCM to start a new learning process with the new hardware. Performing this without replacing parts is unlikely to fix a mechanical fault like P2704-07.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• TCM (Transmission Control Module) — The TCM is mounted directly on top of the transmission case under the hood. Its connectors face towards the front of the vehicle.. While the code points to an internal mechanical fault, ensuring the TCM has a clean, tight connection and is free of corrosion is a basic check. Its location makes it susceptible to engine bay heat and vibration.
• Main Transmission Ground — A primary ground strap connects the transmission case to the vehicle's chassis/frame rail, often near a starter motor bolt or a dedicated chassis stud in the engine bay.. A high-resistance or broken ground can cause a host of erratic electronic behaviors and fault codes. While unlikely to be the root cause of a specific mechanical failure code like P2704-07, verifying this ground is clean and secure is a fundamental step in any transmission-related electrical diagnosis.

Real Owner Repair Stories

• EvoqueOwnersClub.co.uk forum user (2015 Range Rover Evoque) — Initial 'Gearbox Fault' warning on the dashboard.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) A software update performed by the Land Rover dealer did not resolve the issue.
  ✅ What actually fixed it The dealership replaced the entire transmission assembly under warranty. The owner noted the car drove perfectly after the replacement.

OEM Part Supersession History

• LR049854 → LR067386, then LR072643, then LR089144 — This long chain of part numbers for the complete transmission assembly indicates multiple revisions by the manufacturer. These updates were likely implemented to correct the design and manufacturing flaws present in the early production units that cause faults like P2704-07.
  Heads up: While later part numbers will physically fit, installing an older, un-revised transmission (e.g., from a salvage vehicle) will likely lead to a recurrence of the same fault. It is critical to use the latest specified part number for replacement.

Model Year Variations Within This Range

• 2014-2015: The most critical variation is not the vehicle's model year but the Transmission Serial Number (TSN). TSB SSM71847 specifies a cutoff at TSN 063584 for code P2704-07. Units built before this number have a high probability of a non-serviceable internal fault requiring replacement. Units built after this number received internal design improvements, making them eligible for software or fluid-based diagnostic paths first. An early 2015 model could still have a pre-cutoff transmission.