8-Speed Automatic Transmission Assembly for 2014-2016 Land Rover Range Rover, Rover Sport

A quick look at your own vehicle makes sure the right transmission shows up:

• Verify the vehicle's 17-digit VIN to confirm it is a 2014–2016 Range Rover or Range Rover Sport with the 5.0L Supercharged V8 engine.
• Confirm the vehicle is equipped with the Automatic Stop/Start system (indicated by an 'Eco' button on the dash or console).
• Locate the metal ID tag on the side of the original transmission case and verify the model is '8HP70' and matches Land Rover part numbers LR044775 or LR044783.

What the install really takes — plan and budget with confidence:

Special tools this job needs:

• Heavy-duty transmission jack
• OBD2 diagnostic scanner capable of reading real-time transmission fluid temperature
• J2534 pass-thru programming tool or specialized Land Rover diagnostic software (SDD or Pathfinder)
• Fluid fill pump adapter for the ZF 8HP70 fill port
• Engine support fixtures (optional)

Budget for these consumables at install:

• ZF LifeguardFluid 8 (or officially approved equivalent meeting Shell L12108 specifications)
• New plastic transmission oil pan assembly (with integrated filter, gasket, and new pan bolts)
• Torque converter seal (front pump/input shaft seal)
• Transfer case input seal
• Transmission cooler line O-ring seals
• Dedicated transmission flush solvent

What your vehicle’s computers will need after the swap:

What’s involved: TCM/TCU Cloning or Dealer-Level VIN Programming and Adaptive Relearn

The TCM is integrated into the Mechatronic valve body and is electronically married to the vehicle's immobilizer and VIN. If installed without programming, the vehicle will not start or will remain locked in Park. Programming requires either cloning the original TCM's EEPROM/flash memory to the replacement unit, or using a JLR-specific diagnostic tool (SDD or Pathfinder) to reset the security lock and program the VIN. A TCM adaptive values reset and a specific drive cycle must be performed post-install.

Pro tips for a smooth first start-up — hand them to whoever does the install:

• Torque Converter Seating: Ensure the torque converter is fully seated onto the input shaft and oil pump gears (three distinct clicks/drops) before bolting to the engine. Forcing the bellhousing bolts tight on an unseated converter will instantly crack the internal oil pump gear.
• Fluid Fill Procedure: The ZF 8HP70 has a strict, temperature-dependent fill procedure with no dipstick. The final level check must be performed through the fill plug with the engine running, transmission in Park, and fluid temperature strictly between 30°C and 50°C (86°F to 122°F).
• Stop/Start Accumulator (HIS): Avoid damaging the accumulator cylinder or its electrical connector on the side of the transmission case during installation.
• Cooler Line Flush: Thoroughly flush the transmission cooler lines and heat exchanger to prevent debris from the failed unit from contaminating the replacement transmission.
• Resetting Adaptations: The TCM's learned shift adaptations from the old transmission must be cleared using a JLR-specific scan tool to prevent harsh or erratic shifting.

Easy to get right once you know them:

• Reusing the old transmission pan/filter instead of installing a brand-new assembly.
• Using generic 'multi-vehicle' ATF instead of the strictly required ZF LifeguardFluid 8.
• Skipping the transmission cooler line flush, leading to immediate contamination and failure of the replacement unit.
• Assuming the transmission is plug-and-play and failing to plan for the required TCM programming/immobilizer alignment.
• Breaking the internal oil pump by forcing the engine and transmission together when the torque converter is not fully seated.

Not issues with the units on this page — the manufacturer documented these for every transmission of this family, wherever you buy one. Handy for your installer: