8-Speed Automatic Transmission Assembly with Auto Start-Stop for 2015-2016 Land Rover

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

• Confirm engine is a 3.0L Supercharged V6 gasoline engine.
• Verify vehicle has the automatic engine stop/start system.
• Confirm vehicle is AWD.

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

Special tools this job needs:

• Heavy-duty transmission jack
• Torque converter alignment/holding tool
• JLR SDD or Pathfinder scan tool with stable power supply
• Fluid fill pump
• OBD2 scanner capable of reading transmission fluid temperature

Budget for these consumables at install:

• ZF Lifeguard Fluid 8 (or Land Rover spec LR023288)
• Replacement plastic oil pan with integrated transmission filter, gasket, and drain plug
• Torque converter input shaft seal
• Professional transmission cooler-line flush

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

What’s involved: VIN-specific programming, security/immobilizer re-marriage (EWS synchronization), and TCM adaptive relearn

The integrated TCM is locked to the donor vehicle's VIN and immobilizer. It must be programmed using a JLR dealer-level scan tool (SDD or Pathfinder) or high-end programmer to clear the donor VIN, write the new VIN, and perform immobilizer synchronization. Alternatively, the original mechatronics unit can be swapped if undamaged.

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

• Torque converter must be fully seated (typically 3 distinct drops/clicks) before bolting transmission to engine to avoid cracking the internal oil pump gear.
• The Hydraulic Impulse Storage (HIS) accumulator must be handled carefully to prevent damage to the unit or its wiring connector.
• Fluid level check must be performed with the vehicle perfectly level, engine running, and fluid temperature strictly between 30C and 50C.
• Underfilling can cause a supercharger-like whine; ensure the full capacity is reached after the cooler thermostat opens.
• Ensure alignment dowel pins are in the engine block and not doubled up or missing.

Easy to get right once you know them:

• Ordering the wrong variant (confusing the 8HP45 used in the 3.0L gas V6 with the 8HP70 used in diesel/V8 models, or vice versa).
• Failing to program the TCM, resulting in a no-crank or immediate limp mode.
• Reusing the old plastic pan and integrated filter, which contaminates the new unit.
• Improper fluid fill procedure (filling with the engine off, leading to severe underfilling).
• Ignoring low battery voltage, which can trigger false 'Gearbox Fault' codes.

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: