I'd like to check the engine and gearbox software of my RRS is up to date and according to the ZF trouble shooting guide reflashing them may resolve issues with the gearbox including momentarily finding neutral (which mine does occasionally). The transmission specialist that recently changed my gearbox oil and filter suggested a software update too but recommended to let a LR dealership do it as there is a chance of b ering up the ECU. I think in the IT industry parlance that's known as 'bricking it'.

Legend has it that LR Dealerships should routinely update the software at every service. Do they?

Called the three nearest LR Dealerships and asked how much they would charge to update engine and gearbox software:

Dealer 1: Plummy voiced rude woman who knew nothing about cars: "We don't charge for software updates" but when I asked for confirmation she asked someone near her and just came back with "There aren't any software updates for your vehicle".

Dealer 2: Another woman (you definitely wouldn't call her plummy voiced) "I'll call you back" Three hours later... "It's £130 for the engine updates and £130 for the gearbox updates oh plus VAT"

Dealer 3: A sensible sounding chap at last.. "I'll call you back" Two hours later... "It will be a maximum of £300 - it might be less but the technicians say they have to update the software and then test drive the vehicle to see if the software installed and then if it hasn't they have to do it again"

None of this fills me with confidence about the dealer's ability to do the job properly. Can anyone offer any advice based on their own experiences please? 2008 MY Java Black TDV8 HSE

Mine is a 2012 model SDV6 and i had to tell my dealer that my motor required a gearbox update (i found out the info elsewhere) when my dealer checked they said that there is two software updates required for my vehicle, one for the gearbox/transmission and one for the gear selector, so both now upto date, but i have to ask myself the question, if i hadn't mentioned it, would they have done it??? That i guess i will never know. Has it made any difference ? If anything it takes longer to select the gear ie if i'm going from R to D or the other way around

was having a lot of trouble with my 2006 TDV6 and the garage I was using took it to a LR main dealer. They had it for 3 days and carried a lot of updates, the car had not been updated since 2007, Believe we got a good rate as this is Spain and if you speak the lingo you get a better deal. Car has been good as gold and we had a trouble free trip back to UK & back. In my opinion they are worth doing Silver 2006 2.7 tdv6

I asked the Head of Service at Guava and he said all SW is not updated automatically, only if there is an issue or fault code relating to something that has new SW. He said its a bit of an urban myth that the SW should/is updated very time it goes in to a dealership... 2010 TDV8...

Looking at the ZF troubleshooting guide, it's absolutely essential that the gearbox adaptations are reset before any software flashing is done. And this isn't done by hard resetting the vehicle - it has to be done through a diagnostic device.

I found the guide on the D3 site and have put it in my gallery:
http://www.rrsport.co.uk/gallery/albums/us...0guide.pdf

This version is November 2007. 2012 SDV6 - it's missing a couple of cylinders
2008 TDV8 - it was a labour of love and is much missed

There is a difference between updates to fix a problem and service improvement updates.

One you get if you report a fault - in warranty this is free
The other you should get as part of the service.

The do both have names, but for example - they wont update your tv at service unless you say there is a fault or something missing Mike

2014 Facelift Discovery

I have always been lead to believe that if its controlling hardware then it needs firmware updates....  MY 11 RRS Luxury Stornoway Grey Ivory/Black leather contrast stitching Logic7 side steps roof DVD system for the grand daughter. Mercedes SL500 for the summer. Vito Sport X for work. Gone to many to list but what larks

Paddi wrote:

I'd like to check the engine and gearbox software of my RRS is up to date and according to the ZF trouble shooting guide reflashing them may resolve issues with the gearbox including momentarily finding neutral (which mine does occasionally).

Is your gear lever tight to move?

It could only be a £10 fix...

http://disco3.co.uk/forum/topic31656.html

Disco_Mikey wrote:

Is your gear lever tight to move?

It could only be a £10 fix...

http://disco3.co.uk/forum/topic31656.html

Thanks DM, Wouldn't say the gear lever is tight but I noted your 'how to' (ZF guide also mentions the pivot issue) and as soon as the weather is a bit warmer I'm planning to do that job anyway on the basis that preventative maintenance is always a good idea.

Thanks to eveyone else who has commented too. It seem that the LR Dealers should really check at services that the software is up to date in the same way that they should also check for TSBs but I suspect they don't bother particularly if the car is a few years old.

I agree that the 'software' might be more accurately described as 'firmware' but as all of the LR and ZF literature use the software nomenclature let's keep it simple shall we?

The software could be up to date but if there is a fault then 'reflashing' it (which really means re-installing it) may solve the problem - presumably because like any software it is possible that part of it has become corrupted. As an example you may have noted that if you report a problem to a software vendor they often suggest re-installation as the first option and it usually works. (Does with my iDrive cloud back-up system anyway!)

Had a chat yesterday with my trusted Indie LR specialist and asked if they could clear the adaptations. Got an enthusiastic and helpful response as usual. Apparently they have just bought a new diagnostics computer system but haven't used it yet so they are going to have a look and see if it gives them access to the latest engine and gearbox updates and get back to me. That might sound a bit worrying but one of the lads who usually looks after my car is pretty experienced with their previous Auto Logic system and an ex LR technician and takes a pride in his work so I don't think they will tackle the job unless they are sure how to do it properly. So watch this space. 2008 MY Java Black TDV8 HSE