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MCGreen



Member Since: 24 Feb 2024
Location: Worcester
Posts: 15

United Kingdom 2012 Defender 90 Puma 2.2 HT Aintree Green
Gearbox oil change over 3L drained out
2012 2.2 Tdci



I just changed the gearbox oil, following the recommended 2.2 litres.

After decanting the old oil from the drain pan into an old 5 litre container for disposal, I discovered that the amount of old oil was 3.5 litres.


I’m a bit worried that this much oil might cause damage to my gearbox.

So, here’s the thing: should I add more new oil?


Or is it okay to just use the recommended amount?


I've not started it yet.

I’d really appreciate any advice you can give me.

Thanks,

Matt Matt

Defender 90 HT XS 2.2 Puma Aintree Green
2010 4.4 TDV8 Autobiography - Galway Green - Sand Leather Clear Glass
Post #1073227 12th Aug 2025 3:16pm
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v8bob



Member Since: 14 Mar 2018
Location: Midlands
Posts: 342

United Kingdom 1998 Defender 90 300 Tdi HT Nato Green
Put in the correct amount only.
On the first service at the Land Rover main dealer they charged me for topping up the gearbox oil Laughing
Post #1073228 12th Aug 2025 4:29pm
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Ianh



Member Since: 17 Sep 2018
Location: Essex
Posts: 2460

United Kingdom 
This is going to start the same debate again, but here goes.

On a gearbox oil change the manual states 2.4 Litres for a 2.2L engined Defender and 2.2 Litres for a 2.4L engined Defender.

So why the extra 200ml for the 2.2 compared to the 2.4 , after all it’s the same gearbox at the same angle !

Well it could be due to a typo in the 2.2 manual, or a typo in the 2.4 manual, or JLR may have decided that the gearbox would operate better with the extra 200ml .

Nonetheless, when I drained the gearbox oil from my 2.2, and it had not been touched since it left the factory, I measured exactly 2.4 Litres, so I have followed the manual and filled with 2.4litres and had absolutely no issues.

One thing to note, it should not have more than 2.4 Litres in it, 3.5 Litres is too much, however unless your gearbox is exhibiting issues then it’s likely to be ok.

One thing you may notice is gear changes are a little slicker with less oil.


Last edited by Ianh on 12th Aug 2025 5:02pm. Edited 1 time in total
Post #1073229 12th Aug 2025 4:49pm
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jst



Member Since: 14 Jan 2008
Location: Taunton
Posts: 8365

 2011 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 USW Stornoway Grey
Probably better to the feel with correct amount over the 3.5 that came out.

I wouldn't worry about what you can't change. Cheers

James
110 2010 XS Utility
130 2011 M57 bespoke Camper
90 2010 Hardtop
90 M57 1988 Hardtop
Post #1073230 12th Aug 2025 5:00pm
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jim4244



Member Since: 13 Apr 2014
Location: Bedfordshire
Posts: 983

England 2013 Defender 90 Puma 2.2 CSW Fuji White
Just refill with the correct quantity. It should be fine.

Jim
Post #1073256 13th Aug 2025 8:42am
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MCGreen



Member Since: 24 Feb 2024
Location: Worcester
Posts: 15

United Kingdom 2012 Defender 90 Puma 2.2 HT Aintree Green
One thing to note, it should not have more than 2.4 Litres in it, 3.5 Litres is too much, however unless your gearbox is exhibiting issues then it’s likely to be ok.

One thing you may notice is gear changes are a little slicker with less oil.[/quote]

Back Ground
Last year, the original engine self-detonated at 41,000 miles. The previous owner had a tuned the engine, but I’m not sure who did it. I had a brand-new crate engine installed,

Last month, I had the transfer box and intermediate shaft replaced. The bolt in the transfer box sheared off, I can’t find any mention of gearbox oil on the invoices, but I assume they replaced or topped it up.

The reason I changed the oil was because the shift from 3rd to 2nd was very stiff. Before draining noticed the gearbox was covered in oil.

After reading some forum responses, I decided not to add more oil and went for a drive yesterday evening. Guess what? The issue with the shifting is gone, and everything feels smoother. I checked the gearbox this morning and there are no leaks.

I’m a bit concerned that the garage I spent about £15,000 (including the suspension replacement) with last year may have overfilled the gearbox but not 100% sure so will put in down to the joys of Land Rover ownership 😀

Thanks so much for your advice!

Matt Matt

Defender 90 HT XS 2.2 Puma Aintree Green
2010 4.4 TDV8 Autobiography - Galway Green - Sand Leather Clear Glass
Post #1073264 13th Aug 2025 10:18am
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jst



Member Since: 14 Jan 2008
Location: Taunton
Posts: 8365

 2011 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 USW Stornoway Grey
They used the filler plug as a level plug I expect which is how previous boxes were filled. Too much oil doesn't help changes. Cheers

James
110 2010 XS Utility
130 2011 M57 bespoke Camper
90 2010 Hardtop
90 M57 1988 Hardtop
Post #1073266 13th Aug 2025 10:35am
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blackwolf



Member Since: 03 Nov 2009
Location: South West England
Posts: 17915

United Kingdom 2007 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 DCPU Stornoway Grey
MCGreen wrote:
... The bolt in the transfer box sheared off...


Which bolt?
Post #1073269 13th Aug 2025 11:05am
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MCGreen



Member Since: 24 Feb 2024
Location: Worcester
Posts: 15

United Kingdom 2012 Defender 90 Puma 2.2 HT Aintree Green
No idea, that's what they told me was the issue. I had braked suddenly in town after that I noticed banging noise which I was told was coming from the transfer box and needs replacing. Matt

Defender 90 HT XS 2.2 Puma Aintree Green
2010 4.4 TDV8 Autobiography - Galway Green - Sand Leather Clear Glass
Post #1073272 13th Aug 2025 11:15am
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