CommandShift is the name of the manual gear shifting function in automatic transmissions of Land Rover cars. It has been used since 2003. It allows to imitate the operation of a manual transmission, which offers a number of advantages. For instance, it helps if you need to gain speed when overtaking or, conversely, apply engine braking when driving downhill. Manual control allows a more confident start on a slippery surface and improves vehicle off-road performance when driving on ice, sand, and snow. This function is irreplaceable for sports driving.
Operating principle of CommandShift
Transmissions with the CommandShift function are classic automatic gearboxes with planetary gears, a torque converter and its lockup function. The process of switching to manual mode depends on the vehicle model and version. For instance, in Discovery Sport, you need to turn the rotary selector on the central console into the “S” position. Upshifting and downshifting is performed with the help of paddle shifters.
In Range Rover Sport, selection of transmission modes is performed with the help of the shift selector. In order to switch to manual mode, move the selector into the “Sport” mode and then push it to “+” or “-” in order to upshift or downshift.
Popular transmissions equipped with CommandShift function
| Gearbox code | Manufacturer | Number of gears | Max engine torque, N·m | Max engine capacity, L | Car layout | Production start | Model applications |
| 6HP26 | ZF | 6 | 600 | 6.0 | FWD, RWD, AWD | 2001 | Land Rover Discovery |
| 6HP28 | ZF | 6 | 620 | 6.7 | FWD, RWD, AWD | 2005 | Range Rover Sport; Range Rover |
| JF506E | Jatco | 5 | 350 | 3.8 | FWD, AWD | 2000 | Land Rover Freelander |
| TF-81SC | Aisin | 5 | 450 | 4.0 | FWD, AWD | 2004 | Land Rover Evoque; Land Rover Freelander |
| 8HP70 | ZF | 8 | 750 | 6.2 | RWD, AWD | 2010 | Range Rover Sport |
| 9HP48 | ZF | 9 | 480 | 4.0 | FWD, AWD | 2013 | Range Rover Evoque; Range Rover Discovery Sport |
Common malfunctions of CommandShift transmissions
| Malfunctions | Transmissions |
| Friction clutch bushings of the torque converter, and later the friction clutch itself wear out. | 6HP28; 6HP26; TF-81SC |
| Gearbox seals break down due to excessive vibrations, which results in leaks. | 6HP28 |
| The plastic pan gets deformed. | 6HP28 |
| The mechatronic unit often breaks down, especially in hot weather. | 6HP28; 8HP70; 6HP26 |
| The wire harnesses of the transmission fail. | 6HP26 |
| The solenoids often clog with dirt and wear products of friction clutch, and break down. | 6HP28; 6HP26; 8HP70;J F506E |
| Oil pressure regulator valve fails. | JF506E |
| The rotational speed sensor breaks down. | JF506E |
| The brake band and clutch pack break down. | TF-81SC |
| There is a spontaneous shift to neutral. | 9HP48 |
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