P0710 on 2014-2015 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque: Transmission Temperature Sensor Fault Guide

What's Unique About the 2014-2015 Land Rover RANGE ROVER EVOQUE

On the 2014-2015 Range Rover Evoque, the P0710 code is strongly linked to a specific, documented manufacturing defect in the ZF 9HP48 9-speed transmission. Land Rover issued a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB #LTB00740NAS2) identifying the cause as a faulty crimp on the internal transmission wiring harness. This makes the problem less about a failed sensor and more about a known wiring issue within the transmission itself. This same harness issue also prompted Safety Recall P091 (NHTSA #16V-614), which addressed the risk of the vehicle unexpectedly shifting into neutral due to these insufficient crimps. The TSB specifically applies to Evoque models with VINs in the range EH815019-FH989125.

Diagnostic Flowchart

Tap your situation to follow the diagnostic path that matches what you're seeing on this vehicle.

Symptoms You May Notice

• "Gearbox Fault" message on the instrument cluster
• Check Engine Light or Transmission Warning Light is on
• Harsh, erratic, or delayed gear shifts
• Vehicle enters 'limp mode', often stuck in a single gear
• Transmission overheating
• Inability to select gears
• Unexpected shift to Neutral

Most Likely Causes

1. Faulty Internal Transmission Wiring Harness 🔴 High Probability → Shop Transmission Assembly A known manufacturing defect involving a faulty crimp in the harness is documented in Land Rover TSB #LTB00740NAS2 for vehicles in VIN range EH815019-FH989125. This is the most likely cause for this specific vehicle and is also the subject of Safety Recall P091.
   How to confirm: A technician will check the vehicle's VIN against the range in the TSB. Diagnosis involves reading the codes with a high-end scan tool and, if codes match the TSB, proceeding with the harness replacement. Physical confirmation requires removing the transmission pan and valve body to inspect and replace the harness.
   Typical fix: Replace the transmission solenoid valve electrical harness with the updated part.
   Est. part cost: $150-$250
2. Failed Transmission Fluid Temperature (TFT) Sensor 🟡 Medium Probability → Shop Transmission Assembly While less common than the harness issue on this specific model, sensor failure is a general cause for P0710. However, on the ZF 9HP48 transmission, the TFT sensor is integrated into the internal wiring harness/sensor unit.
   How to confirm: Using a scan tool, a technician can monitor the live data from the TFT sensor. If the reading is stuck at an extreme value (e.g., -40°F or 300°F) or doesn't change as the vehicle warms up, the sensor circuit is faulty. The sensor's resistance can also be tested with a multimeter if it can be accessed.
   Typical fix: Replace the TFT sensor. On this vehicle, the sensor is integrated into the internal wiring harness (the 'sensor unit'), so the fix is the same as the primary cause: replacing the entire harness assembly.
   Est. part cost: $150-$250
3. Low or Contaminated Transmission Fluid ⚪ Low Probability → Shop Transmission Assembly
   How to confirm: Check the transmission fluid level and condition. This transmission has a specific, multi-step procedure for checking the fluid level, which is not as simple as a dipstick check. The fluid should not appear dark, burnt, or contain debris.
   Typical fix: Perform a transmission fluid drain and fill or a complete fluid flush with the correct ZF Lifeguard 9 or equivalent fluid. Address the source of any leaks.
   Est. part cost: $200-$400
4. Faulty Transmission Control Module (TCM) ⚪ Low Probability → Shop Transmission Assembly
   How to confirm: This is a diagnosis of exclusion. The TCM should only be considered faulty after all other possibilities (wiring, sensor, fluid) have been thoroughly tested and ruled out. A technician would verify power, ground, and communication to the TCM before condemning it.
   Typical fix: Replace and program the Transmission Control Module. 🎬 Watch: How an auxiliary battery can trigger transmission faults. This is a very expensive part and requires specific programming to the vehicle.
   Est. part cost: $600-$1200

Diagnosis Steps

1. Scan the vehicle's computer for all stored trouble codes. Note P0710 and any other codes present, as the specific combination is a strong indicator of the TSB-related issue.
2. Check for any applicable Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs). For this vehicle, TSB #LTB00740NAS2 is highly relevant.
3. Verify the vehicle's VIN falls within the affected range (EH815019-FH989125) as specified in the TSB.
4. Check DDW (Digital Dealer Workstation) to see if Safety Recall P091 is open for the vehicle. The recall fix involves a software update to put the car in limp mode if the fault is detected, but does not replace the harness itself.
5. Check the transmission fluid level and condition according to the specific workshop procedure. This is not a simple dipstick check.
6. Use a diagnostic scan tool to view live data from the Transmission Fluid Temperature sensor. Check for readings that are stuck, erratic, or illogical (e.g., -40°F on a warm engine).
7. If the VIN, stored codes, and symptoms align with TSB LTB00740NAS2, the next step is to gain access to the transmission's internal components by removing the pan and valve body.
8. Visually inspect the internal transmission wiring harness for the faulty crimp or any other signs of damage, as specified in the TSB.
9. If the harness is identified as the cause, replace it with the updated part (LR049888 or its successor).
10. Clear all codes and perform a road test to confirm the repair.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Transmission Solenoid Valve Electrical Harness (OEM #LR049888) — This is the part identified by Land Rover in TSB #LTB00740NAS2 as the cause of the P0710 code due to a faulty crimp. It is also referred to as the 'sensor unit'.
  Trusted brands: Land Rover (OEM)
  OEM price range: $150-$250
• Automatic Transmission Fluid (OEM #ZF Lifeguard 9) — The transmission fluid must be drained to access the internal harness and will need to be replaced with the correct specification fluid for the ZF 9HP48 transmission.
  Trusted brands: ZF (OEM), RAVENOL ATF 9HP
  OEM price range: $30-$50 per liter
  Aftermarket price range: $20-$35 per liter
• Transmission Pan Gasket/Service Kit (OEM #LR049876) — The transmission pan must be removed, and the gasket should be replaced to prevent leaks. This part number is listed in the TSB as the 'Service kit'.
  Trusted brands: Land Rover (OEM)
  OEM price range: $50-$100
  Aftermarket price range: $30-$70

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• P0600-04 — This and other codes are listed in the same TSB (LTB00740NAS2) as being caused by the faulty internal transmission wiring harness crimp.
• P0712-11 — Also listed in TSB LTB00740NAS2, indicating a related fault within the same faulty harness.
• P0713-13 — Also listed in TSB LTB00740NAS2, indicating a related fault within the same faulty harness.
• P0975-19 — Also listed in TSB LTB00740NAS2, indicating a related fault within the same faulty harness.
• P0978-19 — Also listed in TSB LTB00740NAS2, indicating a related fault within the same faulty harness.
• P0981-19 — Also listed in TSB LTB00740NAS2, indicating a related fault within the same faulty harness.
• P0984-19 — Also listed in TSB LTB00740NAS2, indicating a related fault within the same faulty harness.
• P099B-14 — Also listed in a later version of the TSB (LTB00740NAS3) as a related code caused by the same harness fault.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• LTB00740NAS2 / LTB00740NAS3: 'Gearbox Fault' Message Displayed In Instrument Cluster, caused by a faulty crimp on the transmission internal wiring harness. Lists affected VIN range, parts, and associated DTCs.

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• A Land Rover recall (P091 / NHTSA #16V-614) was issued for 2014-2015 Range Rover Evoques for insufficient crimps in the transmission wire harness that could cause the vehicle to unexpectedly shift into neutral. This is directly related to the root cause of the P0710 code. The recall remedy was a software update to enable a 'limp-home' mode if the fault is detected, but did not replace the faulty hardware.

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• Transmission Fluid Temperature (TFT) Sensor Resistance — expected: Approximately 6,455 Ohms at 10°C (50°F). The resistance is inversely proportional to the temperature.. Failure: A reading that is extremely high (open circuit), near zero (short circuit), or does not change as the fluid warms up indicates a fault in the sensor or circuit.
• Auxiliary Battery Voltage (Key-On, Engine-Off) — expected: 12.5V or higher.. Failure: A reading below 12V, especially in the 8V-11V range, indicates a failing battery that can cause various electronic faults, including spurious 'Gearbox Fault' messages.

Hidden / Shadow Codes Worth Checking

• P0710-64: Indicates a 'Signal plausibility failure'. This means the signal from the sensor is present but not rational; for example, it doesn't change when it should or it conflicts with other sensor data. This is one of the specific sub-codes listed in TSB LTB00740NAS2. (see via Land Rover-specific diagnostic tools like SDD or Pathfinder.)
• P0710-27: Indicates a 'Signal rate of change above/below threshold'. This suggests the temperature reading is changing faster or slower than is physically possible, pointing to an erratic electrical signal. This is also listed in TSB LTB00740NAS2. (see via Land Rover-specific diagnostic tools like SDD or Pathfinder.)

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• JLR SDD / Pathfinder: Configure existing module - Transmission control module — This function, listed in TSB LTB00740NAS3, should be run after replacing the internal wiring harness to ensure the TCM is correctly configured with the new hardware.
• JLR SDD / Pathfinder or advanced aftermarket tool: Transmission Adaptation Reset / Clear — After replacing the harness or servicing the transmission, the TCM's learned shift adaptations must be cleared. This forces the module to re-learn shift pressures and clutch fill times with the new components, which is critical for smooth operation.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• Transmission Control Module (TCM) — Mounted vertically behind the passenger-side front wheel well liner on 2012-2018 Evoque models.. This is the module that receives the signal from the TFT sensor. All circuit testing (checking for opens, shorts, or resistance) will ultimately lead back to the connector at this module.
• Auxiliary Battery — Located under the passenger footwell area, often hidden behind the glovebox.. A failing auxiliary battery can cause low-voltage conditions that trigger false 'Gearbox Fault' messages on the instrument cluster, a primary symptom of the P0710 fault. This should be checked before assuming a transmission-internal fault.

Real Owner Repair Stories

• babyRR.com forum user 'owencardew' (2014 Range Rover Evoque Dynamic Lux) — Recurring 'Gearbox Fault' message, the primary symptom associated with the P0710 TSB.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) Not specified, but the user was investigating the cause of the fault message.
  ✅ What actually fixed it Replaced the small auxiliary battery and its associated module located behind the glovebox. The user reported, 'I replaced the Auxiliary Battery and Module, and the problem is now gone.'

OEM Part Supersession History

• LR049888 → LR086170 — Part revision or supplier change. The updated part is intended to correct the faulty crimp issue identified in the TSB.

Model Year Variations Within This Range

• 2014-2015: The internal mechatronics/harness assembly may use different types of temperature sensors (e.g., 1k PTC vs. 2k NTC). Swapping a transmission or mechatronics unit from a donor vehicle without ensuring the sensor type matches the vehicle's original TCM programming can trigger a P0710 fault. This is likely related to the transmission serial number cutoff noted in TSB LTB00740NAS2.