I noticed a worringly large pool of oil on the floor under my TD5 2000 Auto Disco yesterday and concluded that this was the reason I had lost all forward/reverse motion right on a junction. Having blocked the road other drivers helped push my Disco to the side where we ( myself wife and 4 kids ) assessed the situation. It seemed we needed to call for assistance. Luckily I have Landrover Assistance so gave them a quick call and informed them what the problem was and that I had amongst my travellers 8 week old twins. They replied by sending a tow truck from a local garage with 2 seats! On phoning them back they were unable to arrange transport for my family who had to be 'rescued' by friends as we were only 5 miles from home. Not impressed with a £190 per year recovery service.

On getting the vehicle back home I got underneath with a neighbour and found a pipe carrying the transmission fluid had popped off the pump. This was quickly fixed with a new jubeliee clip and a few pints of fluid in through the level plug and all was well. In all about 30 mins work.

This could of been done at the roadside had a landrover assistance mechanic been despached. Rumours also have it that this is a common problem with the design of the pipe fitting and was subject to a landrover warrenty recall - although not mine. If anyone else has a similar problem in the future hopefully this might help you and save some time....

Marcus