Flat battery tonight. Alarm?

Before buying the RR, I looked at common issues here and across the web.

Since I've had it, the car, truck, van, jeep, whatever, has been reluctant to unlock using the key fob. I have to stand very close to the front doors and point the fob directly at the IR receiver. Even then, it can take a few goes to unlock.

Tonight, I went to replace the gas strut in the cubby box and noticed that the interior light was really dim. So I tried to start the car and nothing. Just GEARBOX FAULT on the dash.

I'm presuming this is the alarm issue? The one where external radio fields cause the alarm to drain the battery? Also, that the indicated gearbox fault is caused by low voltage. If the battery is completely drained, I will still be able to use the drivers door key to get in and pop the bonnet?


The car has been left maybe 48 hours since it was last used. And parked in a different place over the last few days.


Thanks again for your help and advice!

P38's don't have an IR reciever...they use radio waves as a signal....the reciever is under the plastic trim at the off side of the boot.
Remove parcel shelf
Remove off side plastic trim by carefully prising out the plastic plugs holding said trim
Locate the RF reciever and disconnect the SINGLE BLUE wire
The box next to it is the radio amp and should be left well alone
Disconecting the blue wire should help stop stray signal's flattening the battery
New RF reciever's are about £170
Charge battery and then try starting her up....gearbox fault is usually a sign of a flat battery.

JerryXt said:

Before buying the RR, I looked at common issues here and across the web.

Since I've had it, the car, truck, van, jeep, whatever, has been reluctant to unlock using the key fob. I have to stand very close to the front doors and point the fob directly at the IR receiver. Even then, it can take a few goes to unlock.

Tonight, I went to replace the gas strut in the cubby box and noticed that the interior light was really dim. So I tried to start the car and nothing. Just GEARBOX FAULT on the dash.

I'm presuming this is the alarm issue? The one where external radio fields cause the alarm to drain the battery? Also, that the indicated gearbox fault is caused by low voltage. If the battery is completely drained, I will still be able to use the drivers door key to get in and pop the bonnet?


The car has been left maybe 48 hours since it was last used. And parked in a different place over the last few days.


Thanks again for your help and advice!

Click to expand...

With luck - yes....

haha! I got in! Jumped the RR from the Audi and everything good. Disconnected the blue wire and I might get around to buying the upgraded box.

Number 1 problem fixed.

Replace the RF receiver ASAP or you may find door locks burnt out and a range of other problems.

Not heard of this before datatek...new info?

everlatesparky said:

Not heard of this before datatek...new info?

Click to expand...

Not new, there have been a few posts where the RF receiver has suffered an internal failure causing it to rapidly and repeatedly send lock/unlock signals which eventually causes the lock motors to burn out

mmm, can't really see how unplugging the antenna causes an internal failure in the receiver, but I've ordered the latest part anywhere.

Had to use the door code yesterday. Do I shout Bingo when i've had all the problems?

JerryXt said:

mmm, can't really see how unplugging the antenna causes an internal failure in the receiver, but I've ordered the latest part anywhere.

Had to use the door code yesterday. Do I shout Bingo when i've had all the problems?

Click to expand...

You didn't order it from ebay right??

yup! A LR dealer

Good man.... private you'll probably end up with the old unit in a new box, because they sell there old one back on ebay... pretending its a new one Tut, Tut,:suspicious:

I'm not thick - I bought an old Range Rover :crazy:

JerryXt said:

mmm, can't really see how unplugging the antenna causes an internal failure in the receiver, but I've ordered the latest part anywhere.

Had to use the door code yesterday. Do I shout Bingo when i've had all the problems?

Click to expand...

Unplugging the antenna does not cause an internal failure in the receiver, it's just that the early receivers are prone to internal failure The need to unplug the antenna identifies it as an early receiver.

fair enough. That sounds reasonable.


BTW, Datatek, the kit came today - amazingly fast. Must be the French post office wanting to reject anything English asap

JerryXt said:

fair enough. That sounds reasonable.


BTW, Datatek, the kit came today - amazingly fast. Must be the French post office wanting to reject anything English asap

Click to expand...

:hysterically_laughiThe way things are going they'll be rejecting me too when the Germans start marching in again:violent: