P38 non start

Can someone please advise how I can rectify this problem? Recently the car has been a bit slow to start sometimes needing a little assist with a jump battery. However a couple of days ago the battery finally gave out (10.8 Volts so dud cell I reckon). I put in a new one, fully charged, all the usual warnings came up - gearbox, abs, windows etc but the beast just wont start. Not even turning on the starter. Plenty power in the battery.

The other strange thing is the remote locking opens everything except the driver's door. I recently replaced the front door lock mechanisms and they were ok up until the battery probs last week. Is there some wonder cure with pressing buttons while unlocking etc or will I have to get the door code and turn the key left left, right right right etc? Its a 1998 4.0.

lock in the drivers door while holding the lock button and unlock the drivers door holding the un lock button but that only re sinks the remote

I read that on a recent thread. I'll give it a try and see. Only thing is the car is four miles from the computer so it could be a while..................

hippolover said:

I read that on a recent thread. I'll give it a try and see. Only thing is the car is four miles from the computer so it could be a while..................

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hi,have you tried your emergency immobiliser unlock code,the beast will not do anything until you have done this,it is shown how to do this in your owners handbook,you will need the 4 digit unlock code to do this,hope this helps.

Tried the first suggestion, still not working. Been to the dealer who is to give me the code tomorrow. Hopefully that'll work. Failing that, looks like TestBook. Just wondering if it could be something silly like a wire off the starter or the gearshift inhibitor switch playing up. I have tried going from P to 1 and back again with the key turned but not even an offer.

hippolover said:

Tried the first suggestion, still not working. Been to the dealer who is to give me the code tomorrow. Hopefully that'll work. Failing that, looks like TestBook. Just wondering if it could be something silly like a wire off the starter or the gearshift inhibitor switch playing up. I have tried going from P to 1 and back again with the key turned but not even an offer.

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does the dash tell you that yr in d or p or any other gear??

try it in low box too, it should tell you on the little lcd display that yr in a gear and this should indicate wheter its a gaerbox/gear selector related issue!!

Yes, tried that too and the corresponding readout on the dash is the same as on the selector in both Low and High. I have the code now, so will try it next. After that it will have to be a crawl underneath, check the starter connections and connect it straight to a battery to see if that's it. Great cars aren't they? (big swine's obviously not wanting to go out in this weather!!)

Been under, checked wiring connections etc, couldnt get proper access as it's starting to setlle down on its springs so off to the local specialist on the back of the truck. We'll see what he finds.......

ooohhhhhh loads of money now.

so you have put the eka code in and still nothing???

try this: remove battery for 10 or 15 mins, remove door card on drivers door, attempt to lock car with key, if it works input the eka code as per the rangerovers.net instructions here: Security and Alarm System Operation & Diagnosis on Range Rover 4.0/4.6/P38A

this will ensure the eka is in properly as the little latch on the door sill can stick and not make the micro switch, it happened to me!!

be sure to lock the car 4 times then enter the code!!!

i have had battery problems recently ... replaced it today

i did have to use the eka method as it said key code lock out or something on the dash .. started fine after that ..

i did struggle with the eka input though ... it took a while to get the 'beeps' before it recognizes the code from the key turns ..

make sure all the other doors are unlocked manually inside and 'set' the windows .. it took a few times before i got the code to enter, even after locking it 4 times it was only part way through the sequence when mine beeped so i opened and shut the door and started again, it was fine after that attempt ..

a tip nick is to remove the drivers door card to ensure the catch doesnt stick on the surround and cause the micro switch in the lock not to be activated on every attempt to turn the key!!

Car ready the next day. The ECU needed recoded. Apparently this happens from time to time. One customer of the same garage has to come back every year to have it done they tell me. The P38 equivalent of re-setting a service light I suppose but not very handy if it happens in the Tesco car park with a full boot (or in this case right outside my garage door). Funny thing is, and I wouldn't put it past a RR and its way of thinking, it's a December car and this happened round about it's birthday. Who knows!! As far as the lock goes it still doesn't unlock the driver's door off the remote so I think the mechanism needs replaced (again). I put a 2nd hand one in in October already. Thanks to those who responded.