Engine immobilised - transmission failure

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Salisbury Nick

Salisbury Nick

Well-Known Member
Posts
790
Location
Dorchester
Hi Guys,
Went to start my 2000 4.6 P38 this morning - battery was fine but would not turn over. Dashboard message said there was a transmission failure.

It was driving perfectly on Christmas eve, the only thing that has changed is that it has been sitting outside at -12C over night. Could this cause the problems, or has my gearbox really failed?

Look forward to hearing your experiences.

Cheers and Merry Christmas.

Nick
 
Thanks - it was a bit low, but I plugged into a charger/jump starter and although it was showing a partial charge for a minute or two - it went to full charge so quickly I did not think that could be the problem. However, a few weeks ago I accidentally left the lights on and drained it almost completely, it has not really been good since - required a couple of jump starts and I don't fully trust it. Could this be the cause?
Nick
 
Yep - lights draining battery will damage at least a cell, Rangies are VERY sensitive to low/poor batteries. That it said charged so quickly is proof enough ............. new battery "should" cure it!
 
Do the lights dim if you try and start it with them on? If not then there is no power going to the starter and you will need to reprogramme the codes. Try the EKA code first. Is there any offer at all from the starter or is it just nothing when you turn the key to the start position?
 
Hi Hippolover,
I have not tried with the lights so don't know yet. but when I try and start there is the hint of the starter motor engaging - but it does not turn at all, there is a definite clunk from the engine though. I get the impression that the engine is immobilised rather than failing to start - and when I turn the ignition all the dash lights come on. When I turn the key something happens - but it is not turning over and failing to start and it is not completely dead so that no lights come on when the ignition is on. Then I get the error message. I also got some other warnings - "Select Neutral" - "Traction Failure"...All the EAS lights are on on the ride height adjuster switch too...It's a mess.
Nick.
 
Assuming I need to replace the battery - any suggestions for which battery to replace it with - are they generic or is there a clear winner?
Nick.
 
Order for RR P38 but get one for a diesel.......they are same physical size for fit but stronger amp-hour.....much better than standard!
 
Top job lads. Thanks. When I fit the new battery, will I have to clear any memory or follow some sort of complex range rovery procedure involving putting the windows up and down really quickly or similar to clear fault?
 
That should just be it and the radio of course. Main thing to remember when taking the old battery off is to prevent the back up alarm going off. In other words, slacken the terminals, switch on the ignition, switch off (and put the key in your pocket!!!) and within 17 seconds pull the earth lead off the battery. Change the battery and reconnect everything, reset the windows etc and that's you.

However if you keep a charger connected to the battery leads and carefully disconnect them taking care the croc clips don't pop off you can do the whole thing without resetting anything. Its easy, I did it a couple of days ago when fitting a new alternator.

The reason you take the key out is that in certain circumstances when you reintroduce power the car can lock you out keeping the key for itself! Don't give it the chance, you may not have a spare key or it could be out of synch.
 
Thanks Hippo, I'm going try it this morning if I can get a battery. I knew there would be some RR booby traps for the unaware. Thanks for the good advice. Nick.
 
Hurrah! New battery fitted - took out a 644, could not get a direct replacement, so used the diesel 740 AMP version. Instant Success!

Took the opportunity to top up the oil, anti-freeze and coolant levels and she sounds fantastic - touch wood.

A big thank you to all you guys, especially Hippolover, Ridesafe & Mad Hat Man.

Although I'm mightily pleased, my family all hate you - since we are now off to see the rellie's and they thought they might get away with a week at home and not have to see them at all. Ha Ha, little do they understand the power of the LandyZone!
 
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