Ignition switch problem 07/08 L322

Hi All,

I'm right now in the middle of an ignition switch problem on my 07/08 Vogue.

It all started one very cold morning when I went to start the car. When I turned the key to the first position no dash lights came on. A dozen on/off cycles later and I got the lights on and it started, it then told me I had a transmission fault.
After a bit of surfing on Landyzone everybody pointed at the battery. So one new battery later (£95.95) and I still had the same problem. Should have gone with my gut feeling that it was the switch.
Now I am 1/2 way through a complete dashboard strip down to replace the ignition switch.
There doesn't appear to be any easy fix for this and everything has to come off. I have done a bit of research into how to tackle the job and youtube has been of some help.
A couple of pointers for anyone about to undertake a dash off job. The removal of the side vents to allow you to get at the dash top screws is a right bitch you need to push the vent from the back as you release the clips.
Removal of the dash top is not the same as on youtube as there are two bolts behind the cd auto-changer holding the airbags that need to come out before the top comes off.
I finally got to the bast*rd ignition switch late in the afternoon so it is a one day job to get in there. The electrical part of the switch is Valeo 9601961. After a bit of surfing it looks like this switch is also common to a BMW 325i, makes a bit of sense, and the BMW part is £35 as apposed to £95 for the same part from Land Rover.
When I get the switch I'll let you know if it cures the problem.

Pete

Had a similar issue on the same car, found a workshop that removed just the inhibitor part of the switch took about 4 hours

Switch arrived Tuesday. It had come from Florida USA and done a world tour before I got it. Odd as the website I purchased it from was a UK site.
Anyhow, it fitted and I reconnected the airbags then battery before reassembling the dash just to check it worked properly. Switch on and perfect, all the lights and everything worked and the engine started, phew.
Just for the record, a BMW 325i ignition switch block is the same as Land Rover and 1/3 of the price.
Dashboard went back together easy as now I know how it all comes apart and no screws left over, well almost, I did fined a 40mm socket head bolt loose in the dash while I was in there. Couldn't see anywhere it had come from so must have been there from new.

RR now back on the road and loving it.