L322 TD6 sticky inhibitor switch??

As title really, had to call out The AA yesterday as my car wouldn't start. Ignition turns on, no errors etc.. Just the engine does not react when you turn the key to start - nothing happens!

I had this happen a couple of times before and I originally thought it was the immobiliser but it seems like it's not now!

AA man turned up, moved gear lever from park to neutral and hey presto it started. He said it's most likely a sticky gearbox inhibitor switch thinking it's in gear and resulting in stopping the engine from starting.

So does anyone know is this a common problem ? Is it an easy fix ?
Where is the switch located ? Or is it something else causing the problem ?
Definitely seems gearbox related tho

Thanks for your help
Cheers

Anyone ?? I thought this was a common problem with auto's ??

Depending on Gearbox model....

As attached....

Saint.V8 said:

Depending on Gearbox model....

As attached....

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Brilliant information thanks !
I have the td6 which has the GM box I think ?

Is that off of rave ?

Not sure which you would have, but the info is from RAVE Yes...

I don’t think that inhibitor switch problems are particularly common on the 5L40-E transmission. Unlike with the ZF units, where the switch is bolted to the outside of the casing i.e. exposed to the elements, the inhibitor switch in the GM box lives ‘protected’ inside the transmission.

A new switch costs around £85 (L/R part no. THE000040) although BMW may sell them cheaper (p/n 24357532668) as it’s used on so many of their different models (E39, E46, E53, E83 & Z3).

You should really get it tested first though to confirm that the switch itself is at fault, in case it’s a selector cable adjustment or internal wiring loom problem. The wiring looms aren’t cheap either, at £180 (L/R part no. YMD001510).

If you need the switch connection logic to enable you to check its function at the 20-pin plug, just shout.

Bit confused by all this. My L322 has just developed a starting problem. In park it just makes some subjued beeping noise that you can hardly hear and will not start. The lever can be moved up and down and tried again many times but no joy. Then just occassionally it will start no problem. Turn it off and it will start no problem. Then later the problem starts again and were stranded. Does anyone have an idea what might be wrong. Could it be the inhibitor switch, wiring etc. Going to take it to my land rover specialist 30 miles away via the motorway if it will start and a bit worried. Also he only does old land rovers so any help would be appreciated.

Behold the thread resurrection !! Lol

Anyhow mine just stopped playing Up so I never found out the cause
But I have fitted a new battery so that might have helped

Your problem doesn't sound like the inhibitor switch to me as if it was the switch at fault it wouldn't even let the engine attempt to start

When mine played up I had no noises or beeping
Just silence when you turn the key to start

Thanks Hippo the sound was barely audible and it certainly was not trying to start.

OLDUN said:

Thanks Hippo the sound was barely audible and it certainly was not trying to start.

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Solenoid on starter motor?

Thanks B--ks. Are you pretty certain about this as I see the ?? at the end of your reply. On a scale of 1 to 100!. Thanks again for your help on this. Does seem a real possibility and will look into this further.

As dog breath said above
Maybe solonoid ?

2.0_hippo said:

As dog breath said above
Maybe solonoid ?

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Dogs breath!
Cheeky so and so
Lol
Without looking at starter motor I can't be 100 percent certain?
However it's a good place to start!
Easy fix too!

Just started it today - no problems. Going in for service tomorrow - I think I hope it plays up with them, otherwise the usual response is "well its working fine now so not much I can do".

That's what happens when your starter motor solenoid is beginning to fail
Get the garage to clean and tighten all cable on starter motor!
Make them do it as part of service!

Been with garage for 10 days now - does it with him - sometimes starts othertimes there is nothing - has asked to keep it another day but does not look promising. Been with this small independant for over 15 years - very knowledgeble, reasonably priced, only does what needs doing but normally does older Land rovers. Very reluctant to take to Stratstone main dealer who do not have good reputation and have had bad experiences there myself. Just wondered if anyone had any more ideas!

OLDUN said:

Been with garage for 10 days now - does it with him - sometimes starts othertimes there is nothing - has asked to keep it another day but does not look promising. Been with this small independant for over 15 years - very knowledgeble, reasonably priced, only does what needs doing but normally does older Land rovers. Very reluctant to take to Stratstone main dealer who do not have good reputation and have had bad experiences there myself. Just wondered if anyone had any more ideas!

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10 days ??!?!!!

Your in for a big bill then ? Lol

No no no no - well I hope not. He has done a service and changed the brake pads! Still anyone one with more ideas - I fear the worst when I phone him tomorrow morning - the fact that he can't fix it not the bill!

Wish you luck mate !

Had it 3 weeks now and starting is still a lottery!