Transfer Neutral Message

This site contains affiliate links for which LandyZone may be compensated if you make a purchase.
J

johnmjess

New Member
Posts
6
Just bought myself my first RR, 1995 P38 4.6 HSE that needs a fair bit of work so thought I would start with this fault.
On start up and the message transfer neutral is displayed, I have read over a few posts and some mention fuse 11 should be empty, well mine has a 10 amp fuse in it and the car is driving fine in HR but will not select LR. I pulled the fuse to check what would happen and I get the select neutral sign now over riding the message centre, then it displays gearbox fault. I tried switching between HR/LR and it seemed to do so but still says "select neutral". I replaced fuse 11 and now I am back to "Transfer Neutral" only but HR is fine.
I am a fairly good DIY'er so any advice will gladly be accepted.

Also have a permanent "Gearbox overheat" message but I am told this is the sensor so will give that a go tomorrow.

The list of jobs grows everyday with this so far.
 
With the fuse removed it should go back to high or low range in 3 beeps.
Select neutral is displayed when the transfer box is trying to change ranges. It could be the motor is seized, or the transfer ECU is on its last legs.
 
When towing the car, you are supposed to select neutral, and then put fuse 11 in. This makes the transfer box go into neutral so the car can be towed.

With the fuse in, you shouldn't be able to drive at all I don't think so something is clearly amiss there!

If you can't select LR, then there is possibility that the changeover motor ist kaput. They go wrong through lack of use as most people never use LR. There is a way to check if it's the motor by applying 12V to one of the pins I think, but having never had to do it, I'm not sure I'm afraid.
 
Cheers Guys, looks like the Change motor seems favourite, so that will be a job for next weekend.
How difficult a job would you say it is and is there any special tools required (not including a swear box)?
 
johnmjess said:
Cheers Guys, looks like the Change motor seems favourite, so that will be a job for next weekend.
How difficult a job would you say it is and is there any special tools required (not including a swear box)?
Click to expand...
Do you have the RAVE workshop manuals??

If not - go to the How To Section and find Wammers Post on checking the EAS Compressor - there is a link to the Manuals in his post, the manuals will have the process detailed.
 
Not meaning to hijack but I've noticed on my transfer box the wires and connectors look a little corroded/rusted: is that the start of a problem or do they just need a little WD40?
 
Yeah already downloaded RAVE, Just back from the Breakers and could not find a replacement anywhere so it looks like Ebay it is. Decided just to change ECU and motor at the same time to try and avoid disappointment.
Could not find a gearbox oil temp sensor either so bad day at the breakers all round.
 
johnmjess said:
Yeah already downloaded RAVE, Just back from the Breakers and could not find a replacement anywhere so it looks like Ebay it is. Decided just to change ECU and motor at the same time to try and avoid disappointment.
Could not find a gearbox oil temp sensor either so bad day at the breakers all round.
Click to expand...
Try Emmotts or Ebay:)
 
I had also the transfer neutral message, turned to be that the previous owner had disconnected some of the cables near the ratio motor. Heard that you could take a hammer and bang on the ratio motor, that should maybe get it to work. Worked on mine hehe lol
 
Don't think it really matters. Usually it says it on the tin from any motor factors. Always worth keeping some in the car anyway in case the electric window switches or similar need little TLC when you're locking up.
 
Final update, Changed the Transfer change motor and the RR was stuck in low ratio permanently, then changed the transfer control module and all went well for about 2 miles before Gearbox fault appeared on the message centre. So after reading every article I could find I decided to change the gear selection switch on the side of the gearbox. Now done 1k miles and not a single blip. Gear change has never been smoother and I now have a functioning sport mode. Thanks for all the reply's and ideas.
 
TCubed said:
Haha what's the recommended one to use then?
Click to expand...

Erm! You can use WD40 as it is a brand name and now they do electrical cleaner ,spray grease, pft, silicon ect ect ect:)

Maybe someone should point mozz in this direction :):):)
 
Last edited:
:welcome2: hi , I too have had a problem the ratio control motor and select neutral message on dash .also the h section on gear stick was on continual flashing mode , we thought it had been sorted ????????? but now reappeared so still in a quandary what to do next ??????????? had it on autologic on faults and down to switch then problem cleared but as ive said its now reappeared .. am going to strip h plate down and check connector and microswitch ,,will let u know how I get on ,,,,EMMOTTS of colne do have spare ratio control motors in stock !!!!!! its 4 little bolts and undo connector and its off ,,,must make sure when u refit new one that spindle is lined up properly !!!!!! theres more info on previous threads on here ...hope this helps cheers MOZZ:)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

P
P38
Replies
2
Views
367
brianp38dse
brianp38dse
FraserW
Blowing fuse
Replies
9
Views
994
FraserW
FraserW
MrGorsky
P38A Rattle when in gear and foot on brake...(SOLVED)
2
Replies
22
Views
2K
Flossie
Flossie
N
Noise from gearbox/transfer box
Replies
14
Views
785
NeilsWheels
N
tarphenry
p38 diesel
Replies
15
Views
629
tarphenry
tarphenry
Back
Top