Classic Won't start - Transmission Oil Temp warning light on

Hi All,

1994 RRC 300TDi Auto - Soft Dash.

My RRC hasn't been used in a while. I went to start and it won't crank. Instead, when I turn the key to crank position (after letting glow plug lamp extinguish) nothing happens apart from the Transmission Oil Temperature warning light (TOTWL) comes on. As soon as I release from crank the TOTWL goes out.
I had a rummage about under the engine bay and found the Transmission Oil Temperature Sensor on one of the pipes leading to the oil cooler in the radiator complex but there is no plug or wires attached to it, nor has there ever been in my ownership - so I am confused - Perhaps a PO bypassed it?

I am assuming the TOTWL should not come on at all, or should it come on for a bulb test prior to starting?

Comments gratefully received.

David

Battery is naff?

J

If you haven't already done so fully charge the battery with a battery charger or fit a known good fully charged battery
being sure to check the terminals are clean & tight.
See what happens.

The Battery is good and terminals nice and tight.

The TOTWL does not come on for a bulb test. Just comes on when I go to crank.

I am pretty sure something is inhibiting cranking. Like when the gear selector is not in Park or Nutral - cranking is inhibited.

Interestingly, when the gear selector is in P or N, I get a relay click from both drivers side and passenger side of the dash. When a gear is selected, only a relay click from the drivers side - so that suggests the gear inhibit switch is working (well it does something to the relay operation anyway)

I have the LR Work Shop Manual but it has no wiring diagrams. Does anyone have any for the starter circuit?

David

Does it have an oil cooler? That might have a temp sensor on it

DavidRRC said:

The Battery is good and terminals nice and tight.

The TOTWL does not come on for a bulb test. Just comes on when I go to crank.

I am pretty sure something is inhibiting cranking. Like when the gear selector is not in Park or Nutral - cranking is inhibited.

Interestingly, when the gear selector is in P or N, I get a relay click from both drivers side and passenger side of the dash. When a gear is selected, only a relay click from the drivers side - so that suggests the gear inhibit switch is working (well it does something to the relay operation anyway)

I have the LR Work Shop Manual but it has no wiring diagrams. Does anyone have any for the starter circuit?

David

Click to expand...

If the battery is fully charged, check the earth strap from engine to chassis is OK.

kermit_rr said:

Does it have an oil cooler? That might have a temp sensor on it

Click to expand...

Yes, it does have a Transmission oil cooler, and it has a temp sensor fitted into the pipes running to it but there are no electrical connections to it.