Transmission Failure error... D3.

Looking at a D3 HSE, vehicle is in great condition and drives as it should, everything works and no major issues seem to be lurking. Only thing is that it shows an intermittent error message as "transmission failure"? Restarting or swapping keys the vehicle starts as normal and drives without any further errors. Anyone have any input on whether this may be an electrical issue rather than gearbox related?
I'm tempted to by the vehicle as its very clean, and work through the issue, but it may be a costly gamble...

The linkage on the side of the box can seize up so even though you think its in gear its not actually quite in gear and can cause all sorts of werid issues.
Could also be oil level, level gung also on same side of box as the selector arm.
You only have to remove the rearmost under tray to gain access to both of the above, 6 bolts Iirc.
Any signs of soft drink spillage on the gear lever plastic gaiter in the cabin?
Weak battery is another poss cause, they are very voltage sensitive cars.

On a more serious note never get under a D3/4 unelss you have a stand, air susp should be locked out if any of the doors are open, but beware its easy to get stuck.

When I got that message on my old one it needed a gearbox oil change and a bit of a service.
Their are loads of d3's about, and gearbox rebuilds are expensive as I found out. Walk away and find another.

Have you owned a de before?? Mine was a money pit despite being low mileage, it had in no particular order...
A new engine, gearbox, suspension compressor prop shafts, wheel bearings, suspension arms (twice)

Cheers chaps, thanks for the pointers - I can see any sign of spillage in or around the centre console. Will give it a think. @gazman: yes I have had a few various LR's in the past.

Thanks again.

Nick Miles said:

Cheers chaps, thanks for the pointers - I can see any sign of spillage in or around the centre console. Will give it a think. @gazman: yes I have had a few various LR's in the past.

Thanks again.

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I think I can safely say the D3/4 models are like no land rover that preceded them as they are easy to drive, comfortable, reasonably powered (not fast!) and mine has been spot on reliable for over 4 years now, they are also amazingly complicated and need regulaor cash injections and wont take maintanance abuse cheaply like earlier models.

Sorry gentlemen, one last question. Are there certain dealers who are "go-to" dealers for Land Rover's? I've seen a lot, but not found a specialist yet.

Nick Miles said:

Sorry gentlemen, one last question. Are there certain dealers who are "go-to" dealers for Land Rover's? I've seen a lot, but not found a specialist yet.

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If you sign up to the Disco 3 forum theres quite a few LR mechs on there some mobile and others with workshops and come highly recommended.

Cheers mate. Appreciate all replies.

In Droitwich area I recommend 4x4 Development - do the maintenance on my car for the bigger jobs I can’t do - got SDD and Autologic so can do diagnosis and config etc.

That transmission fault message should have a fault code stored behind it which must be retrieved with proper diagnostic tool then you can go directly to the root of it, see the attachment