TD5 Disco - Do I have a problem here ??

[Ednic]

Yesterday on the way home both the M and the S dash lights were flashing at me. I stopped on the side of the road and checked the manual and it informed me that there could be an electrical fault with the Auto gearbox.
I pressed the 'Mode' switch and lo and behold, the lights went out and everything was normal again.

Today, just after starting the engine, it appeared that the gears were not changing up - engine was revving but the car was going nowhere.
I again stopped on the side of the road for a couple of minutes and when I continued on my way, there was no sign of a problem and again everything appeared to be normal.

I drove approx. 40 k's and had no further problem.

Is something about to go seriously wrong or am I being worried for no reason?

I would appreciate your advice.:confused:

[ak]

The computer is telling the car to drop into limp mode to protect the engine. Same thing happened to mine just before my battery died, and logged a electrical fault. Is your battery old, sometimes they just die without warning. This would be the first thing I would check.

[Scouse]

Today, just after starting the engine, it appeared that the gears were not changing up - engine was revving but the car was going nowhere.
That's the transmission in limp mode - it's locked in 3rd gear so take it easy when starting off.

As above, it could be low battery voltage but it could also be the inhibitor switch (the A/C drain can drip right onto it).

[trev]

The computers in the Disco are very sensitive to low voltages.so a battery/alternator check is a good idea.
I had a poor alternator connection and eventually every light on the dash came on and it went into limp home mode.
It happened miles from anywhere and found out that it would struggle on for 400Ks which is pretty good.

[2 rocks]

As above, AK steered me in the right direction, turned out my battery had a collapsed cell...having said that it still does it (only very occasionally) if I shift too quickly between P, R, N & D. I am going to look at a further fix for this as time permits...
Mike

[StephenF10]

It happened to me with a brand new battery, so low voltage is not the only cause. It still happens every few months so I do a quick lock/unlock with the remote (before the movement sensors have time to kick off) and all is well until the next time.

[Ace]

Failing the battery it might be an idea to take it to a landy mechanic with the software to plug in and find out where the problem is.

[Ednic]

Many thanks everyone for the assistance and advice.

The battery seems to be ok so perhaps I should have it all checked out.

[BigJon]

The battery seems to be ok so perhaps I should have it all checked out.

The battery SEEMS ok or the battery IS ok. They are two different things.

[ak]

The battery SEEMS ok or the battery IS ok. They are two different things.

Exactly had my battery tested, OK, then two weeks later no warning just died. They can do that in a TD5.

[Ednic]

An update........

On inspection of the battery, it was found that the + terminal was not as tight as it should have been. It could be moved by hand.
The battery was checked and found to be OK.
Terminals were tightened and so far the problem has not returned.

I guess that one of the benefits of having a problem (?) such as this, is that more knowledge is gleaned from the episode. It is due no doubt to the many persons who respond and input their individual knowledge that others may learn.

I thank all concerned for their assistance and advice.

:):):)

[2 rocks]

Glad that fixed it! I still get it occasionally but very rare compared to what it was...
Cheers
Mike

[crl]

I still get it occasionally but very rare compared to what it was...
Cheers
Mike

Mike, did you investigate the "Reverse gear selector" scenario at all?

[2 rocks]

CRL
Not yet, but it's in for a service on Wednesday so I'm going to have a yarn to them about it then, thanks to your tip! I'll let you know what they say...
Cheers
Mike