TD5 won't engage any gears

**Jimmy37743** · 3rd July 2025, 06:38 PM

Howdy Folks! First time posting! I've got a disco 2 TD5 automatic that won't engage any gears.

I'm not a discovery owner myself, but have ended up with one stuck in the backyard that I'm trying to get back into working order so it can return to its proper home. Pulled out of the servo, began accelerating and lost all power about 500m after pulling out, 2 lights were flashing on the dash, wasn't in the car so I couldn't tell you which ones. Lost D 1 2 3, was able to engage reverse and moved the car off the road. Left the car where it was and went to get some gear to tow it, tried reverse once I got there and it was no longer working either. Car starts and runs great, just won't go anywhere. No noises when shifting into any of the gears that I can hear, but the selector cable seems to be doing it's job.

Previously, a hose had worn through in the engine, that had spat out a good chunk of the transmission fluid. The hose has since been replaced. Other than that, this car has been pretty reliable for the last year or so as far as I'm aware.

I read a few other posts that seemed to have similar issues, tried a couple of things suggested, but have so far had no luck. I have very little knowledge pertaining to these cars, hoping someone can point me in the right direction or towards a place to start! Absolutely any advice would be greatly appreciated!

**Slunnie** · 3rd July 2025, 06:58 PM

It sounds a lot like it has lost its ATF, but you probably would notice the oil on the road and back window.

**Jimmy37743** · 3rd July 2025, 07:25 PM

Originally Posted by Slunnie

It sounds a lot like it has lost its ATF, but you probably would notice the oil on the road and back window.

When it initially died, I went back up along the road and through to the servo and couldn't find anything on the road. It doesn't seem like there are any noticeable leaks anywhere, would a small leak be likely to take it off the road? I have only given it a once over in the dark, I'll have a better look tomorrow morning when there's some better visibility.

**Slunnie** · 3rd July 2025, 07:26 PM

Originally Posted by Jimmy37743

When it initially died, I went back up along the road and through to the servo and couldn't find anything on the road. It doesn't seem like there are any noticeable leaks anywhere, would a small leak be likely to take it off the road? I have only given it a once over in the dark, I'll have a better look tomorrow morning when there's some better visibility.

Normally you would lose things progressively. First the TC lockup, then 4th, 3rd, then everything.

**Tins** · 4th July 2025, 09:37 AM

Mine did exactly this when it died. Lost all forward gears, reverse worked. 'A' clutch failure in my case. Did it again with the "reconditioned" auto a certain indie fitted. Well, he "recoed" mine.

And did it overnight, sorta. Parked it, wouldn't go the next day. It had given me some warning with the limp home mode activating periodically.

**Jimmy37743** · 20th July 2025, 04:38 PM

Originally Posted by Slunnie

Normally you would lose things progressively. First the TC lockup, then 4th, 3rd, then everything.

Sorry for the late reply. It's been bucketing down recently, so I haven't been all that keen on laying down on the wet concrete to check out everything. It was down a little on ATF, but it hasn't come right since filling it up. Reverse is definitely working though! If it's not the ATF, I assume it's likely to be something that's going to be a pain to fix?

**Slunnie** · 20th July 2025, 04:47 PM

Originally Posted by Jimmy37743

Sorry for the late reply. It's been bucketing down recently, so I haven't been all that keen on laying down on the wet concrete to check out everything. It was down a little on ATF, but it hasn't come right since filling it up. Reverse is definitely working though! If it's not the ATF, I assume it's likely to be something that's going to be a pain to fix?

Did you do this procedure? If you just fill it while not running and having moved through all of the gears, then it doesn't actually fill.

Originally Posted by RAVE

10. Select 'P' (Park).
11. Ensure handbrake is applied.
12. Start engine and allow it to idle.
13. Apply footbrake.
14. Move selector lever through all gear positions, while continuing to fill the gearbox. Select 'P' (Park).
15. With engine idling, continue filling gearbox until a 2 mm bead of oil runs from oil filler/level plug hole.
16. Fit new sealing washer to automatic gearbox filler/level plug, fit plug and tighten to 30 Nm (22 lbf.ft) .
17. Stop engine.
18. Remove all traces of oil from gearbox casing.

**Jimmy37743** · 20th July 2025, 04:53 PM

Originally Posted by Tins

Mine did exactly this when it died. Lost all forward gears, reverse worked. 'A' clutch failure in my case. Did it again with the "reconditioned" auto a certain indie fitted. Well, he "recoed" mine.

And did it overnight, sorta. Parked it, wouldn't go the next day. It had given me some warning with the limp home mode activating periodically.

Sounds like exactly the same issue! Did you ever get yours back on the road?

**Jimmy37743** · 20th July 2025, 04:56 PM

Originally Posted by Slunnie

Did you do this procedure? If you just fill it while not running and having moved through all of the gears, then it doesn't actually fill.

Yep! Did exactly that!

**Slunnie** · 20th July 2025, 05:06 PM

Originally Posted by Jimmy37743

Yep! Did exactly that!

Hmmm, thats a shame. I was hoping that would be your solution.

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