"M", "S" and PRNDL lights flashing

**sanbar** · 12th July 2009, 10:15 PM

Have a recurring problem that I hope someone else knows something about, TD5 with the four-speeder.
When the car is put in reverse, the "M" and "S" warning lights on the dash starts flashing, as do the PRINDL indicators on the dash and the gear lever housing.
Only happens while selecting reverse, and the problem goes away if the car is switched off and restarted.

**BigJon** · 13th July 2009, 07:16 AM

It could be a fault with the selector switch on the side of the transmission.

It is also worth checking that the battery is not failing.

**harlie** · 13th July 2009, 11:10 AM

Agree with BigJon - have your battery checked - worth checking the connection on the Inhibitor Switch make sure it is clean and tight. But I think you may need a new Inhibitor Switch ($400)

Skellz · 14th July 2009, 10:05 PM

I had a simler problem not to long ago were the S & M light would come on and if i switched the car off they would go away. I also noticed on the dash it would not come up with the gear select letter on the dash. My one started off just every now and again and got worse. I end up take it to the landrover dealer her in darwin and had to get the inhibitor switch replaced and have not had the problem since. What caurse the S & M light to flash as i understand it is the auto and the engin management computers are not talking to each other if you give it a bit of time to select your gear this some time helps stop the problem.

Good luck hope this has helped

MickS · 15th July 2009, 04:31 PM

It is prone to happening if you reverse the vehicle and don't come to a complete stop, or a rolling stop without using the foot brake, and then selecting drive. As indicated, it gets confused.

**2 rocks** · 15th July 2009, 10:01 PM

As per BigJon...

Checked my battery first but ended up replacing the gear position switch. No trouble since.

You will also find the trans may go into limp mode and in my case the gear indicator disappeared completely from the LCD display.

There is also evidence to suggest the aircon condenser drain leaks onto the switch casuing grief so may be worth checking too.
Cheers
Mike

**sanbar** · 16th July 2009, 08:16 PM

Hmm, boys in the workshop put it on the diagnostic computer and found a fault that they said they cleared. However, SWMBO says the problem's worse than before.
Battery was load-tested and cleared as a source of the trouble.
Looks as though I'm up for a new inhibitor switch ...

**sanbar** · 17th July 2009, 10:58 AM

Another update. Apparently the drain plug from the air-conditioning system sits just above the inhibitor cut-off. A combination of plenty of bulldust and moisture can cause the inhibitor's electronics to short, or even fry.
Luckily for me, there's a LR transmission specialist about a kilometre from where I live ...

**2 rocks** · 18th July 2009, 12:10 PM

Originally Posted by 2 rocks

There is also evidence to suggest the aircon condenser drain leaks onto the switch casuing grief so may be worth checking too.
Cheers
Mike

Fingers crossed for you, that's what it is...a lot cheaper to clean it up than replace it!

**maddos** · 29th August 2009, 05:48 PM

Mine has been doing this for over a year. About 6months ago it stopped starting in "P" and had to be started in "N". On Wed I went and got the Mechanic to have a look and they suggested the Range Inhibitor Switch (as stated above) could be out of alignment. Well they moved the switch and now it starts in "P" but the M & S lights come on now everytime I select "R" and "D" (and for that privilege I paid $200!).

So I'm going to try and access the inhibitor switch and clean/service it. Does anyone know how to access this?

Cheers Josh

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