Hi all. I'm a first timer with a question please. I have a 2006 Range Rover 4.4l that is throwing up a P0705 fault code, indicating problems with the range sensor/neutral switch. The friendly dealer is suggesting he needs to replace the whole gearbox to fix this problem at a cost of £5500. That feels like overkill, surely? Wouldn't it be more likely that a replacement of the mechatronics unit would solve the problem? I'm not sure what they cost, but hopefully a lot less than £5500 - more than the vehicle even cost! Thanks!!

Try sending a PM to RRPhil on here, he is the gearbox guru!

http://www.fullfatrr.com/forum/member-rrphil.html

Thanks, Paul. I tried to PM RRPhil, but as a newbie it looks like I need to have three posts under my belt before I have PM rights! Hopefully he'll see it on the forum and dive in. cheers

There are a couple of topics on here.

http://www.fullfatrr.com/forum/topic38318.html

http://www.fullfatrr.com/forum/topic6992-15.html

Thanks. I'd seen the first, but not the second. Will dig in for clues! Appreciated.

Haven't you now made 3 posts?

As I’ve previously stated, P0705 errors are relatively common for the ZF 5-speed with its external inhibitor switch (which is open to the elements) but it would appear that this error is now becoming increasing common on the early 6-speed units too, despite the fact that the inhibitor/gear position switch is internal and of the non-contacting type.

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What next from LR dealers?

Owner: "Hello, my car won't start"

Dealer: "We have done the diagnostics (charge £200), you need a new car"  .
Experience is the only genuine knowledge, but as time passes, I have forgotten more than I can remember
Volvo V70 P2 2006 2.4 Petrol 170bhp Estate SE
MG Midget Mk1 1962

Previous: L322 Range Rover TDV8 3.6 2008; L322 Range Rover TD6 3.0 2002; P38A Range Rover V8 1999

Incredibly helpful info, Phil. Thanks so much. It all makes perfect sense. I may end up replacing the mechatronics unit completely so it's "future-proofed", but still better than a new gearbox price! These dealers wonder why people hate dealing with them...not too hard to figure out.

To be fair, a Landrover dealer is absolutely the worse place to take a 12 year old Range Rover. The techs don't have the experience, they rely on the factory and their laptops and the TSB's on the latest models. They aren't interested or have the experience in stripping down something like a gearbox and trying to diagnose a problem - its easier for them to just take the path of least resistance and switch out the whole thing and charge you full price.

The experience on vehicles like ours is out with the indies who work on these cars day in and day out. And are usually half the hourly rate. And no doubt a large portion of that outrageous rate is being spent by the dealers looking up the problems and working out what to do - you'll get far better value for money and knowledge out with a trusted independent who will just get on with it. Thats just my 2p worth anyway Current Fleet:-
2018 Discovery 5 3.0 HSE
2021 Ford Ranger Wildtrack
2019 Ford Mustang Bullitt 5.0 V8
1993 Defender 90 200TDI Pickup

Gone - not forgotten
2016 L405 4.4 SDV8 Vogue SE
2012 L322 4.4 Westminster
2004 L322 4.4 V8 Autobiography LE
2000 P38 RR 4.0 HSE (ex Clarkson test car)