Recovery on the way but seeing as I’m sat here waiting I may as well ask…

Just been driving, gearbox fault flashed up on dash then car died instantly with a judder from gearbox. All electricals just cut out and was luckily able pull off the road safely. Car came back life pretty quickly but won’t restart. Seems stuck in gear even though rotary know says in park as car won’t roll with park brake off.

Any ideas? Andy

2010 4.4TDV8 Vogue SE in Santorini Black with Ivory interior
2017 Audi SQ5 3.0 V6T Quattro in Volcano Red
2001 Audi Allroad 2.5 TDI manual with low-range in Highland Green. Currently SORN whilst undergoing some serious restoration!

2010 4.4TDV8 with ZF 8spd Andy

2010 4.4TDV8 Vogue SE in Santorini Black with Ivory interior
2017 Audi SQ5 3.0 V6T Quattro in Volcano Red
2001 Audi Allroad 2.5 TDI manual with low-range in Highland Green. Currently SORN whilst undergoing some serious restoration!

I'd be checking the battery connections first..... The older I get, the more I realise that people confuse wrinkles for wisdom

Only a poke in the dark but has your alternator failed? These cars are very voltage sensitive and gearbox fault can flash up when volts drop due to alternator failure. Check your battery voltage it should be well over 12 volts.

JMC wrote:

I'd be checking the battery connections first.....

Ajmngn wrote:

Seems stuck in gear even though rotary know says in park as car won’t roll with park brake off.

So, looks like the starter motor is creating a short circuit and that would explain why it had an electrical meltdown and cut out, also throwing up the gearbox fault before it cut out completely. I’m having it taken to the garage for investigation and yes, the lever under the cup holders allowed us to get the car in neutral. Thanks for all the help! Now just praying that nothing else is wrong when starter motor gets changed and we can get the engine started! Andy

2010 4.4TDV8 Vogue SE in Santorini Black with Ivory interior
2017 Audi SQ5 3.0 V6T Quattro in Volcano Red
2001 Audi Allroad 2.5 TDI manual with low-range in Highland Green. Currently SORN whilst undergoing some serious restoration!

Has the starter motor given any warning signs it was due to fail e.g clicking on startup, continuing to run shortly after startup, noises when running? 2015 Range Rover Autobiography 4.4 SDV8

No, it was a brand new Denso starter motor fitted approximately 3 months ago so I’ll be claiming that back under the warranty!! Andy

2010 4.4TDV8 Vogue SE in Santorini Black with Ivory interior
2017 Audi SQ5 3.0 V6T Quattro in Volcano Red
2001 Audi Allroad 2.5 TDI manual with low-range in Highland Green. Currently SORN whilst undergoing some serious restoration!

I'm not saying it's not possible but it's unlikely the starter motor itself, as I thought all Denso kit is tested for correct operation before it leaves the factory.

I'd point the garage in the direction of the troubleshooting in the workshop manual. There's a section on improper installation of the breather tube leading to water ingress (which would give you a short circuit) and also to test ground on the starter motor with ground on the battery is 0.8V or below when trying to crank.

It also says to attempt starting (holding 4 seconds each time) for 10 attempts and count the number of times you hear no click from the starter motor.

The terminals are very close on the starter motor also so, to check for debris / stray wires.

There's lots of diagnosis steps on there, worth a look.

I also wouldn't overlook the fact it may not be the starter motor and could be a battery or alternator issue - both of which you can check yourself without needing to take anything apart. I guess my reservation is that the starter motor is disengaged when running and also runs on a relay circuit - you'd hear it if the relays had failed and it was trying to crank when running but for the same reason, if it is disengaged, i can't see why it would be energised and cause the vehicle to shut down when you were running.

The erranous gearbox fault error is a pretty good sign of low voltage I.e battery. The ECU on the ZF box immediately flags an error when voltage is too low. 2015 Range Rover Autobiography 4.4 SDV8

Solved - car went into Glenrands on the back of a low loader and they diagnosed within just over an hour so massive kudos to them for being so good at this.

Turns out the big fat 12v power cable from the alternator back to the battery had worn through. Some idiot had routed the cable incorrectly so it was rubbing on the engine every time it accelerated as the engine twists slightly due to the power. Anyway, wire worn through and contact with engine = massive short circuit and dead car.

Thanks for the suggestions! Andy

2010 4.4TDV8 Vogue SE in Santorini Black with Ivory interior
2017 Audi SQ5 3.0 V6T Quattro in Volcano Red
2001 Audi Allroad 2.5 TDI manual with low-range in Highland Green. Currently SORN whilst undergoing some serious restoration!

Glad to hear that Glenrands came to the rescue! I keep recommending them to everyone for obvious reasons and this is just another example.
They are now site sponsors so forum members benefit  Gone to a good home: 2011 4.4 TDV8 Vogue SE Buckingham Blue with Ivory and clear glass = "Rory"
2025MY Defender D350 90 in Silicon Silver on coils
1974 Series 3 Lightweight = "Millie"
Many, many other Landies over the years
My preferred specialist: www.glenrands.co.uk
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Agree that although other garages might be £20ph less in labour, Glenrands will pinpoint issues there and then, saving you shed loads in the long run, if you don't do work yourself / need expertise. 2015 Range Rover Autobiography 4.4 SDV8

Thanks Gary. I have used many (a lot) of places in Hampshire/Sussex/Surrey and once Glenrands was found, that was it. No point going elsewhere. My service is booked with them for late July  Gone to a good home: 2011 4.4 TDV8 Vogue SE Buckingham Blue with Ivory and clear glass = "Rory"
2025MY Defender D350 90 in Silicon Silver on coils
1974 Series 3 Lightweight = "Millie"
Many, many other Landies over the years
My preferred specialist: www.glenrands.co.uk
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Dr Rob

My MY11 4.4 is booked in with them early August on the strength of your recommendation
I will provide feedback