Hello all, I’m new here having been a lurker for a short while, enjoying the fantastic knowledge shared in these pages!

I have joined up as despite in depth searches I can’t seem to find anyone with the same issue as me & im hoping by posting there that someone may know what I need to do to solve my problem!

I have a 2010 3.6 TDV8 vogue and when I bought it, it had a gearbox fault warning on the dash which when scanned with my code reader gave a gearshift lock solenoid fault.
I have changed the shifter and that has resolved that error code, great!

My problem is that now, when the engine is not running, so just ignition on, I have no errors on the dash (great!), however as soon as I start the engine the gearbox fault warning is displayed and upon scanning I now see the code ‘P181D-00’ ‘clutch actuator changeover solenoid - range / performance’

I should add that when runnig and with the gearbox fault warning on screen the terrain response programs are unavailable and the wheel in the centre console doesn’t illuminate. Nor does the high / low range switch react (although high range is illuminated).
Air suspension adjustment works perfectly.

I have been underneath and removed the Bosch actuator responsible for shifting ranges. All wiring and connectors look good and the motor runs freely when bench tested.

I have cleaned up the transfer box to body earth strap and checked the other connectors on the transfer box. I have removed the position sensor and this appears in good shape. I haven’t removed the other small motor / solenoid from the transfer box as this appears to only be removable when active.

PLEASE CAN YOU HELP?!
Is there anything else I should be checking?

The vehicle has a brand new Yuasa battery and the TCCM underneath the scuttle panel is in fine shape with no visible corrosion to speak of.

Many thanks in advance for any advice you can give me!

have a look here, some useful info that could help

https://www.fullfatrr.com/forum/topic68809.html?highlight=p181d

I saw a post recently with a similar fault, try switching your main lights on before starting the engine, something to do with a bad earth crimp, but if you put the lights on it provides another earth path!

Worth a try! L405 SV Autobiography LWB SDV8, finished in Aston Martin China Grey by ETO division.

Thanks for the responses guys.
I have test the wiring from the solenoid and cannot find evidence of a broken wire (continuity testing to TCCM ECU relevant pins checks out), as does the resistance testing on the actuator / solenoid itself, but nonetheless I’ve ordered a new solenoid just in case so we will see if that works!

PS I did try the headlight trick too but unfortunately that didn’t help!

Any further advice would be greatly appreciate!