As a Range Rover owner I’ve had the unfortunate experience of jumping in and finding my gear selector is stuck in park. This issue can be caused by a variety of factors and can leave you stranded or unable to use your vehicle.
Why is my Range Rover gear selector stuck in park? This can be caused by a malfunctioning interlock solenoid, a faulty gear selector control switch, or other issues I have highlighted below.
In this article, we’ll explore the common causes of this problem and how to fix it.
What models are affected?
- Land Rover Defender
- Range Rover Discovery
- Range Rover Evoque
- Range Rover Sport
- Range Rover Velar
- Range Rover Vogue
Causes of gear selector stuck in park
If you are experiencing issues with your Range Rover’s gear selector being stuck in park, there are several potential causes that you should be aware of.
Stu or shifter issue
One of the most common causes of a gear selector being stuck in park is a problem with the shifter itself.
If the shifter is not moving smoothly or is otherwise malfunctioning, it can prevent the vehicle from shifting out of park.
This can be caused by a variety of issues, including wear and tear, damage, or debris in the shifter mechanism.
Brake light switch issue
Another common cause of gear selector issues is a problem with the brake light switch.
This switch is responsible for detecting when the brake pedal is depressed, which is necessary for the vehicle to shift out of park.
If the switch is malfunctioning or has failed entirely, it can prevent the vehicle from shifting out of park.
Solenoid issue
The solenoid is another component that can cause issues with the gear selector.
This component is responsible for releasing the shifter lock when the brake pedal is depressed.
If the solenoid is malfunctioning or has failed entirely, it can prevent the shifter lock from releasing, which can cause the gear selector to be stuck in park.
Fuse issue
In some cases, a blown fuse can cause problems with the gear selector.
If the fuse that controls the shifter lock or brake light switch has blown, it can prevent the vehicle from shifting out of park.
Checking and replacing fuses as necessary can help address this issue.
Neutral safety switch issue
The neutral safety switch is another component that can cause issues with the gear selector.
This switch is responsible for detecting whether the vehicle is in neutral or park, and if it is malfunctioning, it can prevent the vehicle from shifting out of park.
Brake pedal issue
If the brake pedal is not functioning properly, it can also cause problems with the gear selector.
For example, if the pedal is not depressing all the way, it may not be triggering the brake light switch, which can prevent the vehicle from shifting out of park.
Parts issue
Finally, there may be issues with other parts of the vehicle that are causing problems with the gear selector.
For example, if there is damage to the transmission or other components, it can prevent the vehicle from shifting out of park.
How to fix when the gear selector is stuck in park
If you’re experiencing issues with your Range Rover’s gear selector getting stuck in park, there are a few things you can check to troubleshoot the problem.
Here are some steps you can take:
Check brake lights
The first thing you should do is check your brake lights. If they’re not working, the gear selector won’t release from park.
This is because the brake light switch is responsible for sending a signal to the solenoid, which releases the gear selector.
If the brake light switch is faulty, you’ll need to replace it.
Check brake pedal
Make sure that your brake pedal is fully depressed. If it’s not, the gear selector won’t release from park.
This could be due to a faulty brake pedal switch or a problem with the pedal itself.
Check the switch and the pedal to make sure they’re working properly.
Check solenoid
The solenoid is responsible for releasing the gear selector when you press the brake pedal. If it’s faulty, the gear selector won’t release from park.
You can check the solenoid by using a screwdriver to manually release the gear selector.
If it releases, the solenoid is likely the problem and will need to be replaced.
Check neutral safety switch
The neutral safety switch is responsible for ensuring that the vehicle is in park or neutral before the gear selector can be released.
If the switch is faulty, the gear selector won’t release from park.
Check the switch to make sure it’s working properly.
Check fuses
If all of the above components are working properly, the issue may be with a blown fuse.
Check the fuses related to the gear selector to see if any of them are blown.
If so, replace the fuse and see if the issue is resolved.
Check parts
If none of the above steps resolve the issue, the problem may be with a faulty part. It’s recommended that you take your vehicle to a dealer or a trusted mechanic to have it inspected and diagnosed.
They’ll be able to identify the problem and recommend the necessary repairs.
When you should use a mechanic
If you have tried all the troubleshooting steps and your Range Rover gear selector is still stuck in park, it may be time to seek professional help.
Here are some situations where it is best to take your vehicle to a dealer or a qualified mechanic:
1. The gear selector is completely stuck
If the gear selector is completely stuck and you are unable to move it out of park, it is best to seek professional help.
This could be a sign of a more serious issue that requires specialized knowledge and tools to fix.
2. You have tried all troubleshooting steps
If you have tried all the troubleshooting steps recommended by the manufacturer and the gear selector is still stuck in park, it is time to seek professional help.
A qualified mechanic will have the expertise to diagnose and repair the issue.
3. You are not comfortable with DIY repairs
If you are not comfortable with DIY repairs or do not have the necessary tools, it is best to seek professional help.
Attempting to fix the issue yourself could lead to further damage or injury.
4. You want to ensure proper repairs
If you want to ensure that the repairs are done properly, it is best to take your vehicle to a dealer or a qualified mechanic.
They will have the necessary expertise and tools to diagnose and fix the issue correctly.
5. Your vehicle is under warranty
If your Range Rover is under warranty, it is best to take it to a dealer for repairs. Attempting to fix the issue yourself or taking it to an unqualified mechanic could void the warranty.
Summary
If you find yourself in a situation where your Range Rover gear selector is stuck in park, there are a few things you can do to try and resolve the issue.
Firstly, check if the brake lights are working properly. If they are not, it could be a sign that the brake switch is faulty, which can prevent the gear selector from moving out of park.
Another potential issue could be a blown fuse. Check the fuse box and replace any blown fuses if necessary.
In some cases, the gear selector control switch may need to be replaced. This is a common issue with Range Rovers, and it can cause the vehicle to be stuck in one drive mode or stuck in park.
If none of these solutions work, it may be time to take your Range Rover to a professional mechanic or dealership. They will have the expertise and tools necessary to diagnose and fix the issue.
Remember, it’s important to address any issues with your vehicle as soon as possible to avoid further damage or potential safety hazards. Keep up with regular maintenance and address any problems promptly to ensure your Range Rover stays in top condition.