Range Rover won’t shift gears: symptoms and how to fix

If a Range Rover won’t shift gears, potential issues could be a faulty transmission control module, worn-out transmission bands, low transmission fluid, or problems with the shift solenoids. Professional inspection is advised to accurately diagnose and address the problem.

In this article, I’ll guide you through the possible causes of this issue and provide tips on how to diagnose and fix it.

What models are affected?

• Land Rover Defender
• Range Rover Discovery
• Range Rover Evoque
• Range Rover Sport
• Range Rover Velar
• Range Rover Vogue

Signs and symptoms

If your Range Rover won’t shift, you may notice one or more of the following symptoms:

• The gear shifter is stuck and won’t move
• The gear shifter moves but doesn’t engage any gears
• The vehicle won’t go into gear
• The vehicle gets stuck in gear and won’t shift out

List of possible OBD codes

When you scan your Range Rover’s onboard diagnostic (OBD) system, you may see one or more of the following codes:

• P0751 –Shift Solenoid A Performance or Stuck Off
• P0756- Shift Solenoid B Performance or Stuck Off
• P0761- Shift Solenoid C Performance or Stuck Off
• P0766- Shift Solenoid D Performance or Stuck Off
• P0783- 3-4 Shift Malfunction
• P0793- Intermediate Shaft Speed Sensor Circuit No Signal
• P0795- Intermediate Shaft Speed Sensor Circuit Range/Performance

Common causes

Here are some of the most common causes of a Range Rover that won’t shift:

• Low Transmission Fluid Level: Low transmission fluid levels can cause a variety of issues, including difficulty shifting gears. Check your transmission fluid level and top it off if it’s low.
• Defective Shift Solenoids: Shift solenoids are responsible for directing transmission fluid to engage the correct gears. If these solenoids are damaged or fail, they can cause shifting problems.
• Worn Clutch or Torque Converter: If your Range Rover has a manual transmission, a worn clutch can cause shifting issues. If you have an automatic transmission, a damaged torque converter can result in similar symptoms.
• Faulty Transmission Control Module (TCM): The TCM is responsible for reading inputs from various sensors to determine when to shift gears. If the TCM is faulty, it can cause shifting problems.
• Broken or Damaged Shifter Cable: The shifter cable connects the gear shifter to the transmission. If it’s broken or damaged, it can cause the gear shifter to become stuck or difficult to move.

Can it be fixed without a mechanic?

The answer to this question depends on the cause of the issue. If it’s simply due to low transmission fluid, you can easily fix it yourself by topping off the fluid.

If it’s a more complicated issue like a faulty TCM or clutch, it’s best to take your Range Rover to a qualified mechanic.

Parts you’ll need to fix it

• Transmission fluid
• Shift solenoids
• Clutch (if applicable)
• Torque converter (if applicable)
• Shifter cable (if applicable)

Tools you’ll need to fix It

• Socket set
• Wrench set
• Pliers
• Screwdrivers
• Transmission jack (if applicable)
• Jack stands
• Torque wrench

How to fix It

1. Check the Transmission Fluid Level: This is a simple step that can sometimes fix shifting issues on its own. Locate the transmission fluid dipstick, which is typically labeled in red. Take it out and check the fluid level. If it’s low, add transmission fluid until it reaches the appropriate level.
2. Check the Shift Solenoids: If the transmission fluid level is fine, the next step is to check the shift solenoids. You’ll need to remove the transmission pan to access them. Once you’ve removed the pan, you should be able to see the solenoids attached to the valve body. Check them for signs of damage or wear. If they appear damaged, replace them with new ones.
3. Inspect the Clutch or Torque Converter: If you have a manual transmission, inspect the clutch for signs of wear or damage. If it’s an automatic transmission, check the torque converter. If you notice any damage, replace the affected part.
4. Check the Transmission Control Module (TCM): If the shift solenoids and transmission fluid level are fine, the next step is to check the TCM. This is a more complicated process that should be left to a professional mechanic.
5. Inspect the Shifter Cable: If the gear shifter is difficult to move or won’t shift at all, the shifter cable may be the problem. Inspect the cable for signs of damage or wear. Replace it with a new one if needed.

Potential alternative causes

If none of the above causes seem to be the problem, there are a few other issues that could be causing your Range Rover to experience shifting issues, including a faulty PCM or wiring issues.

If you’re unsure what’s causing the problem, it’s best to take your vehicle to a qualified mechanic.

FAQs

Summary

If your Range Rover won’t shift, there are a variety of possible causes, from low transmission fluid to a faulty TCM.

Start by checking the transmission fluid level and shift solenoids, and if those are fine, consider taking your vehicle to a qualified mechanic.

With a little investigation and some elbow grease, you can get your Range Rover back on the road in no time.