Range Rover won’t move in gear

As a seasoned mechanic and Range Rover owner, I’ve experienced my fair share of the brand’s well-known inclination toward experiencing reliability issues.

One of the more common problems I have encountered is when a Range Rover won’t move in gear.

It’s frustrating, but rest assured, there are potential solutions.

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 you’re experiencing trouble with your Range Rover moving in gear, some signs and symptoms to look out for include:

• The vehicle won’t move when the accelerator is depressed
• The acceleration is sluggish and doesn’t respond as it should
• The gear shift lever fails to shift, or you hear a grinding noise when you try to shift

List of possible OBD codes

When your Range Rover won’t move in gear, there are a few possible OBD codes you might encounter:

• P0705 – Transmission Range Sensor Circuit Malfunction
• P0706 – Transmission Range Sensor ‘A’ Circuit Range/Performance
• P0707 – Transmission Range Sensor ‘B’ Circuit Low
• P0708 – Transmission Range Sensor ‘B’ Circuit High

Common causes

Several underlying issues could cause a Range Rover not to move in gear. Some of the more common issues include:

• Low Transmission Fluid: One of the most common reasons a vehicle won’t move in gear is the lack of fluid. Insufficient transmission fluid can cause low pressure, which can impact the operation of the vehicle’s transmission.
• Broken Gear Shifter Linkage: The gear shifter linkage, which connects the gear shift lever to the transmission, could break or become disconnected, preventing the transmission from engaging.
• Faulty Transmission Range Sensor: The Range Rover’s transmission range sensor can become worn down over time, resulting in a malfunction that can negatively impact the vehicle’s operation.
• Failed Torque Converter: The torque converter is the component responsible for transmitting power from the engine to the transmission. If the converter fails, your Range Rover won’t move in gear and essentially becomes an immovable object.

Can it be fixed without a mechanic?

It depends on the underlying issue that’s preventing your Range Rover from moving in gear.

If it’s a low transmission fluid issue, you might be able to fix it yourself by adding the appropriate fluid.

However, if the problem is more severe, like a broken gear shifter linkage or failed torque converter, you will likely need to take your vehicle to a mechanic for repair.

Parts you’ll need to fix it

If you plan on taking the DIY approach, here are some parts you might need to fix the issues listed above:

• Transmission fluid
• Torque converter
• Range sensor

Tools you’ll need to fix it

Depending on the issue you’re facing, you will need a specific set of tools handy. Here are some possibilities:

• A car jack and jack stands
• Torque wrench
• Socket wrench set
• Screwdrivers
• Pliers

How to fix it

Assuming the issue isn’t too severe and you need to take your Range Rover to a mechanic, here’s a step-by-step guide on how you can fix it:

1. Check your transmission fluid levels by consulting your vehicle’s manual and adding fluid as necessary.
2. Disconnect and reconnect the gear shifter linkage to see if that fixes the issue.
3. Inspect the transmission range sensor, looking for signs of wear or damage, and replace it if necessary.
4. Consider replacing the torque converter with a new one if that’s the issue.
5. Take your Range Rover to a mechanic if these steps don’t resolve the issue.

Potential alternative causes

Other potential causes of a Range Rover not moving in gear could include:

• Transmission valve body issues
• Blown fuse or relay
• Faulty solenoid

FAQs