Land Rover Repair: Stuck in reverse, blown fuse, analog meter

Question
John,

I have a 1999 model year, Disco I (or original), production date 5/98.  This past summer I had a similar problem.  There was and is (not repaired) a short somewhere in the wiring for my rt. turn signal, that results in a blown fuse every time I used the rt. turn signal, which is apparently on the same circuit as my break peddle switch.  In the past, this problem has left me stuck with my tranmition/counsel shifter locked in park, but only after using the rt. turn signal, stopping and putting the vehicle in park,  This problem was easily resolved by replacing the blown fuse.  Today however I back into a parking space at home (fortunately) to pack for a weekend trip (unfortunately).  My Land Rover is currently (as of 2:45 PM on 12/31/08) stuck in reverse in my driveway, the key is stuck in the ignition, my battery is dead, and my weekend is getting shorter, PLEASE HELP!  I have checked all the fuses, and they are all good, none were blown.  My trans, and transfer fluids are all good and were all changed within 22,000 miles.  I have checked all the wiring I can get at (without major deconstruction) and there is no evidence of a short.  I do have a tailor wiring harness (installed by U-Haul and the previous owner), but without a schematic I'm not sure of the wiring, but I did use this harness last winter without incident.  I have convinced myself this is probably a short problem, a bad relay or a bad break peddle switch.  Am I on the right path? If so where would you recommend I go from here.  I do not have a service manual (YET), so I am not familiar with the relays involved or where to start looking for them, I do not know what the break switch looks like or where to find it, nor am I an electrical tech. (but I do have an education in Physics and engineering), I have a multi-tester analog meter, and I do take to good direction.  John, can you please walk me through the best course of action, to find a solution to this problem?  This is my only vehicles, it is a holiday, I live in an apartment complex in Michigan (So it is winter outside), and because this is a full time 4-wheel drive vehicle, stuck in reverse, I am concerened that towing maybe a problem or in question.  Can you help me get this vehicle back on the road. I have access to a heated garage 60+ miles from my house if extensive work is involved, or am I better off having it towed to a dealer??  Thank you, so much, for taking the time to review My problem,  I look forward to hearing from you at your earliest convenience.

THANK YOU,

Bob

Answer
Hi Bob,

sorry for the delay.  I have a cold (I too live in the North).  

Seems like the typical description of brake pedal switch. Where you are stuck in Park (which is the usual case for most LR owners) or Reverse (1st time I've heard this), I think it is all related.

Here's a quick fix you can try:

Check to see if you have stoplights. If you do not have lights, check:

1. Fuse F1 in the fascia fuse box. (Discovery, if the fuse blows, check the terminals on the back window grids making sure they are not touching each other causing a short. They get bent easily).
 
2. Inspect the brake light switch on the brake pedal (the brake light switch has four wires on it and the cruise switch has two wires and a vacuum line on it).
 
3. If switch is intact jump the green/purple wire and the green/orange wire; the brake lights should come on enabling you to shift out of park.

Caution! The brake lights will be on all the time. Have problem repaired as soon as possible. Also, you may get an ABS fault stored.

If you have stoplights, it could be your shifter:
Pop the top of the shift lever off and check to see if the clip on the button is intact. They have been know to come off and not lift the rod in the handle.


I would consider fixing this problem before heading out for any extended driving.  Michigan winters are rough and you don't want to be stuck somewhere nasty.  I'm north of you and its fric'n cold right now... my advice:  get it fixed in a heated garage BEFORE driving any further.

If you need techsheets on the subject, send me an email:
jmcinnis64@hotmail.com

Best of luck,
JohnMc

NB:  a fellow owner once wrote:

Pop the top off the shifter. There should be a circular piece of plastic that is held in place by a metal bracket. If there are a couple of things loose in there that's your problem. On my 97sd this thing likes to pop off leaving me stuck in whatever gear it maybe. Usually happens in the most inopportune times to.

John