Land Rover Repair: Land Rover stuck in park, land rover owner, land rover discovery

Question
Hi I noticed that someone had posted a question regarding a Land Rover stuck in park. My land rover is now stuck in park and I need assistance. I was wondering if you could tell me what solution the other Land Rover owner came up with in order to switch gears. I recently (Friday) had my ignition replaced because my key broke in it. Today was just one of those days. The car wouldn't start, and once I got it up and running this happens. Hoping for an easy solution. I am in sales and I have already canceled too many appointments because of this. Thank you for your help! Katie (Land Rover Discovery 97)

Answer
Hi Katie,

that owner did not send a followup and I have no idea what method they used to fix their problem.

The quick fix is to check Fuse F1 in the fascia fuse box. If the fuse is blown, replace it. If the fuse always blows, check the terminals on the rear defrost to make sure there is not a short. This has been known to happen.

If your brake lights DON'T come on when you press the pedal, it could be the switch.  You can try to patch things by jumping the green/purple wire and the green/orange wire. The brake lights should come on full-time and you should be able to shift out of park.  At least it will get you to a mechanic to replace the switch OR to a LR dealer to purchase the switch and install it yourself.

There is also a Park/neutral switch on the gearbox that can fail - rare but possible.  This is a LR dealership problem and I know of no way to limp into the dealership without the aid of a tow truck.

I understand your position and I've found myself in this same place too many times.  The more sophisticated our engines and security systems become, the less able we are to by-pass them.  We become hostages to the technology.

Best of luck,

JohnMc