Question-------------------------
is changing the gearbox fluid something i (i am not a mechanic, but i can do small things) can replace???? or can a random mechanic handle it - or should i take it to the dealer?? actually i would have to get it towed because i can't get it out of park
Followup To
Question -
I have a 97 discovery....it has not really been driven (driven once a month or so -in and out of the driveway)for one year while i was out of the country. i recently returned about 3 weeks ago and learned that i needed a fuel pump.....i got that replaced and drove it 5 hours to another state. two days ago the door started making noises.....when i locked or unlocked it from the driver side the lock makes a tapping noise. i think this happened in the past and i think it was called the door cellanoid. i got it fixed previously so should it be giving me problems again???
yesterday when i started my truck and tried to put it in reverse the gear was stuck.....i couldn't move it to any position. the transmission fluid was full.....any ideas as to what the problem could be???
tracy
Answer -
Hi Tracy,
It may only be loose screws that need tightening. You can remove the door panel and expose the inner workings of the window support, lock and door latch. Shake the door to see what appears loose and then tighten accordingly. I've see this on my '95 Disco. The lock actuator came loose and I just tightened the screws that holds it in place.
As for the reverse gear being stuck, consider having your gearbox fluid replaced as soon as possible. I doubt you drive the vehicle enough to wear down the gearing and its just in need of new fluid. If it sits as long as you suggest, I'd have ALL the fluids flushed from the Disco. Rust can still infest you vehicle if its not lubricated frequently. Most people have someone turn the engine over a few times a week and move the vehicle once in awhile when they know the vehicle will not be used very often.
The fluids can be full but if the parts are not being lubricated often...a problem is waiting in the wings to happen.
Best of luck,
JohnMc
Answer################################
FOLLOW UP # 2
Tracy,
here is what I found out IF IT IS A PARK/NEUTRAL PROBLEM:
(sounds like it to me. If done right, this won't hurt anything...)
Check to see if you have stoplights in rear. If you do not have lights, check:
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. RARE BUT... They get bent easily).
Inspect the brake light switch on the brake pedal (the brake light switch has four wires on it and the cruise switch has two wores and a vacuum line on it).
If switch is intact, jump the green/purple wire and the green/orange wire (extra wires needed to do this - don't use screwdriver!); the brake lights should come on enabling the 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 DO have stoplights: ignore above steps and do the following:
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.
Best of luck.
JohnMc
END FOLLOW UP 2
#######################################################
******************* follow up *******************
Hi Tracy,
there may be a way to by-pass this problem. I recall a website that discusses a problem just like this. Let me look around (in between my normal work load here in the office) and I'll send you a second followup. I think it has something to do with the Park/Neutral switch being locked up.
I don't think the fix was that complicated and if you can change spark plugs and perform oil changes, you can do this too!
As for changing the gearbox fluid, its a bit more complicated than an oil change but most DIY'ers can do this. I have some tech sheets that outline this in detail. If you want them just send me an email:
jmcinnis64@hotmail.com
Regards,
JohnMc
