I'm getting really threaders with this. I have a 2000 (W) Rangey DHSE and whether I'm driving on the autobahn (I'm a soldier living in germany) or through town. I lose power, 'gearbox fault' comes on, I have so far on every occasion managed to coast to the hard shoulder. I turn off the ignition, put it in park, turn on again and no problems. This happened to me 3 times last saturday. During its last major service at a LandRover dealers I told them about this and they said they could fix it, however the muppets haven't.

I have read on here the reasons for the 'gearbox fault' so I'm happy with that however someone else also said a cheap and quick first option could be the crankshaft sensor. Is this easy to find and to replace, if so I will try this before i send it to the mega overpriced dealer. Its only a matter of time before I run out of luck with this and end up with a truck rear ending me.

Any other ideas on what the fault is or a remedy i would really appreciate it.

Standard message, get the faults read or you are just working in the dark.
Lots of possibilities but as you get a gearbox fault message have you thought of checking the oil level in the auto box? Could be low giving rise to overheating. does the engine cut out or just lose power? If it's just power loss , it could be going into limp home mode.
If the engine is actually cutting out, the gearbox fault could be because the engine has stopped and the auto box is being driven by the wheels, see the other thread on engine cutting out.

Cheers Datatek. Yeah the engine is totally stopping, ignition lights on, no power steering etc. Then once I halt the car, put it into P then turn the key, its fine again, then off I go.

Gearbox fault almost always comes out when electrical power drops out along with SRS, and other faults. I had problem with serpentine belt tensioner that cut electrics when driving along, could be problem with the belt, causing the engine electronics to shut down.

Check the alternator, battery and in particular the battery connections and cables, but the crank sensor is a strong possibility. Gearbox fault is a red herring. You still need to get the faults read, look at the BBS site for a fault code reader, not much more than going to the stealer to have them read.

Got it datatek. I don't suppose you know how much a new crankshaft sensor would be and if I'd be able to do it myself i.e. is it accessible? Whats the BBS site, a technical website?

andy243 said:

Got it datatek. I don't suppose you know how much a new crankshaft sensor would be and if I'd be able to do it myself i.e. is it accessible? Whats the BBS site, a technical website?

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BBS = www.blackbox-solutions.com The only company that make a code reader for all P38 systems.
For access to the crank sensor download RAVE from Green-Ovals.
Lots of places to buy, try Island 4 X 4, P38 spares, Famous Four, Rimmer Bros for starters.
There is a dodge for reading fault codes on the P38 diesel from the MIL light with just a jumper wire. Never tried it myself though.