Glynforster

Member
Ive got an issue with the gearbox or park brake, on the odd occasion when starting the car and engaging drive it wont move as if its still in park, if i go into reverse and back up slightly it will then move off as normal when i select drive, if i give it some revs in drive it will eventually move but with a clonk as it releases something.

Any suggestions??

Cheers Glyn
 
contaminated brake shoes on transmission drum if p38

replace rear output seal and check any breather blockages
 
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Ive got an issue with the gearbox or park brake, on the odd occasion when starting the car and engaging drive it wont move as if its still in park, if i go into reverse and back up slightly it will then move off as normal when i select drive, if i give it some revs in drive it will eventually move but with a clonk as it releases something.

Any suggestions??

Cheers Glyn

Hi,
Mine does the same thing occationally. To me, it doesn't seem to be connected with the parking break in any way, but rather with the gearbox being reluctant to engage drive if the cogs are loaded up from being parked on a gradient. In fact, it's more likely to happen if I forget to engage the parking brake all together when I park. Never happens on level ground. When Drive is engaged from Park, there will be a slight drop in revs and you can feel the transmission loading up. This doesn't happen in these instances, so it's definitely not engaging. If I drop it into reverse, it will engage and I can then move back to Drive and set off. I don't have to back up at all - simply drop into reverse, feel the gear engage, and then drop back to drive.
Mine has always been like this and it doesn't seem to get better or worse after three years. I take care not to rev the engine when it doesn't engage, since I don't think the clonk when it finally does drop into gear is very healthy.
My uncle had a Jag that did the same thing through 6 years of ownership. I don't think it's unusual or anything to worry about.

Cheers,
Henrik
 
Check the gearbox oil level and condition. If it's a bit low that can cause it to be reluctant to engage until revved.
 
You'll get some much more knowledgeable than me come on and mention things like Sprag clutches and such like...

There is a common fault with the P38 boxes where it won't engage drive when in D, but put it into reverse or manually select 1, move forward then shift into D and she'll drive fine until stopped....and I am sure it has something to do with Sprag thingies!!
 
Ive got an issue with the gearbox or park brake, on the odd occasion when starting the car and engaging drive it wont move as if its still in park, if i go into reverse and back up slightly it will then move off as normal when i select drive, if i give it some revs in drive it will eventually move but with a clonk as it releases something.

Any suggestions??

Cheers Glyn

Hi,
Mine does the same thing occationally. To me, it doesn't seem to be connected with the parking break in any way, but rather with the gearbox being reluctant to engage drive if the cogs are loaded up from being parked on a gradient. In fact, it's more likely to happen if I forget to engage the parking brake all together when I park. Never happens on level ground. When Drive is engaged from Park, there will be a slight drop in revs and you can feel the transmission loading up. This doesn't happen in these instances, so it's definitely not engaging. If I drop it into reverse, it will engage and I can then move back to Drive and set off. I don't have to back up at all - simply drop into reverse, feel the gear engage, and then drop back to drive.
Mine has always been like this and it doesn't seem to get better or worse after three years. I take care not to rev the engine when it doesn't engage, since I don't think the clonk when it finally does drop into gear is very healthy.
My uncle had a Jag that did the same thing through 6 years of ownership. I don't think it's unusual or anything to worry about.

Cheers,
Henrik
When was the oil & filter last changed?
Either an oil problem or sticking brakes, parking or disc.
 
When was the oil & filter last changed?
Either an oil problem or sticking brakes, parking or disc.

Oil and filter was changed not long before i bought it and hasnt done many miles since so more inclined to think its the park brake, however ive got a very tiny weep off what looks like ATF (red liquid) coming from the front cross member just behind the grill.

Ok may be a silly question and i havent had a good look around but couldnt spot a gearbox dipstick, where abouts is it on a 1999 4.6??

Cheers Glyn
 
Oil and filter was changed not long before i bought it and hasnt done many miles since so more inclined to think its the park brake, however ive got a very tiny weep off what looks like ATF (red liquid) coming from the front cross member just behind the grill.

Ok may be a silly question and i havent had a good look around but couldnt spot a gearbox dipstick, where abouts is it on a 1999 4.6??

Cheers Glyn

No dipstick on the later models, level is taken from a plug on the side of the gearbox, read RAVE for checking level...pretty sure it is taken cold, engine running, in neutral after going through the gears....remove level plug and the oil should just about dribble out.
 
No dipstick on the later models, level is taken from a plug on the side of the gearbox, read RAVE for checking level...pretty sure it is taken cold, engine running, in neutral after going through the gears....remove level plug and the oil should just about dribble out.
Yep that's right.:)
 
Ok thanks for the info i will check it on my next day off on Tuesday, just out of interest if it runs low on oil will it do any damage and will i get a warning on the message display??.

Cheers Glyn
 
Ok thanks for the info i will check it on my next day off on Tuesday, just out of interest if it runs low on oil will it do any damage and will i get a warning on the message display??.

Cheers Glyn
Yes and no message other than gearbox fault maybe.
 

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