I have just hooked up my OBDII unit, and it has come back with the following: 0705 Transmission Range Sensor A Circuit (PRNDL Input)
Does anyone know whether this could just be a sensor causing the problem? Or has anyone else encountered this before?
I think it's an electrical problem so try clearing the P0705 code and see if it comes back later.
Fault code P0705 = inhibitor switch input - multiple/no signal
Freelander 1 v6 HawkEye v5 Diagnostic. Jatco Auto Gearbox Computer. Deleting Error Code P0705 - YouTube
The gear lever controls a cable that runs to the bottom of yer auto, which moves a lever under yer auto, which controls via a rod (or something else because I haven't taken mine apart that far to know (yet)) which travels through the auto to the top where the selector and inhibitor switch is. As you move the lever the selector changes the switch contact position. This is monitored by the auto's computer to see what lever position you have selected, and if the inhibitor is telling it not to start etc.
When you select R with the electrics on only or the engine running, the LED by the gear lever with R by it should light up (on it's own), and the dash display should change to R. If not then there's a problem. It could also be a problem with the auto's computer not being told the lever is in the R position or the signals it's receiving are incorrect. Hence the default option of doing nothing for safety reasons. With the engine off and the electrics on, can you confirm all gear lever positions light the correct LED by the lever and the dash display is correct?
When you select reverse do the reverse lights come on? If so that would make me think the lever wiring was ok.
It's possible the switch has failed or the electrical wiring harness barrel connectors have come apart. There's 2 barrel connectors. The one with the fewest wires (10) connected to it carry the gear lever position signals - C0244. Check the wires in the wiring harness haven't been damaged. while your there you might as well check the other barrel connector C0243 which carries the solenoid/sensor wiring look ok.
With the electrics on only and the gear lever in the R position you should be able to measure a short circuit across pins 7 (brown/green) and 8 (brown/pink) and open circuit in all other positions. Also a short circuit on the inhibitor contact between pins 6 (white) and 10 (white also) while in park and neutral only.
If the inhibitor switch and circuit etc is working correctly you shouldn't be able to start the engine when the gear lever is in reverse or any forward position D, 4, 2 or 1.
The alternative is to have a look at the oil. Burnt = problem inside.