Beginning the cold and damp of last fall, when I shifted too fast from Park - Drive or vise versa, I'd ocassionally get the M+S lamps. A restart cleared the problem. And so long as I more delicate with my shifting, it would be fine for a while.

Starting yesterday, though, I began getting an SES. Code pulled was P0705, or the shifter switch (XYZ). My Rover was also in "limp home" mode until I erased the code.

It popped on again today and no matter how delicately I shift gears, it keeps coming back. Looks like I can't drive until I fix it for good.

Anyway, before I shell out $250 for the switch at BA, is there anything else to check out? Wiring, perhaps?

Also, is this a DIY job? I've poked about the transmission and it looks like the switch is tough to get to. Any adjustments need to be made afterwards?

Danka.

 

If your "M" & "S" lights are coming on and you are going into limp mode you have low battery voltage.
Check your alternator and battery.

 

I had a similar issue when I bought the truck a year and a half ago. A new battery fixed the problem...or postponed it. Didn't get the SES or limp mode, though...

Wonder if it could also cause intermittent, cold weather 3 amigos? (none since this Spring)

Will drive it by Advance tomorrow.

Thanks.

 

Just had the charging system tested:

Battery at 12.5 V with 716 CCA (rated at 600)

Starter test: 10.26V and 911 A.

Alternator test: 14.1v no load and 13.84V fully loaded.

The dash is indicating the proper gear as I shift through.

Still have a flashing M and S with P0705 that comes and goes. Stuck in limp mode.

Help, please...

 

Sounds like a bad alternator.
Your alt voltage should go up under load.

RoverChris will know better than I as he is a 12volt tech.
You can buy a used alt for $50.
www.autosportsunlimited.com

 

Not happy with Advance's report, I ran it again with my multimeter when the GF got home.

14.2 V constant with everything on and while shifting gears. Battery voltage, installed and engine off was 12,5V. It tested at 12.6V at Advance outside the Rover and on the counter.

Looks like I'm down to throwing money at parts until the right one gets replaced.

Either that or I have it flatbedded 100 miles to the stealership and get raked over the coals that way.

 

Well how old is your battery?
If it is more than 4 yrs old it could be bad.
A used alternator and a new battery are cheaper than a tow and diagnostic at the dealer.

The transmission's computer is the furthest from the power supply and is really picky about voltage.

I dont want you throwing parts at it, but I really do think it is low voltage.
Clean the battery terminals and battery posts.

 

My 03 was doing the same thing. We had to delicately shift it or else the M&S light would come on and it would go into limp mode. Thought it was the battery or alternator, but both tested out fine and battery was fairly new. Turned out it was the XYZ switch, must not be a very common fault on these cars, as the dealer had to order the part. I got mine for $179. Easy to replace, but hard to get too. Just make sure everything stays lined up. There is some special tool that Rave suggests to line up everything. I just made sure nothing moved.

 

12.5 is low voltage for the battery, should be up in the 13.6 range and 14.4 volts with the alternator at 2000 RPM's.

 

had a similar experience that was easily fixed by a sharp mechanic. The ground wire on the back of the alternator had come loose and was causing voltage issues. Be sure your wires are snugged. Phil