Go to the tech section Danny, there is a write up on how to repair your ignition lock.

 

Thanks. Also didn't you replace a temp sensor to correct a rough running problem. Mine still wants to run rich.

 

Yes I did, I replaced the coolant temp sensor for the ECU, it is right next to the t-stat on the front of the engine.
15 min repair, I think I paid $15 for it at AutoZone.

 

I am going to try that as well.

 

Hi Kurt,
I just found your post. My 96 Disco is doing the exact same thing ... intermittently not going into reverse. I have to move the shifter in and out of "D" a few times to get "R" to engage. I cannot get it to duplicate on a consistent basis and it seems to happen at the most inopportune times (like trying to parallel park and holding up traffic).
What did you learn with yours?
Thanks,
Byron

 

Sometimes I have to wiggle it around because the shifter won't seat properly.

 

I just replaced my shifter and cable due to shaft seizing preventing my button on shift **** depressing to move lever. If your key is stuck you can remove the wood or plastic cover that the window controls are in and there is a multi wire plug just behind the shifter. unplug it and your key will come out. it also disables the actuator that allows the shifter to shift. You can get your shifter to work by plugging it back in when you need to drive.

The solution to all these shifting problems is to remove the actuator that prevents shifting. I have found that when you unplug it it has no adverse effect and the key will always come out. The problem is the actuator is permanently molded into the shifter so someone would need to cut through the actuator and fill void with caulk. I had zero success dismantling shifter without breaking the metal. This is a US model issue. The US laws made land rover add this "safety" feature.

I have a Euro version that does not have the actuator or any electronics but the shaft is larger and the US button can not go around it ( in the shift **** when you remove cover) also the clip does not fit either. Due to this I was forced to go back to a US version shifter but I still have the other!


As far as an emergency situation to shift truck into neutral for towing:
Option 1-
Truck must be off!!!!!
Apply park brake
under driver side above exhaust you can disconnect shift cable by removing one small carter pin and manually turning lever to neutral.

Option 2
This option can be followed for shifter replacement as well:
Pop cover off shift ****- remove pin, spring and button.
Unscrew nut that holds shift **** on (nut is around the shaft and needle nose worked best for me since it is deep)
To Remove top cover panel ( two screws under CDL Shifter cover), disconnect window switches and unscrew CDL shifter ****
disconnect emergency brake- pop out leather cover and pull over brake handle (so you can pull the handle all the way up to remove center console) its just one clip and pin
Remove center console- remove 2 screws in center storage box
Lift console up slowly from back and disconnect cigarette lighter and light.
Remove black foam insulation from around shifters
Now there is a plastic cover over shifter still- remove the 4 machine screws- mine were seized and i replaced with #8 screws
Now you can see inside shifter. On the right side at in the bottom of shifter you can see the actuator. It is a small round silver looking button- push that in with a screw driver and shift the shifter into neutral-

Now wasn't that easy? Heck no! But it doesn't take that long at all, maybe 20 minutes

You are only four screws from removing shifter to replace if necessary!
If you are replacing shifter there is a block under the truck, it supports the angle of the shifter cable to tranny that has one bolt. then there is the carter pin on the tranny.

You will find that you will have to pry shifter out because of the damn actuator on the right side of the shifter preventing it from goin through the hole.

Dont worry about bending the metal the shifter bolts to, it is thin and easily bent back.

Hope this helps

Another fix would be to run power directly to actuator at the plug to keep it energized so you can shift anytime- of course this power would need to be on only when truck is on not to drain battery.