XYZ Switch and Blinking M & S Dash Lights
 

--- Questions regarding the XYZ (Position Selector Switch) and Blinking M & S Dash Lights---

The M&S dash lights started flashing in the driveway when first starting up this morning. No transmission problems to date – no prior surging, no “stuck” in gear feeling, no sluggish shifting.

Starting with the basics: 2001 Discovery 2 with 77,000 miles – Bosch engine – no modifications

Since I'm a new poster, will list everything I've done so not to waste anyone’s time:


Other than interval service and maintenance, the only work performed to date – replaced CPS switch approximately a month ago after non starting conditions. This forum provided the diagnostic and solution - thanks.

“Three Amigos” lights erratic for past couple of months, then constant last month and a half. Cleaned all connections, and found a loose ground behind driver’s side headlight. Cleaned and tightened and no amigos (so far).

Battery tested with multimeter at 12.22V engine off and 14.26V with engine running and 14.06V with headlights, AC, and blower on high (at idle).

Battery Light is NOT on - battery terminals are clean, but removed both, used 400 wet / dry to eliminate doubt and replaced.


The M & S lights start flashing on turning the key on (not to the cranking position).

The “D” light on the shift counsel flashes – no 3, 2 , 1 position lights.

The Service Engine light on, but not flashing.

Questions:

1. Is it ok to drive the 3 miles to the auto part stores to test alternator or are taking readings with the multimeter with engine running sufficient to test battery / alternator? If it is ok to drive the 6 mile round trip, I’ll pull code from Service Engine light at same time.

2.Is there a source for the XYZ switch at a reasonable price? The dealer wants $700, Atlantic British $629. Looking through past posts, this was a $200 +/- part not too long ago. Cannot find online at the usual - Rock Auto, Advance, etc. Am I looking at the right part – the one under the driver’s side of the transmission that the gear lever cable is attached to – Land Rover # UHB100190G?

3. Saw a posting on an Australian Land Rover site for disassembly of the unit, cleaning, and reassembly that looks very doable as it’s just mechanical switches inside – nothing sunk in epoxy. Anyone have success doing this? Can’t seem to hurt if it needs replacing anyway.

So now being “initiated” as a Disco owner – CPS switch, “Three Amigos” and now the XYZ switch, I’ll be looking to replace the universals on the front drive shaft (and new head gaskets).

Thanks All!

i would get a used one if i were you. there is an A/C drain that drips directly on to the XYZ switch. for a used one try contacting Randy Williams at roverbones.com or Will Tillery at rovaguy.com

i tried looking for the site you said where they opened it up and cleaned it i would like to see that if you still have it. I have seen another site where they drilled it open and it was full of water. mine is just starting to act up now.

Ed - Thanks for the quick response.

Link to Australian Land Rover Owners - AULRO.com

Rebuild D2 ZF Selector Switch UHB100190

Rebuild D2 ZF Selector Switch UHB100190 - Australian Land Rover Owners

Interested on your thoughts on this.

Thanks

Don't put one in unless you know that is the problem. You have a transmission electrical issue but what it is I couldn't tell you. XYZ switch causes issues with starting, But if the switch is out of alignment or the cable is slipping then it will cause the same issue. Try putting the vehicle in park then loosening the nut to the shift cable and let it slide all the way up so the slack is gone. then tighten it back up and restart the vehicle. if its fixed then it will not flash.

Also seen a few shifters cause some fun problems as well.

Wow that is an awesome rebuild! thanks for the link. I went out there this morning tested my truck and it was still with a slight delay. I took the multi-plug apart and i woudlnt say spray because i literally soaked the entire unit plug and switch in WD40 to get any water out. if there is a way for water to get in there is a way for the wd40 to get in. needless to say i went thru a can of wd40. i plugged the plug back together and took it for a test drive. it doesn't have a delay any longer. i wouldnt say this was a permanent fix but for now it will hold me over. i would like to do that rebuild but im thinking when i have everything apart i might use that epoxy i have seen people pour into their ecu's to protect them from water or what he had said using petroleum jelly to at least give it a fighting chance. if worse comes to worse going to get a used one.

at rock auto the xyz switch is listed under "Electrical-Switch & Relay" and then "Neutral Safety Switch / Range Sensor"

$240. always leave the G or GEN off when searching for part numbers you find at atlantic british, that is their notation that the part is a land rover or OEM part.

EDIT: I'm not telling you to replace the xyz switch. I'm just letting you know where to find it cheaper if you decide you need it.

I battled the M&S flashing lights for a while, could be a number of things.

Yes, you can drive it to your auto parts store, it isn't recommended to drive it in this "limp mode" (3rd gear only) more than you need to, but I had driven mine many more miles than you will over the course of fighting this issue.

Get the battery and alternator tested, it seems these trucks are a little more picky than Advance Auto's testing system, cause mine checked out according to their system but didn't meet our Rover's standards. I've heard it needs to be at or above 14...preferably 14.6v

Anyways, mine ended up being solved by shoring up the connections on the back of the alternator...apparently the previous owner had rigged up the connections. No limp mode ever since. Good luck.
-DIIB

2001 LAND ROVER DISCOVERY Neutral Safety Switch / Range Sensor

Link to the part. Ed, this is what I was trying to reference you to on the phone. I remembered it being called a neutral safety switch, not an xyz.

yeah, i sprayed the crap out of it with wd40. will see if it acts up again

Flashing M & S lights
 

Just had this issue with my 2001 Discovery. Took husband to work and they started flashing turned ignition off and tried starting again and it would not start. Jumped it and it started but lights were still flashing on the way home speedometer and my RPM gauge stopped working. Got home turned off and it would not restart. Hours later it restarted and when we were at bank I did not dare turn off but when trying to leave I could not put it in reverse. The shifter would not move at all. Replaced the battery and was good for a day and now lights are flashing again.