Reverse gear Problems

[beattiedh]

Hi All

A little advice please. When using the manual gearbox in my 92 J Plate Disco the resistance provided when putting the gearstick over to the left and selecting reverse gear has now gone. This means that the reversing lights are permanently on. I have had to remove the reversing bulbs to stop them burning out.

I am not sure what the resistance is called but it seems to be stuck. It has occasionally been stuck before but has always sprung back after an hour or so. It seems to be after some mud play that once I have washed the landy down and then left it the next time I get in and select reverse the lights then stay on. This time it has not sprung back.

What provides that spring function on the gears?
Is it the switch itself?

Please help.

Thanks

Dunc

[Range Rover Blues]

I don't know about the R380 but if you've a LT77 then you need to strip the trim away to look at the top of the box.  There's a plunger on hte LHS that provides the spring you describe and off the top of my head i remember a weird arrangement whereby it desplaces a plunger at 90degrees.  This operates the reversing lights.  I could imagine it easily becoming stuck if full of mud but don't worry because it isn't part of the main gearbox and can be removed and repaier (I think)

BTW it isn't just a case of the bulbs burning out, it's an offence too if youre reversing lights don't go out automatically and you drive off with them still on.

[beattiedh]

Thanks for your help Range Rover Blues.

Not sure what gearbox I have but will have a good root around in the top.

Any advice on how I can find out what gearbox I have?

Thanks

Dunc

[muddysteve]

you've got an LT77 mate difflock lever in front of gearstick


same as mine


Steve

[Range Rover Blues]

R380 has reverse below 5th, LT77 (short stick) has reverse next to 1st.  R380 was fitted to later RRC, not sure about its use on Disco.
Anyway, sounds like you have the LT77 so you should find even a Haynes manual has the relevant info.
Best of luck

[beattiedh]

Thanks Guys

Haynes and a bit of logic should do the trick.

Dunc