Bizarre: low ratio / high ratio problem

[richmond]

I have started to experience problems when starting my 2001 DII TD5.
When turning on the ignition I get both gearbox mode lights flashing on the dash. The engine starts ok, but then things get strange. I move the gear selector into Drive and can accelerate away, but I am in low ratio gearing, even tho' High ratio is selected! A few minutes spent moving the L/H ratio selector back and forwards between low and high ratio/moving forward slowly/turning on/off ignition eventually results in high ratio being engaged properly and then the 2 flashing lights being extinguished. Everything is then ok.

Has anyone experienced this problem?

Also, how is it possible that I am driving in low ratio when the H/L selector is well and truly in the high position? Can the ratio be changed electronically, overriding the mechanical selector?

[graham]

Welcome to the strange world of TD5. :(

As far as I know the high / low range on the Disco is machanical only, so it is indeed strange that it can select low range on its own.

My Disco is auto are you sure its low range, or is the auto box sticking in first or second gear.

[richmond]

I also believed it could only be selected mechanically, but its not just sticking in high ratio 1st gear. It feels the same as low ratio - much higher revs required to achieve a lower speed - not sure what else I can do to test whether it is "true" low ratio or just a gremlin that gives a similar experience to low ratio - especially given it has only happened on-road so far.