Land Rover & Range Rover Immobilisers: Recent OTA Update Can Lock Gearbox in Park
Important information for Land Rover and Range Rover owners with aftermarket immobilisers or tracking systems fitted.
We have recently seen a change affecting Land Rover and Range Rover vehicles fitted with aftermarket immobilisers and tracking systems following a recent over-the-air (OTA) software update from the vehicle manufacturer.
The update can cause the vehicle's gearbox to remain locked in Park if the immobiliser has not been disarmed correctly before attempting to move the vehicle.
What happens with Land Rover and Range Rover immobilisers?
If the vehicle has received the relevant OTA update and the immobiliser has not been disarmed, the gearbox may remain in Park.
This can understandably be concerning, particularly if you are unfamiliar with the new behaviour.
However, this does not necessarily indicate a fault with the immobiliser, tracking system, gearbox or vehicle.
The behaviour appears to be related to the way the vehicle's updated software now interacts with the aftermarket security system.
How to reset a Land Rover or Range Rover
If your Land Rover or Range Rover immobiliser has not been disarmed and the gearbox remains locked in Park, the following procedure should allow the vehicle to return to normal operation:
1. Lock the vehicle normally.
2. Leave the vehicle locked for approximately 5 minutes.
3. Return to the vehicle.
4. Disarm the immobiliser using your immobiliser tag or PIN code.
5. Start and operate the vehicle as normal.
There is no need for the immobiliser or tracking system to be removed or reinstalled.
Which Land Rover and Range Rover vehicles are affected?
The issue was initially identified on 26-plate vehicles and newer, but we are now seeing the same behaviour on older Land Rover and Range Rover vehicles that have received the relevant OTA software update.
This means the vehicle's registration year alone is not an accurate way of determining whether it may be affected.
The important factor is whether the vehicle has received the particular software update.
Is my immobiliser or tracking system faulty?
If your Land Rover or Range Rover has recently received a software update and you have experienced the gearbox remaining in Park, the immobiliser or tracking system is not necessarily at fault.
The vehicle software has changed how certain functions operate before the immobiliser has been disarmed.
This is important for owners who may otherwise assume that their Land Rover immobiliser or Range Rover immobiliser has developed a fault.
Land Rover & Range Rover vehicle security specialists
At JP Auto Services, we specialise in vehicle security and regularly install and support immobilisers and tracking systems on Land Rover and Range Rover vehicles.
We supply and install a range of vehicle immobilisers, insurance-approved tracking systems and vehicle security products, helping protect modern Land Rover and Range Rover models against theft.
If you've recently experienced the gearbox remaining in Park, or you're unsure how the latest OTA update affects your Land Rover or Range Rover immobiliser or tracking system, get in touch with us for advice before assuming there is a fault with your security system.
Need help with your Land Rover or Range Rover security system?
JP Auto Services – Vehicle Security Specialist
📞 07548 650407
📱 @jpautoservices – Facebook & Instagram
We provide immobiliser and tracking system installation for Land Rover, Range Rover and many other vehicles across the Midlands and surrounding areas.
This article relates to the vehicle behaviour we are currently seeing following recent OTA software updates. Software versions and vehicle behaviour can vary, so if you are experiencing a different issue, please contact us for advice.
