Automatic non-start, shift position sensor?

[pilch]

Popped over to a mate's earlier who has a 2.5 Z4 automatic which was a non-crank.

With ignition on and selector in P I noticed the reverse light was on so clearly the car thinks it is in R hence the non-crank.
After a few movements of the shifter whilst monitoring the position via my Autel it was clear that position R was being read when it wasn't physically in that position. Eventually we had P as 'open' on the Autel and the other positions in 'closed' and the car fired straight up.

Now I know there's a position sensor on the side of the gearbox but I'm wondering if there's a series of microswitches on the shifter mechanism itself that is giving the false readings? I cannot find separate parts to the selector, if the fault is there it would mean replacing the whole lot.

Any previous experience on here with the same issue?

 

[bigwinn]

from memory it’s all from the position sensor from the underside of the car- it’s a mechanical link from the gear selector to the switch underneath

 

[Rockhopper]

Its one fairly expensive unit that you need to replace.

 

[pilch]

Thank you both, I'm thinking that all the shifter microswitches do is put on the corresponding light next to it. I'll take off the gearbox one and clean it out and see if that works

 

[bigwinn]

Deffo worth a clean-