Auto Selector Lever Lock Warning

[Tim_021113]

Here's a weird one, which I am hoping is not a warning of something major, but if anyone has seen this before I'd appreciate some info.

 

I was passenger in my Galaxy today (2.3 petrol auto, 2002), my wife was driving (no that's not the problem!)  After about 20 mins the gear selector lever lock warning came on as we were driving along.  According to the manual that should only be displayed when the car is stationary and in Park.

 

We parked up, using Drive and Reverse and the light stayed on all the time.  After restarting and another short journey the light went off as normal and stayed off.  I will take the car out for a drive tomorrow and see if it happens again - I'm hoping it won't!  Anyone seen that before?

 

Also...I'm pretty sure the alternator needs to be replaced because it is making a horrible squealing noise almost all the time.  Any advise on the pros and cons of fitting a recon unit rather than shelling out for a new one?

 

Thanks...

Edited February 17, 2014 by Tim_021113

[gregers]

cant help you on the gearbox light,

but was your aircon on when you heard the squealing?

if so it may well be the clutch plate on the compressor failing?

or the pully on the alternator,

do a search in the faqs

[chromedome]

There is a switch on the gear shift lever. These have been known to wear and cause the light to come on. It has been covered before on the forum so try a search.

[Tim_021113]

Squealing now gone - it wasn't the alternator after all but the drive belt tensioner.  So now I'm hearing only the right noises once again.  The gear selector lock issue hasn't happened again, but I will have a look at that switch anyway.

Thanks all.

[chromedome]

Tensioner cheaper than an alternator so a good result. The gear selector issue may have been just a one off. Leave it alone unless it causes any more problems.