I've come to the conclusion my 300 TDI will replace my vogue from now on ---- the P38 refused to start so had recovery come ---- eventually it started checked for faults ---- none Today on way home gearbox went into fault mode ? Had no display of gear on dash ---- I can't be dealing with unreliable vehicle so sticking with 300 TDI at least that is easy to work on

Your choice - Good luck!

No start and no faults suggests CPS, no gear display and gearbox fault showing is likely to be XYZ switch. Both pretty standard on a car that has been neglected. Took me nearly 2 years before I trusted mine further than I could throw it. Now I just get in it and drive it. Hit 400k a month ago, now showing 406k and setting off for another 2,000 miles tomorrow morning......

Wouldn't the gearbox lack of display suggest the XYZ as well for the not-starting issue? If it doesn't show N or P I know the Disco won't even crank for obvious reasons, I'd suspect the same on the p38. Thats if its not cranking of course, rather than cranking but failing to start, it isn't clear from the first post which it was doing.

Absolutely correct Brian. If the BeCM doesn't see an N or P signal from the XYZ switch, it won't energise the starter relay. Although he said that it eventually did start and didn't go into gearbox fault until later. Admittedly they could both be connected and without the experience to tie the two things in together it's easy to assume more than one fault. A bit like the car my mate in France bought. No interior lights and suspension not dropping at speed but you'd need to know a P38 before putting the blame for a suspension fault on a dodgy microswitch in a door latch.

My vogue now starts but if left idling as temp gauge moves up the engine revs jump for a second or so ---- it's odd 🤔

Does sound a bit odd. When cold idle will be around 950 rpm but will progressively drop to the 650 or so once it starts to warm up. That'll usually happen long before the temp gauge starts to even move though. Idle air valve maybe?

IACV sounds like a good option ie something that adjusts in a temperature dependent way could be getting stuck, and then releasing. I wonder if it could be something to do with the O2 sensors as well - or the hand-over from cold start fuel trims to the O2 sensors. No faults on the O2 sensors? Is this GEMS or Thor?
Same as Richard, I now get in my P38 without fear, but it took me a good 18 months of messing around to get to that point

As said no faults ?!?! I am as baffled as everyone else ---- I wondered if a connector issue ---- would be a lot happier with a fault --- at least I'd have a clue were to start checking

Found the issue ---- crankshaft sensor ---- I took it for a blast and it cut out soon as warmed up ---- but this time code showed up so problem can now be sorted ---- thanks for the help 👍

Buy a genuine crank sensor. I went thru 4 shite ones before i realised my folly. I managed to find a new-old-stock sensor listed for an LDV van which worked.

I only ever use genuine parts as cheaper don't last ----- found out long time ago the cheap part might do as a backup spare but you pays your money and take your choice ---- as a note today I saw 2 new range rover on breakdown lorries 61&18 plates