Land Rover Defender 00my Owners Handbook Rover

Fuel
58
FUEL CUT-OFF SWITCH
(Td5 models only)
The fuel cut-off switch is a safety device
which, in the event of a collision or sudden
impact, automatically cuts off the fuel supply
to the engine.
The switch is located on the engine
compartment bulkhead. After an impact, the
switch must be reset by pressing the rubber
top (arrowed in illustration) before the engine
can be restarted.
WARNING
ALWAYS check for fuel leaks before
resetting the switch! 

Gearbox & transmission
59
MAIN GEARBOX
Your vehicle features a five speed main
gearbox and a two speed transfer box. In
addition, a centre differential in the transfer
box distributes the drive to the front and rear
axles, providing permanent four wheel drive.
By using the main gearbox in conjunction with
the transfer gears, ten forward and two
reverse speeds are available.
The gear positions for the main gearbox are
shown on the gear lever knob. Note that when
the gearbox is in neutral, the gear lever...

Gearbox & transmission
60
TRANSFER GEARBOX
The second gear lever is used to select either
the high or low range of gears in the transfer
gearbox and, in addition, also controls the
centre differential (known as the DIFF LOCK).
High range (H)
Use high range for all normal road driving and
also for off-road driving across dry, level
terrain.
Low range (L)
Use low range gears when moving off from
rest when towing a heavy load, or in any
situation where low speed manoeuvring is
necessary, such as reversing a...

Gearbox & transmission
61 USING THE TRANSFER GEARBOX
With the vehicle stationary and the engine
running, depress the clutch and then move
the lever fully forward (or backwards) in TWO
distinct but positive moves - high to
neutral.... neutral to low (or vice versa).
If there is resistance to the gear engaging, do
not force the lever. Instead, with the main
lever in gear, release the clutch momentarily
and then try again.
Changing from low to high on the move:
Changing from L (low) to H (high) can be...

Gearbox & transmission
62
THE DIFFERENTIAL LOCK
Unlike many four wheel drive vehicles, all
Land Rover vehicles have permanent four
wheel drive. This is achieved by the inclusion
of a lockable differential between the front and
rear drive shafts. With the differential locked,
the drive shafts to front and rear axles are (in
effect) joined together, causing both to rotate
at the same speed. This is a normal feature
with all four wheel drive vehicles and
enhances traction on difficult off-road
surfaces....

Gearbox & transmission
63 When to use the diff lock
As a general rule, the differential should only
be locked in order to drive off-road on loose
and slippery surfaces. ALWAYS unlock the
differential for normal road driving or as soon
as a hard grippy surface is reached whether
high or low gears are selected.
NOTE:A valuable introduction to off-road
driving, which includes many useful
references to the transfer gearbox and diff
lock, is included in the Off-road driving
section of the handbook.
WARNING
If...

Brakes
64 BRAKING SYSTEM
The hydraulic braking system operates
through dual circuits; if one circuit should fail,
the other will continue to function. However,
in the event of a brake failure where only one
circuit is operational, the vehicle should only
be driven at slow speed to the nearest
qualified dealer. In these circumstances,
exercise extreme caution and be aware that
much greater pedal effort and longer stopping
distances will be required.
The braking system is servo assisted. This
means that if...

Brakes
65 HANDBRAKE
Unlike most other vehicles, the handbrake
operates on the rear propeller shaft, and NOT
on the road wheels. This may result in slight
movement of the vehicle after the handbrake
is applied.
To engage the handbrake, depress the button
and pull the lever up.
To release, pull the lever up slightly, depress
the button and lower the lever.
Always apply the handbrake fully whenever
you park.
When parking on a slope, do not rely on the
handbrake alone to hold the vehicle, park in a
low...

Brakes
66 ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM
(if fitted)
The anti-lock braking system (ABS) prevents
the wheels from locking, thereby helping to
maintain steering control. No special driving
techniques or effort is required from the
driver.
Under normal braking (where sufficient road
surface friction exists to reliably bring the
vehicle to a halt, without the wheels locking),
the anti-lock braking system will not be
activated. However, if the force of your
braking should exceed the available adhesion
between the...

Brakes
67
Warning light
The anti-lock braking system
incorporates a monitoring
system, which checks that all the electrical
components are in working order, as soon as
the starter switch is turned to position II and
also at frequent intervals during your journey.
The warning light on the instrument panel is
an important part of this system. The warning
light should illuminate for approximately one
second when the starter switch is turned to
position II and then briefly extinguishes
before coming on...