Land Rover Defender 02my Owners Handbook 2nd Edition Rover

							Driving Techniques
90
CLIMBING STEEP SLOPES
Engage the diff lock and ALWAYS follow the fall 
line of the slope - travelling diagonally could 
encourage the vehicle to slide broadside down 
the slope.
Steep climbs will usually require the LOW gear 
range. If the surface is loose or slippery, use 
sufficient speed in the highest practical gear to 
take advantage of your vehicles momentum. 
However, too high a speed over a bumpy 
surface may result in a wheel lifting, causing the 
vehicle to lose traction. In this case try a slower 
approach. Traction can also be improved by 
easing off the accelerator just before loss of 
forward motion.
If the vehicle is unable to complete a climb, do 
not attempt to turn it around while on the slope. 
Instead, adopt the following procedure to 
reverse downhill to the foot of the slope.
1.Hold the vehicle stationary using both foot 
and hand brakes.
2.Restart the engine if necessary.
3.Engage reverse gear LOW range.
4.Release the handbrake. Then release the 
foot brake and clutch simultaneously, and 
allow the vehicle to reverse down the 
slope using engine braking to control the 
rate of descent.
5.Unless it is necessary to stop the vehicle 
to negotiate obstructions, DO NOT apply 
the brake or clutch pedal during the 
descent - even a light application may 
cause the front wheels to lock, rendering 
the steering ineffective.
6. If the vehicle begins to slide, accelerate 
slightly to allow the tyres to regain grip.
When the vehicle is back on level ground or 
where traction can be regained, a faster 
approach will probably enable the hill to be 
climbed. However, DO NOT take unnecessary 
risks, if the hill is too difficult to climb, find an 
alternative route.WARNING
DO NOT attempt to reverse down a slope 
without the engine running, or the braking 
effect of the gearbox will be lost. 
						

							Driving Techniques
91
DESCENDING STEEP SLOPES
WARNING
Failure to follow these instructions may cause 
the vehicle to roll over.
•Stop the vehicle at least a vehicle length 
before the start of the slope and engage first 
gear LOW range with the differential locked.
•Unless it is necessary to stop the vehicle in 
order to negotiate obstructions, DO NOT 
touch the brake or clutch pedals during the 
descent - the engine will limit the speed, 
keeping the vehicle under control provided 
the front wheels are rotating. If the vehicle 
begins to slide, accelerate gently to maintain 
directional stability. DO NOT use the brakes 
or attempt to change gear. 
•Once level ground is reached, unlock the 
differential and select a suitable gear for the 
next stage of your journey.
TRAVERSING A SLOPE
WARNING
Failure to follow these instructions may cause 
the vehicle to roll over.
Before crossing a slope ALWAYS observe the 
following precautions:
•Check that the ground is firm and not 
slippery.
•Check that the wheels on the downhill side 
of the vehicle are not likely to drop into 
depressions in the ground and that the 
‘uphill’ wheels will not run over rocks, tree 
roots, or similar obstacles that could 
suddenly increase the angle of tilt.
•Ensure that passenger weight is evenly 
distributed, that all roof rack luggage is 
removed and that all other luggage is 
properly secured and stowed as low as 
possible. Always remember; any sudden 
movement of the load could cause the 
vehicle to overturn.
•Rear seat passengers should sit on the 
uphill side of the vehicle or, in extreme 
conditions, should vacate the vehicle until 
the sloping ground has been safely 
negotiated.
H3643
H3634 
						

							Driving Techniques
92
NEGOTIATING A ‘V’ SHAPED GULLY
Observe extreme caution! Steering up either of 
the gully walls could cause the side of the 
vehicle to be trapped against the opposite gully 
wall.
DRIVING IN EXISTING WHEEL TRACKS
As far as possible allow the vehicle to steer 
itself along the bottom of the ruts. However, 
always keep a light hold of the steering wheel to 
prevent it from spinning free.
Particularly in wet conditions, if the steering 
wheel is allowed to spin free, the vehicle may 
appear to be driving straight ahead in the ruts, 
but in actual fact (due to the lack of traction 
caused by the wet ground) is unknowingly on 
full right or left lock. Then, when level ground is 
reached, or if a dry patch of ground is 
encountered, the wheels will find traction and 
cause the vehicle to suddenly veer to left or 
right.
CROSSING A RIDGE
Approach at right angles so that both front 
wheels cross the ridge together - an angled 
approach could cause traction to be lost 
through diagonally opposite wheels lifting from 
the ground at the same time.
H3635 
						

							Driving Techniques
93
CROSSING A DITCH
With the diff lock engaged, cross ditches at an 
angle so that three wheels always maintain 
contact with the ground. If a ditch is 
approached head on, both front wheels will 
drop into the ditch together, possibly resulting 
in the chassis and front bumper being trapped 
on opposite sides of the ditch.
WADING
WARNING
The maximum advisable wading depth is 
20 inches (0,5 m).
Severe electrical damage may occur if the 
vehicle remains stationary for any length of 
time when the water level is above the door 
sills.
If the water is likely to exceed 20 inches 
(0,5 m), the following precautions should be 
observed:
•Fix a plastic sheet in front of the radiator 
grille to prevent water from soaking the 
engine and mud from blocking the radiator.
•Fit a drain plug to the flywheel housing and 
engine timing cover (Tdi engines only).
•Ensure that the silt bed beneath the water is 
free of obstacles and firm enough to 
support the vehicles weight and provide 
sufficient traction.
•Ensure that the engine air intake is clear of 
the water level.
•To prevent saturation of the electrical 
system and air intake, avoid excessive 
engine speed.
H3636
H3644 
						

							Driving Techniques
94
•With the diff lock engaged, select a low gear 
and maintain sufficient throttle to prevent 
the engine from stalling. This is particularly 
important if the exhaust pipe is under water.
•Drive slowly into the water and accelerate to 
a speed which causes a bow wave to form; 
then maintain that speed.
At all times, keep all the doors fully closed.
After wading
•Drive the vehicle a short distance and apply 
the foot brake to check that the brakes are 
fully effective.
•DO NOT rely on the handbrake to hold the 
vehicle stationary until the transmission has 
thoroughly dried out; in the meantime, leave 
the vehicle parked in gear.
•Remove the timing cover drain plug (where 
fitted) and also any protective covering from 
the front of the radiator grille.
•If the water was particularly muddy, remove 
any blockages (mud and leaves) from the 
radiator to reduce the risk of overheating.
•If deep water is regularly negotiated, check 
all oils for signs of water contamination - 
contaminated oil can be identified through 
its ‘milky’ appearance. In addition, check the 
air filter element for water ingress and 
replace if wet - consult a Land Rover dealer 
if necessary.
•If salt water is frequently negotiated, 
thoroughly wash the underbody 
components and exposed body panels with 
fresh water.
NOTE: Vehicles required to undergo frequent or 
deep wading conditions will require more 
frequent servicing. Contact a Land Rover dealer 
for advice.Wading plugs*
WARNING
For safety, DO NOT work underneath the 
vehicle unless it is safely parked with the 
wheels chocked, or is supported by heavy 
duty stands.
Under severe wading conditions, the timing 
cover and flywheel housing must be sealed to 
prevent the ingress of mud and water. Fit the 
plugs, supplied in the tool kit. Remove the 
plugs immediately after wading, or periodically 
if the vehicle is required to do prolonged 
wading or very muddy work. 
						

							Owner Maintenance
Maintenance
ROUTINE MAINTENANCE  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  97
OWNER MAINTENANCE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  98
SAFETY IN THE GARAGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  99
EMISSION CONTROL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  100
ROAD TESTING DYNAMOMETERS 
(‘rolling roads’)  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  100
Bonnet Opening
BONNET OPENING (Td5 models). . . . . . . . . . . .  101
Engine Compartment
Td5 DIESEL ENGINE  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  102
Tdi DIESEL ENGINE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  103
Engine Oil
CHECK & TOP-UP  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  104
Cooling System
COOLANT CHECK AND TOP-UP . . . . . . . . . . . . .  105
ANTI-FREEZE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  106
Fuel System
FUEL SEDIMENTER (Tdi engines)  . . . . . . . . . . .  107
FUEL FILTER (Td5 engines) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  107
Brakes
BRAKE FLUID. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  108 
						

							96 Clutch
CLUTCH FLUID . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   109
Power Steering
POWER STEERING FLUID. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   110
Washers
WINDSCREEN WASHER TOP-UP . . . . . . . . . . .   111
WASHER JETS  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   112
Wiper Blades
WIPER BLADE REPLACEMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . .   113
Battery
BATTERY SAFETY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   114
BATTERY MAINTENANCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   115
Tyres
CARING FOR YOUR TYRES  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   117
SNOW CHAINS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   119
Cleaning & vehicle care
WASHING YOUR VEHICLE  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   120
CLEANING THE INTERIOR  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   122
Identification Numbers
VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER (VIN) . . . .   123
Parts & Accessories
PARTS AND ACCESSORIES  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   124
AFTER SALES SERVICE  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   125 
						

							Maintenance
97
Owne r Ma int en anc e
M aint ena nc eROUTINE MAINTENANCE
Regular systematic maintenance is the key to 
ensuring the continued reliability and efficiency 
of your vehicle.
Maintenance is the owners responsibility and 
you must ensure that owner maintenance 
operations, routine servicing and brake fluid 
and coolant changes are carried out when 
required and according to the manufacturers 
recommendations.
The routine maintenance requirements for your 
vehicle are shown in the Service Portfolio book. 
Most of this necessary workshop maintenance 
requires specialised knowledge and equipment, 
and should preferably be entrusted to a Land 
Rover dealer.
Service Portfolio
The Service Portfolio book includes a Service 
Record section, which enables a record to be 
kept of all the services that are carried out on 
the vehicle. This section of the book also 
provides a facility for the dealer to record brake 
fluid and camshaft drive belt changes. 
Ensure your dealer signs and stamps the book 
after each service.Brake fluid/component replacement
Brake fluid must be completely renewed every 
24,000 miles (40,000 km) or 24 months, 
whichever is the sooner.
At 48,000 mile (80,000 km) intervals or every 4 
years, whichever is the sooner, all hydraulic 
brake fluid, seals and flexible hoses should be 
renewed. All working surfaces of the calliper 
cylinders should be examined and the 
components renewed where necessary. Under 
arduous operating conditions, these intervals 
may need to be reduced. Please consult your 
Land Rover dealer.
Coolant replacement
The engine coolant (anti-freeze and water 
solution) needs to be replaced every 36,000 
miles (60,000 km) or 36 months, whichever is 
the sooner. Your dealer will replace the coolant 
at the scheduled service. 
						

							Maintenance
98
OWNER MAINTENANCE
In addition to the routine services referred to 
previously, a number of simple checks must be 
carried out more frequently. You can carry out 
these checks yourself and advice is given on the 
pages that follow.
Any significant or sudden drop in fluid levels, 
or uneven tyre wear, should be reported to a 
dealer without delay.
Daily checks
•Operation of lights, horn, direction 
indicators, wipers, washers and warning 
lights.
•Operation of seat belts and brakes.
•Look for fluid deposits underneath the 
vehicle that might indicate a leak.
Weekly checks - at least every 250 miles 
(400 km)
•Engine oil level.
NOTE: The engine oil level should be 
checked more frequently if the vehicle is 
driven for prolonged periods at high speeds.
•Coolant level.
•Brake fluid level.
•Clutch fluid level.
•Power steering fluid level.
•Screen washer fluid level.
•Tyre pressures and condition.
•Operate air conditioning
*.
The gearbox fluid level should only be checked 
by a qualified dealer, at the time of a routine 
service.
All fluid specifications and capacities are shown 
in ‘LUBRICANTS AND FLUIDS’, page 151.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Special operation conditions
When a vehicle is operated in extremely 
arduous conditions or a dusty, wet or 
muddy terrain, more frequent attention 
must be paid to servicing requirements.
For example: if your vehicle experiences 
deep wading conditions, even DAILY 
servicing could be necessary to ensure the 
continued safe and reliable operation of the 
vehicle.
Contact a Land Rover dealer for advice. 
						

							Maintenance
99
SAFETY IN THE GARAGE
WARNING
Cooling fans may continue to operate after the 
engine is switched off. When the engine is 
hot, the cooling fans may also COMMENCE 
operating after the engine is switched off and 
continue operating for up to 10 minutes. Keep 
clear of all fans while working in the engine 
compartment.
If you need to carry out maintenance, observe 
the following safety precautions at all times:
•Keep your hands and clothing away from 
drive belts and pulleys.
•If the vehicle has been driven recently, DO 
NOT TOUCH exhaust and cooling system 
components until the engine has cooled.
•DO NOT TOUCH electrical leads or 
components while the engine is running, or 
with the starter switch turned on.
•NEVER leave the engine running in an 
unventilated area - exhaust gases are 
poisonous and extremely dangerous.
•DO NOT work beneath the vehicle with the 
wheel changing jack as the only means of 
support.
•Ensure sparks and naked lights are kept 
away from the engine and battery.
•Wear protective clothing, including, where 
practicable, gloves made from an 
impervious material.
•Remove metal wrist bands and jewellery 
before working in the engine compartment.
•DO NOT allow tools or metal parts of the 
vehicle to make contact with the battery 
leads or terminals.
WARNING
Under no circumstances should any part of 
the fuel system be dismantled or replaced by 
anyone other than a suitably qualified motor 
vehicle technician. Failure to comply with this 
instruction may result in fuel spillage with a 
consequent serious risk of fire.
Poisonous fluids
Fluids used in motor vehicles are poisonous 
and should not be consumed or brought into 
contact with open wounds. These include; 
battery acid, anti-freeze, brake and power 
steering fluid, petrol, diesel, engine oil and 
windscreen washer additives. 
For your own safety, ALWAYS read and obey all 
instructions printed on labels and containers.
Used engine oil
Prolonged contact with engine oil may cause 
serious skin disorders, including dermatitis and 
cancer of the skin. ALWAYS wash thoroughly 
after contact.
It is illegal to pollute drains, water courses 
or soil. Use authorised waste disposal 
sites to dispose of used oil and toxic chemicals.