Land Rover Defender 02my Owners Handbook 2nd Edition Rover

							Starting & Driving
60
STARTING - Diesel engines
WARNING
Never start or leave the engine running in an 
unventilated building - exhaust gases are 
poisonous and contain carbon monoxide, 
which can cause unconsciousness and may 
even be fatal.
1.Check that the handbrake is applied and 
that the gear lever is in neutral.
2.Switch off all unnecessary electrical 
equipment.
3.Insert the starter key and turn the switch 
to position ‘II’. Wait until the glow plug 
warning light extinguishes.
NOTE: The waiting time will vary 
according to the engine coolant 
temperature (when the engine is hot, the 
glow plug warning light will extinguish 
almost immediately).
4.Turn the key to position ‘III’ to operate the 
starter motor. DO NOT press the 
accelerator pedal while starting. RELEASE 
THE KEY as soon as the engine is running.
If the engine stalls or fails to start, you MUST 
return the starter switch to position ‘I’ before 
attempting to restart; the engine will not start by 
turning the starter switch from position ‘II’.
In temperate climates DO NOT operate the 
starter for longer than 10 seconds. If the engine 
fails to start, switch off and wait 10 seconds 
before re-using the starter. 
NOTE: Continued use of the starter will not only 
discharge the battery, but may cause damage to 
the starter motor.
NOTE: In temperate climates, the battery 
charging and oil pressure warning lights should 
extinguish as soon as the engine is running.In cold weather, or when the battery is in a low 
state of charge, depress the clutch pedal while 
starting and hold it down until the engine is 
running. This will reduce the load on the 
battery.
Precautions
•The diesel engine must not be run above 
idle speed until the oil pressure warning 
light extinguishes. This will ensure that 
the engine and turbo-charger bearings are 
properly lubricated before being run at 
speed.
•Similarly, ALWAYS allow the engine to 
idle for 10 seconds before switching off.
Cold climates
In very cold climates the oil pressure warning 
light may take several seconds to extinguish. 
Similarly, engine cranking times will also 
increase; at -22°F (-30°C) the starter motor 
may need to be operated continuously for as 
long as 30 seconds before the engine will start. 
For this reason, ensure that all non-essential 
electrical equipment is switched off. 
						

							Starting & Driving
61
DRIVING
Instruments and warning lights
Before driving it is important to fully 
understand the function of the instruments and 
warning lights (see ‘INSTRUMENT PANEL’, 
page 32).
NOTE: Red warning lights are of particular 
importance, illumination indicating that a fault 
exists. If a red light illuminates, always stop the 
vehicle and seek qualified assistance before 
continuing.Warming-up 
DO NOT warm-up the engine by allowing it to 
idle at a slow speed.
In the interests of fuel economy, it is advisable 
to drive the vehicle straight away, remembering 
that harsh acceleration and labouring the 
engine before the normal operating 
temperature has been reached can damage the 
engine.
Running-in 
Proper running-in will have a direct bearing on 
the reliability and smooth running of your 
vehicle throughout its life.
In particular, the engine, gearbox, brakes and 
tyres need time to ‘bed-in’ and adjust to the 
demands of everyday motoring. During the first 
500 miles (800 km), it is essential to drive with 
consideration for the running-in process and 
heed the following advice:
•LIMIT maximum road speed to 50 mph 
(80 km/h). Initially, drive the vehicle on a 
light throttle and only increase engine 
speeds gradually once the running-in 
distance has been completed.
•DO NOT operate at full throttle or allow the 
engine to labour in any gear.
•AVOID fast acceleration and heavy braking 
except in emergencies.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Vehicle stability
Your vehicle has a higher ground clearance 
and, hence, a higher centre of gravity than 
ordinary passenger cars to enable the 
vehicle to perform in a wide variety of 
different off-road applications. An 
advantage of the higher ground clearance 
is a better view of the road, allowing the 
driver to more easily anticipate problems. 
Inexperienced drivers should take 
additional care, remembering that the 
vehicle is not designed for cornering at the 
same speeds as conventional passenger 
cars, any more than a low slung sports car 
is designed to perform satisfactorily in 
off-road conditions. As with other vehicles 
of this type, failure to operate the vehicle 
correctly may result in loss of control or 
even rollover.
Vehicle height
The overall height of your vehicle exceeds 
that of ordinary passenger cars. Always be 
aware of the height of your vehicle and 
check the available headroom before 
driving through low entrances. This is 
particularly important if the vehicle is fitted 
with a roof rack or if a sunroof is open. 
						

							Starting & Driving
62
Power assisted steering
Power assistance is progressively applied the 
more the steering wheel is turned. For example; 
where manual steering effort would normally be 
greatest (at slow speeds on maximum lock), 
power assistance is greatest. Similarly, where 
only minimal steering effort would normally be 
required (at high speed with the wheels straight 
ahead), then power assistance is also minimal, 
thus enabling the driver to benefit from 
apparently consistent steering effort at all 
times.
WARNING
Under no circumstances must the steering 
wheel be held on full lock for more than thirty 
seconds in one minute, otherwise the 
steering assembly may be damaged.
NOTE: Power assistance is dependent on the 
engine running. If the engine is not running, 
greater effort will be required to steer the 
vehicle.
FUEL ECONOMY
Fuel consumption is influenced by two major 
factors: 
•How your vehicle is maintained.
•How you drive your vehicle.
To obtain optimum fuel economy, it is essential 
that your vehicle is maintained in accordance 
with the manufacturers service schedule. 
Items such as the condition of the air cleaner 
element, tyre pressures and wheel alignment 
will have a significant effect on fuel 
consumption. But, above all, the way in which 
you drive is most important. The following hints 
may help you to obtain better value from your 
motoring: 
•Avoid unnecessary, short, start-stop 
journeys.
•Avoid fast starts by accelerating gently and 
smoothly from rest.
•Do not drive in the lower gears for longer 
than necessary.
•Decelerate gently and avoid sudden and 
heavy braking.
•Anticipate obstructions and adjust your 
speed accordingly well in advance.
•When stationary in traffic, select neutral to 
improve fuel economy and air conditioning 
performance. 
						

							Starting & Driving
63
AUXILIARY EQUIPMENT
WARNING
DO NOT use auxiliary equipment, such as 
roller generators, that are driven by one 
wheel of the vehicle, as they could cause 
failure of the gearbox differential. If the 
differential lock is engaged in an attempt to 
avoid damage, the vehicle will drive itself 
forward.
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM
WARNING
Exhaust fumes contain poisonous substances 
which can cause unconsciousness and may 
even be fatal.
•DO NOT inhale exhaust gases.
•DO NOT start or leave the engine running 
in an enclosed unventilated area, or drive 
with the taildoor open.
•DO NOT modify the exhaust system from 
the original design.
•ALWAYS repair exhaust system leaks 
immediately.
•If you think exhaust fumes are entering the 
vehicle have the cause determined and 
corrected immediately.
Land Rover vehicles are fitted with emission 
and evaporative control equipment necessary 
to meet a number of territorial requirements.
In many countries it is against the law for 
vehicle owners to modify or tamper with 
emission control equipment, or to sanction the 
unauthorised replacement or modification of 
this equipment. In such cases the vehicle owner 
and the repairer may both be liable for legal 
penalties.
It is important to remember that all Land Rover 
dealers are properly equipped to perform 
repairs and to maintain the emission control 
system on your vehicle. 
						

							Catalytic Converter
64
Catalytic ConverterCATALYTIC CONVERTER*
The exhaust system on some vehicles 
incorporates a catalytic converter, which 
converts poisonous exhaust emissions from 
the engine into environmentally less harmful 
gases. 
WARNING
Catalytic converters can be easily damaged 
through improper use, particularly if the 
wrong fuel is used, or if an engine misfire 
occurs. For this reason it is VERY IMPORTANT 
that you heed the precautions which follow.
Fuel
ONLY use fuel recommended for your vehicle 
(see ‘TYPE OF FUEL’, page 66). 
Starting the engine
•DO NOT continue to operate the starter after 
a few failed attempts (unburnt fuel may be 
drawn into the exhaust system, thereby 
poisoning the catalyst), and do not attempt 
to clear a misfire by pressing the accelerator 
pedal - seek qualified assistance.
•When starting a COLD engine, DO NOT drive 
if a misfire is suspected and do not attempt 
to clear a misfire by pressing the accelerator 
- seek qualified assistance.
•Do not attempt to push or tow-start the 
vehicle.
Driving
•If a misfire is suspected, or the vehicle lacks 
power while driving, provided the engine 
has reached its normal operating 
temperature, it may be driven SLOWLY (at 
risk of catalyst damage) to a Land Rover 
dealer for assistance.•NEVER allow the vehicle to run out of fuel 
(the resultant misfire could damage the 
catalyst).
•Consult your dealer if your vehicle is 
burning excessive oil (blue smoke from the 
exhaust), as this will progressively reduce 
catalyst efficiency.
•On rough terrain do not allow the underside 
of the vehicle to be subjected to heavy 
impacts which could damage the catalytic 
converter.
•DO NOT overload or excessively ‘rev’ the 
engine.
•DO NOT switch off the engine when the 
vehicle is in motion with a drive gear 
selected.
WARNING
Exhaust system temperatures can be 
extremely high - DO NOT park on ground 
where combustible materials such as dry 
grass or leaves could come into contact with 
the exhaust system - in dry weather a fire 
could result. 
Vehicle maintenance
Any engine misfire, loss of engine performance 
or engine run-on, could seriously damage the 
catalytic converter. For this reason, it is vital 
that unqualified persons do not tamper with the 
engine, and that regular systematic 
maintenance is carried out by a Land Rover 
dealer. 
						

							Fuel Filling
65
Fuel FillingSAFETY ON THE FORECOURT
WARNING
Petroleum gases are highly inflammable and, 
in confined spaces, are also extremely 
explosive. 
Always take sensible precautions when 
refuelling: 
•Switch off the engine.
•Do not smoke or use a naked flame or light, 
or operate a mobile phone.
•Take care not to spill fuel.
•Do not overfill the tank.
FUEL FILLER
WARNING
DO NOT fully remove the filler cap until any 
captive tank pressure has been released (wait 
until the hissing stops).The fuel filler is located in the rear right-hand 
body side. To unlock the fuel cap:
1.Insert the smaller metal key and turn it 90 
degrees clockwise.
2.Turn the key 90 degrees anti-clockwise 
and then remove.
The cap should then be unscrewed gradually, 
as it is designed to allow the fuel tank to vent 
during the first half turn. Carefully loosen the 
cap one half turn until resistance is felt, and 
allow fuel tank pressure to be released. Once 
the pressure is released (hissing has stopped), 
it is safe to fully remove the filler cap.
H3637 
						

							Fuel Filling
66
When replacing, ensure that the key is removed 
from the lock, then tighten the cap clockwise 
until you hear the fuel cap ratchet click at least 
three times. This locks the cap (the key is not 
needed). Finally, reposition the key cover over 
the lock.
 
TYPE OF FUEL
Use diesel or automotive gas oil (AGO) to 
EN 590. 
The quality of diesel fuel (Derv) can vary in 
different countries and only clean, good quality 
fuel should be used. It is important that the 
sulphur content of diesel fuel does not exceed 
0.3%; in Europe all supplies should be within 
this limit, but in other parts of the world, you 
should check with your supplier.
Ensure the fuel filter element is changed and the 
fuel sedimenter drained, at the recommended 
service intervals.
If good quality diesel fuel is unavailable and it is 
necessary to use poor quality fuel, it may be 
necessary to have the fuel filter/sedimenter 
drained regularly.
NOTE: The use of paraffin (kerosene) as a diesel 
fuel additive is illegal in the UK.
WARNING
If the fuel tank is accidentally filled with 
petrol it is ESSENTIAL that you contact your 
dealer BEFORE attempting to start the engine!
H3638 
						

							Fuel Filling
67
FUEL FILLING
WARNING
DO NOT attempt to fill the tank to its maximum 
capacity. If the vehicle is to be parked on a 
slope, in direct sunlight, or high ambient 
temperature, expansion of the fuel could 
cause spillage. 
Filling station pumps are equipped with 
automatic cut-off sensing to avoid fuel spillage. 
Fill the tank SLOWLY until the filler nozzle 
automatically cuts-off the supply. DO NOT 
attempt to fill the tank beyond this point or 
spillage could result due to expansion of the 
fuel.
The diesel pumps on garage forecourts fill at a 
maximum of 45 litres (10 gallons) per minute. 
Use of commercial vehicle diesel pumps with a 
higher fill rate, may result in premature pump 
cut-off and fuel spillage.
EMPTY FUEL TANK
Td5 diesel engine vehicles
After running the fuel tank dry, refuel the tank 
with at least 1 gallon (4.5 litres) of diesel fuel, 
then carry out the following procedure:
1.Turn off the starter switch and wait for 15 
seconds.
2.Turn the starter key to position ‘II’ and wait 
for 30 seconds. 
3.Repeat steps 1 and 2 six times.
4.After the final 30 second period, fully 
depress the accelerator pedal.
5.Keeping the pedal depressed, start 
cranking the engine.
6.Continue cranking the engine and as soon 
as the engine is firing smoothly, ease the 
accelerator pedal back to approximately 
halfway through its travel, and release the 
starter key. The engine should now be 
running.
7.If the engine fails to start, repeat the 
process.
During the above procedure, the fuel pump will 
be heard to operate (priming the engine). This 
noise is not cause for concern.
Tdi diesel engine vehicles
*
If the vehicle runs out of fuel, then qualified 
assistance may be required to prime the fuel 
system before the engine can be restarted.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
The engine must NOT be cranked for more 
than 20 seconds in any one period.
If the above procedure is carried out on a 
vehicle that has NOT run out of fuel, it will 
result in the engine flooding with fuel
and failing to start. 
						

							Fuel Filling
68
FUEL CUT-OFF SWITCH (Td5 models)
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! 
H3582 
						

							Manual Gearbox
69
M anu al Ge a rboxGEAR LEVER
Manual transmission vehicles feature a five 
speed main gearbox and a two-speed (LOW & 
HIGH) 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 is 
spring-loaded to lie naturally between third and 
fourth gear positions.
WARNING
Do not select reverse gear unless the vehicle 
is stationary.
Do not attempt to start the engine with the 
vehicle in gear. The engine must ONLT be 
started with the main gear lever in neutral and 
the handbrake applied.Precautions while driving
•DO NOT rest your hand on the gear lever 
while driving - pressure from your hand 
may cause premature wear to the gear 
selector mechanism.
•DO NOT use the clutch pedal as a foot rest. 
To prevent unnecessary wear, always keep 
the left foot well clear of the clutch pedal 
except when changing gear.
•DO NOT hold the vehicle stationary on a hill 
by slipping the clutch. This will wear out the 
clutch. Always use the handbrake.
135
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H3749