Land Rover Defender 50th Owners Handbook Rover

Gearbox & transmission
58
TRANSFER GEARBOX
The two speed transfer gearbox, is used to
select either the high or low range of gears
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 trailer or...

Gearbox & transmission
59 USING THE TRANSFER GEARBOX
There are two ways of operating the transfer
gearbox lever; the normal method -
recommended for inexperienced drivers - and
the advanced method for experienced
drivers.
Normal method
With the vehicle stationary and the engine
running, apply both foot brake and handbrake
and then move the main gear selector to the
N (neutral) position before moving the
transfer lever fully forward or backwards to
the required position.
If there is resistance to the gear...

Gearbox & transmission
60
THE DIFFERENTIAL LOCK
Unlike some 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
61 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, or on-road where
extreme ice or snow conditions are
encountered.
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...

Brakes
62 BRAKING SYSTEM
As a safety precaution, the hydraulic braking
system operates through dual circuits. If one
circuit fails, the other will continue to function,
but increased brake pedal travel and longer
stopping distances will be experienced.
Servo assistance
The braking system is servo assisted, but
ONLY when the engine is running. Without
this assistance, greater braking effort is
necessary to safely control the vehicle,
resulting in longer stopping distances. Always
observe the following...

Brakes
63 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 steep slopes, move the
transfer lever into low range or engage the diff
lock, for...

Towing & load carrying
64 TOWING
The torque ranges of Land Rover engines
allow maximum-weight loads to be pulled
smoothly from standstill and reduce gear
changing on hills or rough terrain.
WARNING
Only fit towing accessories that have been
designed and approved by Land Rover.
Ensure that the gross weight and maximum
axle weights are not exceeded.
When preparing your vehicle for towing,
always pay careful attention to the trailer
manufacturers recommendations and the
following guidelines.
·Ensure that...

Towing & load carrying
65
NOTE:It is very important to ensure that national regulations governing towing weights and
speed limits are observed (refer to an appropriate motoring organisation for information). The
following maximum permissible towed weights refer to the vehicles design limitations and NOT to
any specific territorial restriction.
Maximum permissible towed weights On-road Off-road
Unbraked trailers 1653 lb (750 kg)............................................ 1102 lb (500 kg)...................

Towing & load carrying
66 Trailer socket
When the engine is running, power
consumption from the trailer socket must
NOT exceed 5 amps.
WARNING
ALWAYS consult your dealer for advice
regarding the approval, suitability,
installation and use of any parts or
accessories before fitting.ROOF RACK
ALWAYS use an approved roof rack and
follow the manufacturers fitting instructions
carefully. A full list of all available accessories
is available from your Land Rover dealer.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
·The MAXIMUM roof...

Emergency starting
67 Starting an engine with a discharged battery
The ONLY recommended methods of
restarting a vehicle with a discharged battery
are:
·The use of a substitute battery fitted to the
disabled vehicle.
·The use of booster cables to connect the
battery from a donor vehicle to the
discharged battery.
USING BOOSTER CABLES
WARNING
Batteries emit explosive hydrogen gas -
keep sparks and open flame away from the
battery compartment.
DO NOT attempt to jump start the vehicle if
the electrolyte in...