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
negotiating a boulder strewn river bed; also
use low range for more extreme off-road
conditions, where progress in high range
cannot be maintained.
WARNING
DO NOT attempt to change to LOW range
gears for normal road driving.
Neutral (N)
With the transfer lever in neutral, drive cannot
be transmitted to the road wheels, regardless
of the position of the main gear lever. Use
transfer neutral when the vehicle has to be
towed on four wheels, or when using
winching facilities.
Diff lock centre differential
Use the unlocked position for all normal
driving, and use the DIFF-LOCK position to
improve traction in extreme conditions where
wheel grip could be lost, such as: wet grass,
mud, sand, ice or snow. Return to the
unlocked position as soon as dry, firm,
ground is reached.
DO NOT use the diff lock unnecessarily! 
						

							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 engaging, do
not force the lever. Instead, with the engine
running, apply the foot brake and handbrake,
momentarily engage D on the main gearbox
then return it to the N position and try again.Advanced method
Changing from H (high) to L (low) or vice
versa without stopping the vehicle can be
achieved as follows:
Reduce (or increase) the speed of the vehicle
to 5 mph (8 km/h) and release the accelerator.
Select N with the main gear selector and
move the transfer lever quickly to the required
H or L position. Finaly, reselect D with the
main gear selector and continue driving as
normal.
NOTE:This operation applies to H to L and
L to H changes equally. 
						

							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. However, with the differential
unlocked the different running requirements
of the two axles can be accommodated,
thereby enabling Land Rover vehicles to
operate permanently in four wheel drive for
both normal AND off-road use.
Diff lock centre differential
Use the unlocked position for all normal
driving, and use the DIFF-LOCK position to
improve traction in extreme conditions where
wheel grip could be lost, such as: wet grass,
mud, sand, ice or snow. Return to the
unlocked position as soon as dry, firm,
ground is reached.
DO NOT use the diff lock unnecessarily!Selecting diff lock
The diff lock can be engaged, or disengaged,
either with the vehicle stationary, or when
driving at any road speed. However, with the
vehicle in motion, it is ESSENTIAL to be
travelling on firm ground, in a straight line,
and without wheel slip.WARNING
DO NOT engage the diff lock if one or more
wheels are slipping - this could damage the
transmission. If wheels are slipping, ease
off the accelerator before engaging the diff
lock.
DO NOT engage the diff lock from the
transfer neutral position.
To lock the differential:
Move the transfer gear lever to the left - from
either H (high) or L (low) position (the
warning light on the instrument panel will
illuminate).
To unlock the differential:
Move the transfer gear lever to the right - to
either H (high) or L (low) position as
required; when the diff lock disengages the
warning light will extinguish. 
						

							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 included in the Off-road driving
section of the handbook.
WARNING
If the vehicle is driven on normal road
surfaces with the differential locked, the
steering will feel stiff, excessive tyre wear
will occur and the transmission will be
wound up. This places excessive strain on
the transmission.
Diff lock warning light
The amber warning light on the
instrument panel illuminates
when the diff lock is actually engaged - rather
than when it has been selected. Similarly it
will only extinguish when the diff lock is
actually disengaged. This accounts for a slight
delay between diff lock deselection and the
warning light extinguishing which is quite
normal.IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Transmission wind up
If the warning light is obviously reluctant
to extinguish after the diff lock has been
deselected, some transmission wind up
may be present.
Reversing the vehicle for a short distance
and then going forward will usually
unwind the transmission and extinguish
the light and the vehicle can then be
driven as normal. However, if after two or
three attempts to unwind the
transmission the light remains on,
consult your dealer AS SOON AS
POSSIBLE. 
						

							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 precautions:
·NEVER allow the vehicle to coast with the
engine turned off.
·ALWAYS take particular care when being
towed with the engine turned off.
·If the engine should stop for any reason
while the vehicle is in motion, bring the
vehicle to a halt as quickly as traffic
conditions safely allow, and DO NOT pump
the brake pedal as the braking system may
lose any remaining assistance available.
Brake pads
Brake pads require a period of bedding in. You
should avoid heavy braking, except in
emergencies, for at least the first 500 miles
(800 km).
Remember that regular servicing is vital to
ensure that the brake pads are examined for
wear and changed periodically to ensure long
term safety and optimum performance.
WARNING
DO NOT rest your foot on the brake pedal
while travelling, as this may overheat the
brakes, reduce their efficiency and cause
excessive wear.
NEVER move a vehicle without the engine
running, because braking assistance will not
be available. The pedal brakes will still
function, but more pressure will be
required.
NEVER place additional floor matting, or any
other obstruction, under the brake pedal.
This restricts pedal travel and braking
efficiency.
ALWAYS take particular care when being
towed with the engine turned off.
If the brake warning light should illuminate
while the vehicle is in motion, bring the
vehicle to a halt as quickly as traffic
conditions and safety permit and seek
qualified assistance before continuing - DO
NOT pump the brake pedal. If the brake
pedal is pumped, the braking system may
lose any remaining assistance available.
Wet conditions
Driving through water, or even very heavy
rain, may adversely affect braking efficiency.
Always dry the braking surfaces by
intermittent light application of the brakes,
first ensuring that you are at a safe distance
from other road users. 
						

							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 extra security.
WARNING
DO NOT apply the handbrake while the
vehicle is in motion, as this could result in
loss of vehicle control and damage to the
transmission.
DO NOT rely on the handbrake to operate
effectively, if the vehicle has been subjected
to immersion in mud and water (see
Off-road driving).
ALWAYS use the wheel chock when jacking
the vehicle. Even with the handbrake
applied, vehicle movement is likely due to
tolerances in the transmission. 
						

							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 the towing vehicle tyre
pressures are correct and that the trailer
tyre pressures are as recommended by the
trailer manufacturer.
·With the trailer and vehicle unladen,
balance the combination so that the trailer
draw bar and the hitch point on the vehicle
are at the same height. Adjust the height
of the hitch point if necessary.
·Check the operation of trailer brakes and
lights.
·For maximum stability, ensure that loads
are properly secured and unable to shift
position during transit. Also, position
loads so that most of the weight is placed
close to the floor and, where possible,
immediately above or close to the trailer
axle(s).
·After loading the trailer, check that the
weight on the hitch ball (this is called the
nose weight), is in accordance with the
manufacturers recommendations.
·When calculating the laden weight of the
trailer, remember to include the weight of
the trailer PLUS THE LOAD.
·Where the load weight can be divided
between trailer and tow vehicle, loading
more weight into the vehicle will generally
improve the stability of the combination.
·A smooth start will be achieved with
trailers over 3307 lb (1500 kg), by moving
off in LOW range, then changing to HIGH
range while on the move (seeTransfer
gearbox). 
						

							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)................
Trailers with brakes 7716 lb (3500 kg)....................................... 2204 lb (1000 kg)..............
NOSE WEIGHT
The maximum trailer nose weight is 330 lb
(150 kg). The nose weight, plus the combined
weight of the vehicles load carrying area and
passengers, must never exceed the maximum
rear axle load or the gross vehicle weight (as
shown inGeneral data).
WARNING
DO NOT carry unsecured equipment, tools or
luggage which could move and cause
personal injury in the event of an accident or
emergency manoeuvre, either on or off
road.VEHICLE WEIGHTS
When loading a vehicle to its maximum (gross
vehicle weight), consideration must be taken
of the unladen vehicle weight and the
distribution of the load, to ensure that axle
loadings do not exceed the permitted
maximum values.
It is your responsibility to limit the vehicle
load in such a way, that neither the maximum
axle loads, nor the gross vehicle weight are
exceeded (seeGeneral data).
WARNING
The nose weight, plus the combined weight
of the vehicles load carrying area and
passengers (if applicable), must never
exceed the maximum rear axle load or gross
vehicle weight. 
						

							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 rack load is
165 lb (75 kg).
·A loaded roof rack can reduce the
stability of the vehicle, particularly
when cornering and encountering
cross winds.
·All loads should be evenly
distributed and secured within the
periphery of the rack.
·Always secure the load to the side
rails, not just to the cross rails.
·Only fit roof racks that have been
designed for your vehicle. If in
doubt, consult your dealer.
WARNING
The roof rack load, plus the combined
weight of the vehicles load carrying area
and passengers, must never exceed the
maximum rear axle load or the gross vehicle
weight. 
						

							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 the battery is suspected of
being frozen.
DO NOT disconnect the discharged battery.
Make sure BOTH batteries are of the same
voltage (12 volts), and that the booster
cables have insulated clamps and are
approved for use with 12 volt batteries.
DO NOT connect positive (+) terminals to
negative (-) terminals, and ensure booster
cables are kept away from any moving parts
in the engine compartment.
Take care when working near rotating parts
of the engine.Always adopt the following procedure when
using booster cables:
1.If a donor vehicle is to be used, both
vehicles should be parked with their
battery locations adjacent to each other.
Ensure that the two vehicles do not touch.
2.Apply the handbrakes and ensure that the
transmission of both vehicles is set in P
(neutral for donor vehicles fitted with
manual transmission).
3.Turn off the starter switch and ALL
electrical equipment of BOTH vehicles.
4.Connect the RED booster cable between
the positive (+) terminal of the donor
battery and the positive (+) terminal of the
discharged battery.
5.Connect the BLACK booster cable from the
negative (-) terminal of the donor battery
to a good earthing point on the disabled
vehicle (eg. an engine mounting or other
unpainted metal surface) - at least 20 in
(0.5 m) from the battery and well away
from fuel and brake lines.For safety
reasons, DO NOT connect this cable to
the negative terminal of the discharged
battery.
6.Check that the booster cables are clear of
any moving parts in either engine, then
start the engine of the donor vehicle and
allow it to idle for a few minutes.
7.Now start the vehicle with the discharged
battery (DO NOT crank the engine for
more than 15 seconds at a time).