Land Rover Defender 90 110 130 Workshop 1997 Rover Manual

							Off-road driving 
DRIVING ON SOFT SURFACES & DRY SAND 
The ideal technique for driving on soft ground 
and dry sand, requires the vehicle to be kept 
moving at all times -soft ground and sand 
causes excessive drag on the wheels, 
resulting in a rapid loss of motion once 
driving momentum is lost. For this rP.ason, 
gear changing should be avoided. 
• Engage the DIFF LOCK. 
• Select the highest suitable gear and 
REMAIN in that gear until a firm surface is 
reached. It is generally advisable to use 
LOW range gears, as these will enable you 
to accelerate through worsening 
conditions without the risk of being unable 
to restart. 
• Disengage the DIFF LOCK as soon as firm 
ground is reached. 
/83 
Stopping the vehicle on soft ground, in sand 
or on an incline 
If you do stop your vehicle, remember: 
Starting on an incline or in soft ground or 
sand is almost impossible. Always park on a 
firm level area, or with the vehicle facing 
downhill. 
To avoid wheel spin, select second or third 
gear, and use the MINIMUM throttle 
necessary to get the vehicle moving. 
If forward motion is lost, avoid excessive use 
of the throttle -this will cause wheel spin and 
tend to dig the vehicle into the sand. Clear 
sand from around the tyres and ensure that 
the chassis and axles are not bearing on the 
sand before again attempting to move. 
If the wheels have sunk, use an air bag lifting 
device or high lift jack to raise the vehicle, and 
then build up sand under the wheels so that 
the vehicle is again on level ground. If a 
restart is still not possible, place sand mats or 
ladders beneath the wheels.  
						

							Off-road driving 
DRIVING ON SLIPPERY SURFACES 
(ice, snow, mud, wet grass) 
• With the DIFF LOCK engaged, select the 
highest gear possible. 
• Drive away using the MINIMUM possible 
throttle opening. 
• Drive slowly at all times, keeping braking 
to a minimum and avoiding violent 
movements of the steering wheel. 
• Disengage the DIFF LOCK as soon as a 
non slippery surface is reached. 
184 
DRIVING ON ROUGH TRACKS 
Although rough tracks can sometimes be 
negotiated in normal drive, it is advisable to 
lock the differential if excessive suspension 
movement is likely to induce wheel spin. 
On very rough tracks, engage LOW range to 
enable a steady, low speed to be maintained 
without constant use of the brake and clutch 
pedals. 
Always disengage the DIFF LOCK when 
smooth, firm ground is reached.  
						

							Off-road driving 
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 the 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. 
185 
5. Unless it is necessary to stop the vehicle 
in order to negotiate obstructions, DO NOT 
apply the brake or clutch pedal during the 
descent. 
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. 
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The engine must be restarted before 
reversing down the slope, as there will be 
no servo assistance to the brakes unless the 
engine is running.  
						

							Off-road driving 
ST293 
DESCENDING STEEP SLOPES 
A. Stop the vehicle at least a vehicle length 
before the slope and engage first gear 
LOW range with the differential locked. 
B. 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 turning. If 
the vehicle begins to slide, accelerate 
gently to maintain directional stability -DO 
NOT use the brakes or attempt to change 
gear. 
186 
C. Once level ground is reached, unlock the 
differential and select a suitable gear for 
the next stage of your journey. 
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Failure to follow these instructions may 
cause the vehicle to roll over.  
						

							Off-road driving 
TRAVERSING A SLOPE 
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 
any 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. 
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. 
187 
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 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 and then both rear 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. 
CROSSING A DITCH 
With the DIFF LOCK engaged, cross ditches at 
an angle so that three wheels always maintain 
contact with the ground (if 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).  
						

							Off-road driving 
WADING 
:~!l~!l~l!~~~~~~~ll!l~~~~~~~~~~~jlli;ll\ll\~~~1lll!~tltl\~[\llil!l~tll~llllll\~~\tl~~~~\l\~~l~\l\llll\lllllll~ljjjjjj(jjljlj~jllfl 
The maximum advisable wading depth is 
0,5 metre (20 in.). 
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 0,5 metre (20 
in.) while the vehicle is moving, the following 
precautions MUST 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 diesel engine timing cover-Tdi 
engines only {see ·owner maintenance). 
• Ensure that the silt bed beneath the water 
is firm enough to support the vehicles 
weight and provide sufficient traction. 
• Ensure that the engine air intake is clear of 
the water. 
• To prevent saturation of the electrical 
system and air intake, avoid excessive 
engine speed. 
• 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. 
/88 
After wading 
• Drive the vehicle a short distance and 
apply the footbrake 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 covering 
material 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 
transmission 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. 
• Vehicles required to undergo frequent or 
deep wading conditions will require more 
frequent servicing. See ·owner 
maintenance· and contact a Land Rover 
dealer for advice. 
•  If sa It water is frequently negotiated, 
thoroughly wash the underbody 
components and exposed body panels, 
with fresh water.  
						

							Index 
A 
Access code .. ... . .. .. .. . . . .. .. . .. . ... .. . .. . . .. .. .. . .. ... . 16 
Accessories . . .. .. . . . . . . ... . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . .. ... . . . . .. 17 5 
After sales service.................................... 176 
Air cleaner element renewal .. .. . . . . . . .. . . . . . . ... 137 
Air conditioning ......................................... 43 
Air filter .................................................... 137 
Air recirculation .. ..... ... .. ...... .. .. .... .. .. .. .. ..... .. 45 
Air vents .. .. ... . . . .. ... ... . . . . . .... . ... .. . .. ... . . . .. . .. ... .. 40 
Alarm ......................................................... 13 
Anti-freeze ....................................... 93 & 160 
Anti-theft alarm .......................................... 13 
Anti-theft alarm indicator light ............. ...... 14 
Anti-theft precautions .. .. ...... ..... ... .. .. .... ........ 4 
Ashtray ...................................................... 47 
Axle oil renewal ........................................ 152 
Axle weights .. .. ...... ..... ........ ... .. ... ... .. .. .... .. 167 
B 
Battery ............ ................ ................ ...... ... 101 
Battery charging ..... .. ..... ........... ... .. ... ...... .  1 03 
Battery disconnection ................................ 20 
Blower control . ...... .. ... ... .. ... ...... .. ... ...... .. .... 41 
Bonnet opening ......................................... 86 
Booster cables .. .. .... .. ..... ....... .... ..... . .. ... .. ... .  7 4 
Brake fluid check .. .. ... ... .. ... .. .. .... .... .... ... .. ... 96 
Brake fluid specification ............ ...... .. ...... . 160 
Brake pad/disc check .. .. ... ... .. ... ........ ... ..... 154 
Brake pads .. .. .. .... .. .. .... .. .. . . .. .. ... ... .. .. .... ... .. . . 69 
Brakes ....................................................... 69 
Braking system .. .. ... ... .. .. .. . .. .. .. .... .. .. .... .. .. .. . 69 
Breakdown safety ........................................ 5 
Bulb replacement..................................... 115 
c 
Capacities .. .. . .. .... . .. ................ .... . .. .. .... .. .. . 161 
Care productc; .. .. ... .. ... ... .. .... .. ... .. ... .. .... .. .. . 122 
Catalytic converter ..................................... 60 
Child restraints .......................................... 26 
Child-proof locks .. .. ...... .. ... .. ...... .. ... .... .. .. ... 12 
Chocking a wheel .. .. . .. .... . .. . .. . .. .... .. .. ...... .. .  1 04 
Cigar lighter ............................................... 47 
Cleaning................................................... 121 
Clock ......................................................... 28 
Clutch ........................................................ 64 
Clutch fluid specification.......................... 160 
Clutch fluid top-up .................. ............. ...... 95 
Cold start control ....... ... .. ... ... .. .... .. ... .. .. . .. ... 54 
Controls .......................................................  9 
Cooling system top-up .. .. ......... ........ ..... .... 92 
Crossing a ditch .... ... .. ...... ........ ...... .. .. .... .. 187 
Crossing a ridge ......... ... .... . ... ... ...... .. .. . .... 187 D 
Defrosting .. .. .. . .... . .... .. .. .... . .. .... ...... .. .. . 42 & 46 
De misting .......................................... 42 & 46 
Descending steep slopes .. ....................... 186 
Diesel fuel filter.......................................... 94 
Diesel fuel sedimenter .. ..... .. ...................... 94 
Differential lock.......................................... 67 
Dimensions .. ........... ....... ........ ........ ... ...... 165 
Distributor .. .. ... ... .. . .. ... .. .. .... .. .......... .... .. . .. 141 
Drive belts .. .. ..... ... .. .... .. .. ......... ..... ...... .. .. . 142 
Driving ....................................................... 56 
Driving on rough tracks .. .. ...... ..... ........ .... 184 
Driving on slippery surfaces .. .. .. . ... .. ... ... .. 184 
Driving on soft surfaces & dry sand ........ 183 
Dynamometers (rolling roads) ................. 84 E 
Electrical equipment ................................ 175 
Electrical system .. .. ...... ..... ... .. ........ ...... .. .. 164 
Emergency starting ....... .... .... ... .. ...... .. ...... .. 7 4 
Emergency towing .... ...... ........ ..... ..... ... .. . .. . 76 
Emission control system ....... ... .. ...... .. ... .... 56 
Engine ..................................................... 162 
Engine compartment ... .. .. . .. ... .. .. .... .. .... . .. .. . 88 
Engine data ..... .. . .. .. .. .... ... . ......... ... .. ...... .. .. 162 
Engine immobilisation .. ........ ............. ... .. ... 15 
Engine oil .. ..... ... .. ...... .. ... .. . .. .......... ............. 90 
Engine oil (renewal) .. ... ..... .. ...... .. ... .......... 132 
Engine oil (used) ........................................ 85 
Engine oil filter renewal............................ 133 
Engine oil top-up .. .. ...... .. .. .... .. ... ........ ..... .. . 90 
Engine undertray .... ...... ............ .... .. ...... ... 129 
189  
						

							"~--
Index 
F 
Fan control .. .. ........ ................ ........ ............ 41 
Fluid specifications .. .. .... .. .. ...... .. ... .. .... .. ... 159 
Fog lights................................................... 36 
Fuel ............................................................ 62 
Fuel consumption .................................... 170 
Fuel economy ............................................ 57 
Fuel filling .................................................. 63 
Fuel filter.................................................... 94 
Fuel filter renewal .................................... 134 
Fuel gauge .. .. ...... .. ... ..... .. . ..... ........ ............. 28 
Fuel safety ................................................. 63 
Fuel sedimenter .. ..... ...... . ......... .... . ...... ...... . 94 
Fuel sedimenter cleaning ... .... ... .. ...... ....... 136 
Fuel tank capacity .................................... 161 
Fuel tank changeover ... .. .. ... .. ... .... .... .... .. .... 37 
Fuses ....................................................... 112 
G 
Gearbox ..................................................... 64 
Gearbox oil change .. . .... ... .. ... .... .... ... ........ 150 
Ground clearance..................................... 181 
H 
Handbrake .. .. ... ... . . ... ... .. ... ... .. ... ... . . ... ... . . . .. .. 70 
Hand brake check .. .......... ... ... .. .. .... .. ...... ... 155 
Handset ............................................. 13 & 18 
Handset battery .. .. .... .. .. ...... .. .. .. .. .. ... .. .. .. .. .. 18 
Handset resynchron isation . .. .. .. ... .. .. .... .. .. .. 18 
Hand throttle.............................................. 80 
Hazard warning lights .. ..... ..... ...... .. ... ...... .. . 36 
Headlight adjuster...................................... 33 
Headlight levelling ..................................... 33 
Headlights ................................................. 32 
Heated rear window .. .. .. .... ..... ...... .. ....... ..... 36 
Heater ........................................................ 40 
Height (of vehicle) .. .. ....... .... .......... ........ .... 58 
High range gears ....................................... 65 
High tension leads ................................... 140 
Hom .......................................................... 32 
HT leads .... ... ...... .......... ........ ..... .. .... .... .... 140 
190 
I 
Ignition .. .. .. .... .. .. .. .. .. ...... .. ...... .. ... .. . .. ... ... .. .. 51 
Indicators .. .. ... ... .. .. . ............. ................ .... .. 32 
Instruments .. .. ... ... .. . .. ... .. ... ... .. ...... .. . . . ... ... . . 28 
Interior lights ............................................. 47 
Interior protection .. .. ... ..... ... ... .. ...... .. .......... 15 
Interior trim .. .. ...... .. ...... .. ... ........ ... .. ...... ... 122 J 
Jack {bottle type) ................................... 106 
Jack (pillar type) .. .. ... ... .. ... ... .. ...... .. ...... .. 107 
Jack (wheel changing) .. ... .. ... .. .. .... .. ......... 106 
Jacking .. .. ...... .. .. .... .. ...... .. ............. ...... ..... 1 04 
Jacking points .... .. .... .. ...... .. ...... .. . .. ..... ..... 107 
Jump starting ............................................ 74 K 
Key access code .. .. .. .... ... .. .. ... .. . .... . .. .... .. .. .. 16 
Keys ........................................................... 11 
l 
Light switches .. .. .. .... .. .. .... .. ... .. ... .. .... ... .. .... 32 
Lights ........................................................ 32 
Load carrying ............................................ 71 
Locking wheel nuts .. .......... ... ... .. ... ........ ... 1 10 
Locks ......................................................... 11 
Low range gears .. .. ... ... .. .. .... .. .. ..... ......... .... 65 
Lubricant specifications .. .. .... .. .. ... .. ... .... . .. 159 M 
Main gearbox oil renewal ............... .......... 150 
Maintenance ........................................ 3 & 83 0 
Off-road driving ....................................... 179 
orr -road performance .. .. ... ..... ... .... .... .... ... 166 
Oil .............................................................. 85 
Oil change................................................ 1 32 
Oil filter renewal....................................... 133 
Owner maintenance .. .. .... .. .. ...... .. .... .. .. ...... . 83 p 
Park brake check .. .. ...... .. .. .... .. ... .... . ... ...... 155 
Parts & accessories .. .. .... . .. .. .. .. . .. .. ... .... .. .. 17 5 
Poisonous liquids ...................................... 85 
Power steering . ...... ... .. .. . .. ... .. . .. .... .. .... .. . .. .. 58 
Power steering top-up ............................... 97 
Power take-off drives ................................. 79 
Propeller shaft lubrication ....... ........ ..... .... 155  
						

							Index 
R T 
Radiator blind .. .. ... .. . .. ... . . . .. ...... ........ ... ... .. .. 59 Taildoor .... ... ........... .......... ......................... 12 
Rear fog guard lights .. .. ...... .. ...... .. .. .... ..... .. 36 Temperature gauge.................................... 28 
Rear seats .................................................. 22 Total distance recorder .............................. 28 
Rear window heater .. .. .... .. .. .. .... .. .... .. ......... 36 Towing ...................................................... 71 
Rear window wash/wipe .. .. ...... .. .. .... .... .... .. 35 Towing for recovery ................................... 76 
Replacement bulbs .................................. 164 Towing weights ............................... 72 & 167 
Rolling roads (dynamometers) .................. 84 Trailer socket ............................................. 73 
Roof rack .. .. .. .... .. .. .... .. .. . .. .. .. .. .... . .. .... .. .. .. .. .  7 3 Transfer gearbox .. ... .. ... ..... .. .. .... ...... .. .. .. .... 65 
Running-in ................................................. 56 Transfer gearbox oil renewal.................... 151 s Transmission . . .. ........... ... .. . . . ... .. . .. ... .. . . . ... .. . 64 
Safety in the garage ......................... 85 & 127 Transmission wind-up ............................. 68 Safety on the forecourt .. .. .. .... .. .. .... ... .. ...... . 63 Transporter or trailer lashing .. .. ...... .. ... ...... 77 
Seat belt safety .......................................... 24 Travelling abroad .... ........................ ......... 176 Seat belts ................................................... 24 Traversing a slope ... .... ...... .. ... .. .. .... .. ... .... 187 
Seats ......................................................... 21 Trip recorder.............................................. 28 Security ....................................................... 4 Trip recorder reset button .. ........ ........ ........ 28 
Security information card .. .. ... ....... .... ... .. ... 16 lyre sizes and pressures .. ..... ..... ...... .. ..... 171 Sedimenter .. .. ... ... .. ... ... .. ...... .. ... ... .. .. . ... ... .. . 94 Tyre wear .. .. ........ ... .. ... . .. . .. . .... . .. . .... .. . . .... .. . . 98 
Sedimenter cleaning -diesel .. ........ .......... 136 Tyres ......................................................... 98 Service portfolio book .......................... 3 & 83 v 
Service voucher .. .. .. . .. . .. .. . ... .. ... ... .. .. . ... .. . .. . . . .  3 Vehicle care .. ... .. .. ...... ... .. .. .... .. .. ..... .... ... .. . 121 
Sidelights................................................... 32 Vehicle height .. ... .......... ... .. ........ ...... .......... 58 
Snow chains .............................................. 99 Vehicle identification number.......................  4 
Spare wheel .. . .... .... . . . . ... .. .. .. .. .. ... .... . . . .... . .. 1 04 Vehicle recovery ........................................ 76 
Spare wheel (removing) .. .. .. . ..... ...... ... .. .. .  1 05 Vehicle weights........................................ 167 
Spark plug renewal .......... ........ ........ ........ 140 Ventilation .. .. . .. . .. ..... ... ..... ... .. .. . ... .. ... ... .. ... .. 40 
Speedometer .. .. ... ... .. ...... .. ... .. ........... ... ... ... 28 VIN ..............................................................  4 
Starter switch . .... .. .. .. . ... .. .... .. . . . .. .. ... . ... .. .. ... 51 w 
Starting .. .. .. .. .. ........ .. ... .... ..... .. .. ... .. . .. ... .. .... . 52 Wading .................................................... 188 
Starting with a discharged battery ............. 74 Wading plugs .......................................... 111 
Steam cleaning ........................................ 121 Warning labels .. .. ...... ..... ... .. ...... .. .......... ....... 3 
Steep slopes .. .. ... .. .. .. .. ... .. . ... . .. .... .... .. .. .. .. . 185 Warning lights .. .. ........... ... .. ... ... .. ........ ...... . 29 
Steering ... . .. .. .. .. ... .. .. .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .... .. .. .. ..... .. . 164 Warnings ............................................. 3 & 29 
Steering lock .. .. .... .. . . ... .. .. .. . .. .. .. ... .. .. .. ... .. .. .. 51 Warranty information...................................  3 
Steering swivel housing oil renewal......... 153 Washer ...................................................... 34 
Steps ......................................................... 48 Washer jet adjustment .. .. . .. ... .. .. .. .. .. ... ... .. .  1 00 
Sunroof ..................................................... 39 Washing your vehicle .............................. 121 
Switches . . . . ... ... .. . . . ... .. . . . .. . .. .. . ... .. . .. ... ... . . ... .. 36 Weights .. .. ... .. . .. ... ... .. .. .. . . . .. .. .. .. . ... .. .... .. . .. . 16 7 
Switching off ............................................. 55 Wheel changing .. .. ... ..... ... ..... ...... .......... ... 104 
Wheel chocks .. . .... .. . .. . .. .. . .. .... . .................  1 04 
Wheels ....................................................... 99 
191  
						

							Index 
Wheels & tyres ........................................ 171 
Winching ................................................... 78 
Windows ................................................... 38 
Windscreen washer ................................... 34 
Windscreen washer top-up ........................ 93 
. Windscreen wipers ..... .......... ... ..... ... .......... 34 
Wiper blade replacement ....... ........... ....... 1 00 
Wipers ....................................................... 34 
Workshop maintenance ........................... 125 
1. 
192