Land Rover Defender 99my Owners Handbook Aus Rover

							Brakes
48 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 freewheel 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 800 km (500
miles).
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.
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
49 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 a slope, do not rely on the
handbrake alone to hold the vehicle, park in a
low forward gear when facing uphill and in
reverse gear when facing downhill. For extra
security on steep slopes, move the transfer
lever into low range or engage the diff lock.
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). 
						

							Brakes
50 ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM
(if fitted)
The anti-lock braking system (ABS) prevents
the wheels from locking, thereby helping to
maintain steering control. No special driving
techniques or effort is required from the
driver.
Under normal braking (where sufficient road
surface friction exists to reliably bring the
vehicle to a halt, without the wheels locking),
the anti-lock braking system will not be
activated. However, if the force of your
braking should exceed the available adhesion
between the tyres and the road, causing one
or more wheels to lock, then the anti-lock
braking system will automatically come into
operation. This will be recognised by a rapid
pulsation felt through the brake pedal.
WARNING
The anti-lock braking system cannot
overcome the physical limitations of
stopping the vehicle in too short a distance,
cornering at high speed, or aquaplaning, i.e
where a layer of water prevents adequate
contact between the tyres and road surface.
The fact that the vehicle is fitted with
anti-lock braking, must never tempt the
driver into taking risks that could affect
his/her safety, or that of other road users.
Drivers still have a duty to drive within
normal safety margins, having due
consideration for the prevailing road
surface, weather and traffic conditions.Anti-lock braking in action
In an emergency situation, full braking effort
should ALWAYS be applied, even when the
road surface is slippery. The anti-lock braking
system constantly monitors the speed of each
wheel and varies braking pressure to each,
according to the amount of traction available,
thereby ensuring that the wheels do not lock.
Always remember, ABS is designed to
maintain steering control under heavy braking
conditions.
On soft surfaces such as powdery snow, sand
or gravel, braking distances may be greater
than those achievable on a vehicle without
anti-lock braking. This is because the action of
locked wheels on loose surfaces, is to build
up a wedge of material in front of the wheels,
which assists in bringing the vehicle to a halt.
However, even in these circumstances, the
anti-lock braking system will provide better
stability and steering control. 
						

							Brakes
51
Warning light
The anti-lock braking system
incorporates a monitoring
system, which checks that all the electrical
components are in working order, as soon as
the starter switch is turned to position II and
also at frequent intervals during your journey.
The warning light on the instrument panel is
an important part of this system. The warning
light should illuminate for approximately one
second when the starter switch is turned to
position II and then briefly extinguishes
before coming on again. If the light does not
extinguish and then illuminate again, a fault
has occurred with the ABS system and you
should consult your Land Rover dealer at the
earliest opportunity. The warning light will
remain illuminated until the vehicle is driven
above approximately 8 km/h (5 mph).
If the light remains on, or subsequently
illuminates while driving, a fault has been
detected by the self monitoring system and
full ABS control may not be available - consult
your dealer at the earliest opportunity. 
						

							Traction control
52 ELECTRONIC TRACTION CONTROL
(if fitted)
The purpose of electronic traction control is to
aid traction when one wheel spins while the
other still has good grip, eg. if one side of the
vehicle is on ice and the other is on tarmac.
The system works by applying the brake to a
spinning wheel in order to transfer torque to
the other side of the axle.
NOTE:Traction control only operates below
approximately 50 km/h (30 mph).
The instrument panel has a traction control
warning light (TC) which illuminates whenever
the system is active (for a minimum of 2
seconds) and also illuminates as a bulb check
(for approximately 4 seconds) when the
starter switch is turned to position II. In the
unlikely event that traction control operates
continuously for too long (in excess of
approximately 1 minute), then the control unit
shuts down to allow cooling and the warning
light flashes for at least ten seconds.
If there is a fault with the system, then the
warning light will illuminate continuously -
contact your dealer at the earliest opportunity. 
						

							Towing & load carrying
53 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.
The suspension is designed to cope with a
heavy trailer load without upsetting the
balance or feel of the vehicle.
WARNING
Only fit towing accessories that have been
designed and approved by Land Rover.
Ensure that the gross weight and maximum
rear axle weight 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 point (this is called the
draw-bar loading weight, or 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 2000 kg (4400 lb) by moving
off in LOW range, then changing to HIGH
range while on the move (see Transfer
gearbox). 
						

							Towing & load carrying
54
NOTE:Towing regulations vary from country to country. It is very important to ensure that
national regulations governing towing weights and speed limits are observed (refer to the relevant
national 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 kg Off-road kg
Unbraked trailers 750........................................................................ 500
Trailers with overrun brakes 3500...................................................... 1000
4 wheel trailers with coupled brakes 4000.......................................... 1000
NOSE WEIGHT
The recommended trailer nose weight limit is
150 kg (330 lb). The nose weight plus the
combined weight of the vehicles load carrying
area and rear seat passengers, must never
exceed the maximum rear axle load or the
gross vehicle weight (as shown in General
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 (see General data). 
						

							Towing & load carrying
55 Coupled braking systems
In order to tow a trailer with a weight in
excess of 3,500 kg, the vehicle must be
adapted to operate a coupled brake system. If
this adaptation is carried out, the vehicle
identification number plate (VIN) must be
changed to show the increased train weight.
Revised VIN plates may be obtained from
Land Rover; these will be issued subject to
satisfactory proof that the vehicle has been
fitted with an approved conversion.
NOTE:Above 300 metres (1,000 feet) the
effects of altitude can adversely affect engine
performance and also cause overheating.
Trailer socket
When the engine is running, power
consumption from trailer socket must NOT
exceed 5 amps.
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.
WARNING
ALWAYS consult your dealer for advice
regarding the approval, suitability,
installation and use of any parts or
accessories before fitting.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
·The MAXIMUM roof rack load is
150 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. 
						

							Emergency starting
56 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 naked lights away from the
battery compartment.
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
neutral (P or Park for donor vehicles with
automatic 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 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. 
						

							Emergency starting
57 8.Once both engines are running normally,
allow them to idle for two minutes before
switching off the engine of the donor
vehicle and disconnecting the booster
cables. DO NOT switch on any electrical
circuits on the previously disabled vehicle
until AFTER the booster cables have been
removed.
9.Disconnecting the booster cables must be
an EXACT reversal of the connecting
procedure,ie; disconnect the BLACK
cable from the earthing point on the
disabled vehicle FIRST.