Land Rover Defender Owners Handbook Aus Rover

							Gearbox & transmission
54
MAIN GEARBOX
Your vehicle features a five speed main
gearbox and a two speed 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 automatically align between
third and fourth gear positions.Clutch
Take care NOT to 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.
WARNING
Do NOT select reverse gear unless the
vehicle is stationary. 
						

							Gearbox & transmission
55
TRANSFER GEARBOX
The second gear lever is used to select either
the high or low range of gears in the transfer
gearbox 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 for more extreme off-road conditions
where progress in high range cannot be
maintained.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 being towed or when
using winching or power take off 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
56 USING THE TRANSFER GEARBOX
With the vehicle stationary and the engine
running, depress the clutch and then move
the lever fully forward (or backwards) in TWO
distinct but positive moves - high to
neutral.... neutral to low (or vice versa).
If there is resistance to the gear engaging, do
not force the lever. Instead, with the main
lever in gear, release the clutch momentarily
and then try again.
Changing from low to high on the move:
Changing from L (low) to H (high) can be
achieved without stopping the vehicle, as
follows:
1.Apply slight backward pressure to the
transfer gear lever in preparation for
changing.
2.Then, in three simultaneous moves,
depress the clutch, release the accelerator
and pull the transfer lever into neutral.
3.Release the clutch pedal for approximately
3 seconds before depressing it again and
moving the transfer lever firmly into the
high position.
4.Finally, select a suitable main gear, release
the clutch and continue driving in the
normal way.
NOTE:After a little practice, this operation
can be carried out smoothly and quickly by
using firm, positive moves. 
						

							Gearbox & transmission
57
THE DIFFERENTIAL LOCK
Unlike other four wheel drive vehicles, all Land
Rover products 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.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:
Briefly ease the throttle and depress the clutch
while moving the transfer gear lever to the left
- from either H (high) or L (low) position.
Release the clutch as soon as the differential
is locked (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
58 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. 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
59 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
60 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). 
						

							Towing & load carrying
61 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
62
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
Petrol and Diesel (turbo) 4000........................................................... 1000
Diesel (non-turbo) 3500..................................................................... 1000
NOSE WEIGHT
The recommended trailer nose weight limit is
75 kg (165 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
63 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 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.