Land Rover Defender Owners Handbook Rover

Steps
48
Steps(if fitted)
The steps can be folded up or down as
required. 

49
SECTION 3
Driving & operating
Section Contents Page
Starter switch & steering lock 51....................
Starting & driving 52......................................
Catalytic converter 60.....................................
Fuel 62............................................................
Gearbox & transmission 64............................
Brakes 69.......................................................
Towing & load carrying 71.............................
Emergency starting...

50 

Starter switch & steering lock
51
To unlock the steering column
Insert the ignition key FULLY and turn the
starter switch to position I, while turning the
steering wheel slightly to disengage the lock.
To lock the steering column
Turn the starter switch to position 0 and
withdraw the key from the starter switch. Turn
the steering wheel towards the straight ahead
position until the lock engages.
WARNING
DO NOT remove the key or turn the starter
switch to position 0 while the vehicle is in
motion. Once the...

Starting & driving
52 STARTING - DIESEL ENGINES
WARNING
FOR VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A
CATALYTIC CONVERTER:
Catalytic converters are easily damaged
through improper use, particularly if the
wrong fuel is used, or if an engine misfire
occurs.
Before starting the engine and driving,
ENSURE you are familiar with the precautions
shown under Catalytic converter later in this
section.
In particular, you should be aware that
continued use of the starter will result in
unused fuel damaging the catalytic...

Starting & driving
53 Cold climates
In very cold climates, the battery charging and
oil pressure warning lights may take several
seconds to extinguish. Similarly, engine
cranking times will also increase; at -30°C the
starter motor may need to be operated
continuously for as long as 30 seconds before
the engine will start. For this reason, ensure
that all non-essential electrical equipment is
switched off.
Warming up
In the interests of fuel economy, it is advisable
to start driving straight away,...

Starting & driving
54 STARTING - PETROL ENGINES
1.Check that the handbrake is applied and
that the gear lever is in neutral.
2.Switch off all unnecessary electrical
equipment.
3.If the engine is cold, pull out the cold start
control (if fitted) and turn it clockwise to
lock (see illustration).
4.Insert the starter key and turn the switch
to position II and then on to position III
to operate the starter motor. DO NOT
press the accelerator pedal during starting
and RELEASE THE KEY as soon as the
engine is...

Starting & driving
55
WARNING
Exhaust fumes contain poisonous
substances which can cause
unconsciousness and may even be fatal.
·DO NOT inhale exhaust gases.
·DO NOT start or leave the engine running
in an enclosed unventilated area, or
drive with the rear door open.
·DO NOT modify the exhaust system from
the original design.
·DO repair exhaust system or body leaks
immediately.
·If you think exhaust fumes are entering
the vehicle have the cause determined
and corrected immediately.
Parking
After bringing...

Starting & driving
56 RUNNING-IN (petrol & diesel models)
Proper running-in will have a direct bearing on
the reliability and smooth running of your
vehicle throughout its life.
In particular, the engine, gearbox, brakes and
tyres need time to bed-in and adjust to the
demands of everyday motoring. It is therefore
essential to drive with consideration for the
running-in process for at least the first 800
km (500 miles) and observe the following
advice:
·LIMIT maximum speed to 80 km/h (50
mph) for...

Starting & driving
57 FUEL ECONOMY
Fuel consumption is influenced by two major
factors:
·How your vehicle is maintained.
·How you drive your vehicle.
To obtain optimum fuel economy, it is
essential that your vehicle is maintained in
accordance with the manufacturers service
schedule.
Items such as ignition timing, the condition of
the air cleaner element, tyre pressures and
wheel alignment can have a significant effect
on fuel consumption. But above all, the way in
which you drive is most important. The...