Land Rover Defender Owners Handbook Rover

							Gearbox & transmission
68 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
69 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
70 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
71 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
72
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
73 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.
·Driving off-road with a loaded roof
rack is not recommended. If it is
necessary to stow luggage on the
roof rack while driving off-road, all
loads MUST be removed before
traversing side slopes.
·Only fit roof racks that have been
designed for your vehicle. If in
doubt, consult your dealer. 
						

							Emergency starting
74 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 0.5m
away 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
75 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. 
						

							Vehicle recovery
76 VEHICLE RECOVERY
If it is necessary to recover the vehicle by
towing, always adhere to the following
procedure:
Towing the vehicle (on four-wheels)
1.Set the main gearbox and transfer box in
neutral.
2.Ensure the differential lock is in the
unlocked position.
3.Turn the starter switch to the first position
to unlock the steering and leave in this
position while the vehicle is being towed.
4.Secure the towing attachment to the
vehicle.
5.Release the handbrake.
NOTE:If, due to an accident or electrical fault
it is not considered safe to turn the starter
switch, the battery must be disconnected.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
DO NOT attempt to tow the vehicle unless
the starter switch is turned to position I
(to unlock the steering).
·DO NOT attempt to remove the
starter key or turn the switch to
position 0 while the vehicle is in
motion.
·Without the engine running, the
brake servo and power steering
pump cannot provide assistance.
Greater brake pedal and steering
effort are therefore necessary to
safely control the vehicle.Suspended tow
WARNING
Your vehicle has permanent four wheel
drive - the propeller shaft MUST be removed
from the axle to be trailed.
If the front axle is to be trailed ALWAYS
adhere to the following precautions:
·Ensure the four bolts securing the front
propeller shaft to the gearbox are tightly
secured with the appropriate nuts after
disconnecting the propeller shaft -
otherwise serious damage to the gearbox
may occur.
·Unlock the steering.
·Secure the steering wheel and/or linkage
in the straight ahead position - the
steering lock MUST NOT be used for this
purpose.
WARNING
The propeller shaft MUST only be
reconnected by a qualified Land Rover
engineer. Contact your Land Rover dealer
for further information. 
						

							Vehicle recovery
77
Transporter or trailer lashing
Use the towing rings on the front and rear
cross members as lashing points (see
illustration). DO NOT secure lashing hooks or
trailer fixings to any other part of the vehicle.