Land Rover Discovery Series Ii 2002my Owners Handbook Nas Rover

							Self-levelling Suspension
130
To manually raise the suspension
With the engine running and all doors fully 
closed, press the fascia-mounted off-road 
mode switch (see illustration). A single warning 
chime will sound, the off-road warning light on 
the instrument panel will commence flashing 
and the rear of the vehicle will start to rise. Once 
the pre-set off-road height has been reached, 
the warning light will stop flashing and 
illuminate constantly instead. Constant 
illumination will remain while the vehicle is 
operating at off-road height.
To return the vehicle to standard ride height, 
press the off-road mode switch a second time. 
Note that a single chime will sound and the 
warning light will flash while the rear 
suspension is lowered.
NOTE: If axle displacement is excessive, 
selection of the off-road height setting may be 
prohibited. In this case three warning chimes 
will sound. 
NOTE: If changes to or from off-road height are 
prohibited (e.g. door open) the chime will 
sound three times.To manually lower the suspension
To lower the suspension you will need a remote 
suspension control (handset) - see illustration.
With the vehicle stationary at standard ride 
height, and the starter switch turned to position 
‘II’, press and hold the ‘DOWN’ button to lower 
the vehicle. Release the button when the 
desired height has been reached. The SLS 
warning light on the instrument panel will flash 
and a warning chime will sound continually 
while the vehicle is lowering.
To return the vehicle to its standard ride height, 
press and hold the ‘UP’ button on the handset. 
Again the warning light flashes (and chime 
sounds) while the vehicle is rising. All 
suspension movement and warning light 
activity ceases once the vehicle has returned to 
standard ride height.
NOTE: The SLS system will not operate while a 
door is open.
NOTE: At high altitude the system will take 
significantly longer to raise the vehicle.
H2606H2607 
						

							Self-levelling Suspension
131
NOTE: If this feature is subjected to excessive 
use, the system will automatically disable to 
prevent components from overheating. The 
system has a cumulative total of three minutes 
operation at any one time. If this is exceeded 
the system will close down (partial operation 
will return after a few minutes).
Remote SLS handset
If your vehic.le is equipped with SLS, the 
remote SLS handset is available as an 
accessory from a Land Rover dealer. 
Battery replacement is similar to the equivalent 
process for the handset key (see ‘REMOTE 
HANDSET BATTERY’, page 29). Battery 
specification is identical. WARNING LIGHTS
Off-road - AMBER
Illuminates briefly as a bulb and 
system check when the starter 
switch is turned to position ‘II’ and 
then extinguishes. 
If the off-road switch is pressed: 
The light flashes while the rear of the vehicle is 
either; rising to off-road height, or returning to 
standard ride height. The light then illuminates 
constantly while the suspension remains at 
off-road height.
In addition, the light will flash while Extended 
mode is induced.    
Sell-levelling suspension - AMBER
Illuminates briefly as a bulb and 
system check when the starter 
switch is turned to position ‘II’ and 
then extinguishes.
If the remote handset is operated: 
The light flashes continually while the rear of 
the vehicle is being lowered, or raised.
If the light illuminates constantly: 
A fault with the suspension is indicated. Seek 
qualified assistance as soon as possible.
While it is possible to continue driving the 
vehicle in this condition, this is not 
recommended as there is a considerable risk of 
causing further damage to the suspension. 
Preferably, the vehicle should be brought to a 
halt as soon as conditions allow. Further travel 
should be limited to reaching the nearest Land 
Rover dealer, or driving to a place of safety 
while awaiting recovery. In any event, speed 
must be restricted to a rate that will guarantee a 
smooth, and totally bump-free, ride at all times, 
ideally traversing only smooth, roads.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Note that the handset will operate 
effectively from inside the vehicle. It is 
therefore important to keep it out of reach 
of children at all times, and especially while 
towing. When operating the handset from 
inside the passenger compartment for the 
purpose of lowering the vehicle to attach a 
trailer, ensure that the underside of the 
vehicle has been checked for obstructions 
before lowering, and that a responsible 
adult has been posted outside the vehicle 
to supervise the lowering process. 
						

							Towing
132
To wing
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. Details of gross maximum towed 
weights are listed on the following pages and in 
the General Data section (see ‘TOWING 
WEIGHTS’, page 226).
WARNING
To preserve the vehicles handling and 
stability, only fit towing accessories that have 
been designed and approved by Land Rover.
Ensure that the gross vehicle weight and 
maximum rear axle weight are not exceeded. 
Exceeding allowable vehicle and axle loads 
will increase the risk of tyre and suspension 
failure, increase vehicle brake stopping 
distance, and adversely affect vehicle handling 
and stability, which may result in a crash or 
vehicle rollover.
To prevent inappropriate height adjustments 
that may adversely affect vehicle handling 
during towing, vehicles equipped with SLS 
should only be operated in NORMAL MODE.
It is the driver’s responsibility to ensure that the 
towing vehicle and trailer/caravan are loaded 
and balanced so that the combination is stable 
when in motion. When preparing your vehicle 
for towing, pay attention to any instructions 
provided by the trailer/caravan manufacturer as 
well as to the information that follows.
Balancing the combination
To ensure optimum stability, it is essential that 
the trailer must be level with the ground, with 
the towing hitch and trailer drawbar set at the 
same height (note the illustration at the top of 
the page). This is particularly important when 
towing twin axle trailers!
•The trailer should be level with the ground 
when loaded.
•The height of the drawbar hitch point should 
be set so that the trailer is level when 
connected to the loaded vehicle (in the case 
of vehicles equipped with self-levelling 
suspension, the engine must be running, 
the doors closed and the suspension at 
standard ride height).
H3533 
						

							Towing
133
Trailer hitch
Your vehicle is equipped with a Class III trailer 
hitch receiver as standard equipment. When 
selecting a drawbar for the receiver, do not 
exceed a drop in height of 3 in (76 mm) or a 
hitch length of 8 in (203 mm) - both as 
measured from the connecting pin of the 
receiver.
An equalizing or other form of weight 
distributing hitch should NOT be used with your 
vehicle.
NOTE: Users of light trailers with loads not 
exceeding 5511 lb (2500 kg) and a tongue 
weight limited to 400 lb (180 kg), may opt for a 
drawbar with a drop height not exceeding 5 in 
(127 mm).
Towing guidelines
When preparing your vehicle for towing, pay 
careful attention to the trailer manufacturers 
recommendations and observe 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.
•Within the limits quoted, choose a draw bar 
that allows for a level attitude of the trailer 
and vehicle.•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 
tongue weight, or nose weight), is in 
accordance with both the trailer 
manufacturers recommendations, and the 
requirements in this Manual, (see ‘Tongue 
weight’, page 134).
•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. 
NOTE: It is the drivers responsibility to ensure 
that all regulations with regard to towing are 
complied with according to the state in which 
the vehicle is being operated. All relevant 
information should be obtained from an 
appropriate motoring organization or towing 
equipment retailer.
NOTE: When towing trailers, always consult 
and obey local speed regulations. Speed should 
be reduced to compensate for increased 
stopping distances.
H2651
8 inch ( 203 mm ) 
3 inch ( 76 mm )  
						

							Towing
134
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 ‘TOWING WEIGHTS’, page 226).
Automatic gearbox
To avoid overheating the gearbox, it is not 
advisable to tow heavy trailer loads at speeds of 
less than 20 mph (32 km/h) using the main 
gearbox in high range. Use the transfer gearbox 
to select low range instead.
NOTE: Above 1,000 feet (300 metres) the 
effects of altitude can adversely affect engine 
performance.Tongue weight
The following operating instructions should be 
read in conjunction with the towing chart given 
later in this section.
WARNING
DO NOT exceed the gross weight or axle loads 
stated on the certification label attached to 
the vehicle. Exceeding allowable vehicle and 
axle loads will increase the risk of tyre or 
suspension failure, increase vehicle brake 
stopping distance, and adversely affect 
vehicle handling and stability which may 
result in a crash or rollover. ESSENTIAL TOWING CHECKS
Tyre pressures:Increase rear pressures of towing vehicle by at least 3 lbf/in
2 (0.2 bar) up to 
maximum of 46 lbf/in2 (3.2 bar). Ensure trailer/caravan tyres are at 
recommended pressures.
Loading:Keep trailer loads securely anchored, evenly distributed and as low as 
possible with heavy loads over the axle. Towing vehicle maximum axle 
weights and gross vehicle weight must not be exceeded.
Tongue weight:Must be minimum of 7% of gross caravan/trailer weight up to maximum of 
551 lb (250 kg) - see vehicle/trailer/tow hitch chart in ‘Te c h n i c a l  D a t a’.
Hitch height:Must be set so that caravan/trailer is level when connected to the tow 
vehicle with engine running. 
						

							Towing
135
WARNING
The tongue weight plus the combined weight 
of the vehicles load carrying area and rear 
seat passengers must never exceed the 
specified maximum rear axle load (see 
‘TOWING WEIGHTS’, page 226).Trailer socket
Incorporated in the vehicles electrical harness 
is the facility to fit a multi-pin trailer lighting 
socket.
The wiring connection point is a sealed 
multi-pin connector located behind the right tail 
light cluster. To gain access to the connectors, 
remove the light cluster (see ‘REPLACING 
BULBS’, page 209).
An accessory lighting adaptor kit is available, 
consult your dealer.
CAUTION: Power output from the trailer socket 
must not exceed 5 amps, as damage to 
electrical components could occur.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
For all of the towing conditions described, 
it is important that the following points are 
observed:
•All loads in the vehicle should be 
distributed as far forward as possible.
•The maximum Gross Vehicle Weight 
must not be exceeded, see ‘TOWING 
WEIGHTS’, page 226.
•The maximum individual axle weights 
must not be exceeded, see ‘TOWING 
WEIGHTS’, page 226.
•Changes between high and low range 
should not be made while the vehicle is 
on the move.
•Total trailer weight and tongue load can 
be measured with platform scales 
found at highway weighing stations, 
building supply companies, etc.
•The loading capacities and conditions 
for coil sprung and self levelled vehicles 
are different. Read the following section 
on permitted loading conditions for full 
details.
H2652 
						

							Towing
136
TOWING WEIGHT CHART
Loading descriptionSuspension 
Ty p eMax. Trailer 
WeightTongue 
WeightMax. Vehicle Weight
Trailer without brakes All 1650 lb 115 lb
-
Trailer with brakes, off-roadAll 2200 lb 155 lb-
Trailer with brakes, on-road 
with vehicle at Gross Vehicle 
Weight Coil spring 4410 lb 330 lb (1)710 lb (equivalent to driver, 
three passenger’s and 
110 lb luggage) 
(2)
Self levelling 4410 lb 330 lb (1)900 lb (equivalent to driver 
and five passenger’s) (2)
Maximum towing capacity 
on-road in high range (3)Coil spring 5500 lb 385 lb 450 lb (equivalent to driver 
and 2 passenger’s)
Self levelling 5500 lb 550 lb 600 lb (equivalent to driver 
and 3 passengers)
Maximum towing capacity 
on-road in low range 
(3)Coil spring 7700 lb 550 lb 450 lb (equivalent to driver 
and 2 passenger’s)
Self levelling 7700 lb 550 lb 600 lb (equivalent to driver 
and 3 passengers)
(1) It is permissible to increase the tongue weight to a maximum of 550 lb, however the vehicle payload 
and rear axle loads must be reduced to keep within the GVW and maximum rear axle load.
(2) High and low gears may be used when loaded to these conditions, but changes between the two 
ranges should not be made while the vehicle is in motion.
(3) All occupants should be seated in the first and second row seats. 
						

							Load Carrying
137
L oa d Ca rryingLUGGAGE ANCHOR POINTS
Four fixing points are provided in the rear 
luggage compartment floor to assist in safely 
securing large items of luggage.
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.
STORAGE BINS
Some vehicles are equipped with storage bins 
on each side of the loadspace. Raise the lid to 
open. 
ROOF RACKS 
The roof rack system comprises two side rails 
permanently fixed to the roof of the vehicle. 
Cross bars are available as an accessory from a 
Land Rover retailer.
WARNING
To avoid the risk of personal injury or death, 
DO NOT permit children or any other person to 
travel on the roof rack (or any access ladder) 
whilst the vehicle is in motion.
H2561
H2560
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Always observe the following precautions:
•The MAXIMUM load for approved roof 
rack systems (including the weight of 
the rack itself) is 110 kg (50 kg) for 
normal road use and 66 lb (30 kg) 
off-road.
•A loaded roof rack can reduce the 
stability of the vehicle, particularly 
when cornering and encountering cross 
winds.
•All loads should be distributed as far 
forward as possible, and secured within 
the periphery of the roof rack system.
•Only fit roof racks that have been 
designed for your vehicle. If in doubt, 
consult your dealer.
•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, the maximum weight 
capacity is limited to 66 lb (30 kg) and 
all loads MUST be removed before 
traversing side slopes. 
						

							138 
						

							139
Off-Road Driving
Off-Road Driving
BEFORE YOU DRIVE  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  141
BASIC OFF-ROAD TECHNIQUES  . . . . . . . . . . . .  141
AFTER DRIVING OFF-ROAD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  144
SERVICING REQUIREMENTS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  144
Driving Techniques
DRIVING ON SOFT SURFACES & DRY SAND  . .  145
DRIVING ON SLIPPERY SURFACES
(ice, snow, mud, wet grass). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  145
DRIVING ON ROUGH TRACKS . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  145
CLIMBING STEEP SLOPES  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  146
DESCENDING STEEP SLOPES . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  147
TRAVERSING A SLOPE  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  147
NEGOTIATING A ‘V’ SHAPED GULLY . . . . . . . . .  148
DRIVING IN EXISTING WHEEL TRACKS  . . . . . .  148
CROSSING A RIDGE  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  148
CROSSING A DITCH  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  148
WADING  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  149