Land Rover Discovery Series Ii 2003my Owners Handbook Nas Rover

							Automatic Transmission
120
MODE SWITCH
In High range press the mode switch to select 
‘Sport’ mode (the ‘S’ information light on the 
instrument panel will illuminate).
In Low range press the mode switch to select 
‘Manual’ mode (the ‘M’ information light will 
illuminate).
Press the switch a second time to return the 
gearbox to normal operation.
‘Sport’ mode
With ‘Sport’ mode selected, the gearbox is 
more responsive to accelerator pedal 
movement - downshifts occur earlier and 
upshifts are delayed to make optimum use of 
the engines power while accelerating. Select 
‘Sport’ when increased acceleration is required, 
or when negotiating long inclines or twisting 
roads. Note that driving in ‘Sport’ mode may 
increase fuel consumption.
NOTE: If the ignition switch is turned off while 
‘Sport’ mode is selected, the vehicle will stay in 
‘Sport’ mode when the ignition is next switched 
on.
Moving the transfer gearbox to Low range will 
de-select ‘Sport’ mode; it will stay de-selected 
after moving back to High range.‘Manual’ mode
In Low range, with ‘Manual’ mode selected, the 
automatic transmission functions as a manual 
gearbox requiring the driver to move the 
selector lever manually to change gear 
(‘D’ = 4th gear). Manual mode will provide 
maximum vehicle control and engine braking - 
ideal for use in severe off-road conditions. Note 
that ‘kick-down’ is disabled and that automatic 
downshifts will only occur to prevent the engine 
from stalling.
NOTE: ‘Manual’ mode will be cancelled if the 
ignition is switching off or the transfer gearbox 
is used.
H2664
M
O
D
E 
						

							Transfer Gearbox
121
T ra nsfer Ge arboxTRANSFER GEARBOX
The second gearbox (known as the transfer 
box) is used to select either the high or low 
range of gears. It also has a neutral position 
between high and low.
High range (‘H’)
High range should be used for all normal road 
driving and also for off-road driving across dry, 
level terrain.
Low range (‘L’)
Low range should be used ONLY in situations 
where low speed manoeuvering is necessary, 
such as reversing a trailer or negotiating a 
boulder-strewn river bed. Also use low range 
for more extreme off-road conditions where 
progress in high range cannot be maintained. 
DO NOT attempt to use LOW range gears for 
normal road driving.Transfer box Neutral (‘N’)
With the Transfer box in neutral, drive cannot 
be transmitted to the road wheels, regardless of 
the position of the main gear lever.
Use transfer box neutral when being towed.
H4738 
						

							Transfer Gearbox
122
USING THE TRANSFER GEARBOX
There are two ways of operating the transfer 
gearbox lever:
1.‘Statically’, i.e shifting whilst the vehicle is 
stationary.
2.‘Shift on the move’, this is the 
recommended method, which after a little 
practice, can be carried out smoothly and 
quickly.
‘Static’ method
With the vehicle stationary and the engine 
running, apply the foot brake and then move the 
automatic gearbox selector to the ‘N’ (neutral) 
position.Then move the transfer lever fully 
forward or backwards to the required position. 
If there is a resistance to the gear disengaging, 
do not force the lever. Instead, move the 
automatic gearbox selector to the ‘R’ (reverse) 
position for 2 seconds and then return to the ‘N’ 
(neutral) position and then try range change 
again.
If there is resistance to the gear engaging, 
(from the neutral position to the either high or 
low), do not force the lever. Instead:
1.Apply handbrake.
2.With the automatic gearbox still in ‘N’ 
(neutral), momentarily rev the engine 
whilst applying pressure to the transfer 
box lever to engage gear.
3.Select appropriate main gearbox gear to 
pull away.
‘Shift on the move’ method 
With the vehicle driving forwards, reduce (or 
increase) the speed of the vehicle to 5 mph (8 
km/h), then: 
1.Release the accelerator and select auto 
gearbox ‘N’.
2.As the vehicle reaches walking pace, move 
the transfer lever to the required ‘H’ or ‘L’ 
position. (Use positive and confident 
moves, but do not rush the gear change).3.Finally, reselect appropriate gear with the 
main gear selector and continue driving as 
normal.
THE DIFFERENTIAL LOCK*
Unlike most other four-wheel-drive vehicles, all 
Land Rover products have permanent 
four-wheel drive.
Discovery is enhanced by the inclusion of an 
optional lockable differential (diff lock) 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 feature 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 Discovery to operate permanently in 
four-wheel drive for both normal AND off-road 
use.
DIFF
LOCKL
N
H
H4542 
						

							Transfer Gearbox
123
Selecting diff lock
The diff lock can be engaged or disengaged 
either with the vehicle stationary, or when 
driving at any speed. However, with the vehicle 
in motion, it is ESSENTIAL to be travelling on 
firm ground, in a straight line, and without 
wheel slip.
To lock the differential
Move the transfer gear lever to the left - from 
either ‘H’ (high) or ‘L’ (low) gearbox (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) gearbox as 
required; when the diff lock disengages, the 
warning light will extinguish.
When to use the diff lock
As a general rule, the differential should be 
locked only in order to drive on loose or 
slippery off-road surfaces. ALWAYS unlock the 
differential for normal road driving or as soon 
as a surface giving good grip is reached 
whether high or low gears are selected.
WARNING
DO NOT drive the vehicle at speeds in excess 
of 40 mph (60 km/h) with the differential 
locked.Driving with the differential locked at 
speeds above 40 mph (60 km/h) may, under 
certain situations affect the brake 
performance under ABS conditions.
NOTE: A valuable introduction to off-road 
driving, which includes many useful references 
to the transfer gearbox and diff lock is included 
in the handbook section ‘Off-road Driving’ .
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
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.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
If the vehicle is driven on normal road 
surfaces with the differential locked, the 
steering will feel stiff, excessive tire wear 
will occur and the transmission will be 
‘wound up’ putting excessive strain on the 
transmission. 
						

							Cruise Control
124
Cruise  Co ntrolCRUISE CONTROL
Cruise control enables the driver to maintain a 
constant road speed without using the 
accelerator pedal. This is particularly useful for 
freeway cruising or for any journey where a 
constant speed can be maintained for a lengthy 
period.
The cruise control system has three switches; a 
master switch on the right hand side of the 
instrument panel and two control switches 
marked ‘SET +’ and ‘RES’ mounted on the 
steering wheel.
WARNING
DO NOT use cruise control on winding or 
slippery road surfaces, or in traffic conditions 
where a constant speed cannot easily be 
maintained.CAUTION: Always observe the following 
precautions:
DO NOT use cruise control when using low 
range or reverse gears.
Use of ‘sport’ mode is not recommended when 
cruise control is selected.
ALWAYS switch off the master switch when 
you no longer intend to use cruise control to 
avoid accidental activation of cruise control.
DO NOT rest your foot under the accelerator 
pedal while cruise control is engaged - your 
foot could become trapped.
To operate
1.Press the master switch (the switch 
indicator light illuminates whenever the 
switch is pressed to the ‘on’ position).
2.Accelerate until the desired cruising speed 
is reached. This must be above the 
systems operational minimum speed of 
28 mph (45 km/h).
3.Press the ‘SET +’ switch to set the vehicle 
speed in the systems memory. Cruise 
control will now maintain that road speed 
without the need for operation of the 
accelerator pedal.
With cruise control operating, speed can be 
increased for periods of up to 30 seconds, by 
normal use of the accelerator e.g. for 
overtaking. When the accelerator is released, 
road speed will return to the selected cruising 
speed.
NOTE: If the 30 second period is exceeded, 
cruise control will automatically disengage. 
Press the RES switch to re-engage.
H2616 
						

							Cruise Control
125
To reduce the cruising speed: 
Press the ‘RES’ switch to slow the vehicle, until 
the required speed has been reached. Then 
press the ‘SET +’ switch to establish the new 
cruising speed (remember that cruise control 
will not operate at speeds below 28 mph 
(45 km/h).
To increase the set cruising speed:
Press and hold the ‘SET +’ switch - the vehicle 
will accelerate automatically. Release the 
switch as soon as the desired speed has been 
reached.
Alternatively, the set speed can be increased 
incrementally by ‘tapping’ the ‘SET +’ switch. 
Each press of the switch will increase the speed 
by 1 mph (1.5 km/h approx).
Disengaging cruise control
Cruise control will disengage when the gear 
selector is moved into neutral, or when the 
brake pedal is pressed. Cruise control can also 
be disengaged by pressing the ‘RES’ switch.
To re-engage cruise control at the previously 
set speed, press the ‘RES’ switch.
NOTE: The speed held in the cruise control 
memory will be cancelled when either the 
cruise control master switch or the starter 
switch is turned off. 
						

							Brakes
126
Brak esFOOT BRAKE
For your safety, the hydraulic braking system 
operates through dual circuits. If one circuit 
should fail, the other will continue to function. 
However, in the event of brake failure where 
only one circuit is operational, the vehicle 
should only be driven at slow speed to the 
nearest qualified dealer. In these 
circumstances, exercise extreme caution and 
be aware that increased brake pedal travel, 
greater pedal pressure, and longer stopping 
distances will be experienced. 
Power assistance
The braking system is power 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 coast with the 
engine turned off.
•ALWAYS take particular care when being 
towed with the engine turned off (see 
‘FOUR-WHEEL TOWING’, page 206).
•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.
Electronic brake force distribution
In addition, your vehicle is equipped with 
Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), 
which balances the distribution of braking 
forces between front and rear axles, in order to 
maintain maximum braking efficiency under all 
load conditions. For example; under light loads 
EBD applies less effort to the rear brakes to 
maintain vehicle stability, conversely reducing 
front braking effort when the vehicle is towing 
or is heavily laden.Driving in 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.
Brake pads
Brake pads require a period of bedding in. For 
the first 500 miles (800 km), you should avoid 
situations where heavy braking is required.
Remember! 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.
If the brake warning light comes on when 
driving, and the parking brake is fully released, 
a fault with the braking system is indicated. Be 
prepared for increased brake pedal travel and 
then stop the vehicle as quickly as traffic 
conditions and safety permit and seek qualified 
assistance before continuing. DO NOT pump 
the brake pedal - the braking system may lose 
any remaining power assistance available.
CAUTION: DO NOT rest your foot on the brake 
pedal while travelling, as this may overheat the 
brakes, reduce their efficiency and cause 
excessive wear.
WARNING
•NEVER place non-approved floor matting 
or any other obstructions under the brake 
pedal. This restricts pedal travel and 
braking efficiency.
•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 to operate them. 
						

							Brakes
127
WARNING
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 - the braking 
system may lose any remaining power 
assistance available.
PARKING BRAKE 
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 parking brake 
is applied.
To engage the parking brake, depress the 
button and pull the lever up fully.
To release, pull the lever up slightly, depress 
the button and lower the lever.
When parking on a slope, do not rely on the 
parking brake alone to hold the vehicle.
Always ensure the parking pawl of the gearbox 
has fully engaged by carefully releasing the foot 
brake and allowing the vehicle to ‘rock’ into ‘P’ 
(park).
CAUTION: DO NOT apply the parking brake 
whilst the vehicle is in motion (except in an 
emergency) as this could result in loss of 
vehicle control and damage to the 
transmission.
WARNING
ALWAYS use wheel chocks when jacking the 
vehicle. Even with the parking brake applied, 
vehicle movement is likely due to tolerances 
in the transmission.
ANTI-LOCK BRAKES
CAUTION: ABS cannot overcome the physical 
limitations of stopping the vehicle in too short a 
distance, cornering at too high a speed, or the 
danger of aquaplaning, i.e. where a layer of 
water prevents adequate contact between the 
tires and the road surface.
The fact that a vehicle is fitted with ABS must 
never tempt the driver into taking risks that 
could affect his/her safety or that of other road 
users. In all cases, it remains the drivers 
responsibility to drive within normal safety 
margins, having due consideration for 
prevailing weather and traffic conditions.
The ABS is designed to operate only with the 
tires specified in ‘Technical data’ (see ‘WHEELS 
& TIRES’, page 235) and genuine Land Rover 
parts. The manufacturers cannot accept any 
responsibility for inefficient operation of the 
system caused by modifications to the vehicle, 
or the fitting of non-approved components. 
Always consult your Land Rover retailer for 
advice.
The driver should always take account of the 
surface to be travelled over and the fact that 
brake pedal reactions will be different to those 
experienced on a non-ABS vehicle.
NOTE: On each initial start up a faint whirring 
sound can be heard, this is part of the brake 
system self check and is not a cause for 
concern.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Always apply the parking brake fully 
whenever you park.
DO NOT rely on the parking brake to 
operate effectively if the vehicle has been 
subjected to immersion in mud and water 
(see ‘Off-Road Driving’ section). 
						

							Brakes
128
The purpose of the anti-lock braking system 
(ABS) is to allow efficient braking without wheel 
locking - thereby allowing the driver to retain 
steering control of the vehicle whilst braking.
Under normal braking conditions, (where 
sufficient road surface friction exists to reliably 
bring the vehicle to a halt without the wheels 
locking), ABS will not be activated. However, 
should the braking force exceed the available 
adhesion between the tires and the road 
surface, then ABS will automatically come into 
operation. This will be recognisable by a rapid 
pulsation felt through the brake pedal.
In an on-road 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.
WARNING
DO NOT pump the brake pedal at any time; 
this will interrupt operation of the system and 
may increase braking distance.
DO NOT place non-approved floor mats or any 
other obstruction under the brake pedal. This 
restricts pedal travel and therefore impairs 
braking efficiency.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 on and also 
continuously during your journey.
The warning light on the instrument panel is an 
important part of this system. The light should 
illuminate for approximately 3 seconds when 
the starter switch is turned to position ‘II’ and 
then extinguish.
If the light illuminates while driving, or remains 
illuminated for more than 3 seconds after the 
starter switch is turned on, a fault has been 
detected by the self monitoring system and full 
ABS control may not be available - consult your 
retailer at the earliest opportunity.
The normal braking system remains fully 
operational and is not affected by partial or full 
loss of the ABS. However, braking distances 
may increase. 
						

							Brakes
129
Additional operating information
While anti-lock braking is designed to operate 
equally effectively in ‘off-road’ driving 
conditions, on certain surfaces total reliance on 
the system may be unwise - remember, in 
normal circumstances, anti-lock braking 
operates only AFTER one or more roadwheels 
has reached the limit of its grip. It cannot 
reliably compensate for driver error or 
inexperience on difficult off-road surfaces.
Note the following:
•Under ABS control, heavy braking on a dry 
road may produce tire noise and slight 
marking of the road surface. Neither need 
cause concern.
•On soft or deep surfaces such as powdery 
snow, sand or gravel, and on extremely 
rough ground, the braking distance required 
by the anti-lock braking system may be 
greater than those achievable with a 
non-ABS system, even though improved 
steering would be experienced. This is 
because the natural action of locked wheels 
on soft surfaces is to build up a wedge of 
surface material in front of the wheels, 
which assists in stopping.
•The driver should always take account of the 
surface to be travelled over and the fact that 
brake pedal reactions will be different from 
those experienced on a non-ABS vehicle.
•When maximum braking is required on 
loose or bumpy surfaces, full braking effort 
should be applied.•If the vehicle is stopped on a very steep 
slope where little traction is available, it may 
slide with the wheels locked because there 
is no wheel rotation to signal movement to 
the ABS. To counteract this, briefly release 
the brakes to permit some wheel 
movement, then re-apply the brakes to 
allow the system to gain control at a suitable 
speed.
•Before driving off-road read and thoroughly 
understand the ‘Off-road driving’ section of 
this handbook.