Land Rover Freelander Owners Handbook Lrl 18 02 50 501 Rover

							Off-Road Driving
171
Steering
WARNING
DO NOT hold the steering wheel with your 
thumbs inside the rim - a sudden ‘Kick’ of the 
wheel as the vehicle negotiates a rut or 
boulder could seriously injure them. ALWAYS 
grip the wheel on the outside of the rim (as 
shown) when traversing uneven ground.
Survey the ground before driving
Before negotiating difficult terrain, it is wise to 
carry out a preliminary survey on foot. This will 
minimise the risk of your vehicle getting into 
difficulty through a previously unnoticed 
hazard.Ground clearance
Dont forget to allow for ground clearance 
beneath the body and under the front and rear 
bumpers. Note that the suspension arms are 
situated below the body. Note also that there 
are other parts of the vehicle which may come 
into contact with the ground - take care not to 
ground the vehicle.
Ground clearance is particularly important at 
the bottom of steep slopes, or where wheel ruts 
are unusually deep and where sudden changes 
in the slope of the ground are experienced.
ALWAYS attempt to avoid obstacles that may 
foul the underside of the vehicle.
Loss of traction
If the vehicle is immobilised due to loss of 
wheel grip, the following hints could be of 
value:
•Avoid prolonged wheel spin; this will only 
make matters worse.
•Remove obstacles rather than forcing the 
vehicle to cross them.
•Clear clogged tire treads.
•Reverse as far as possible, then attempt an 
increased speed approach - additional 
momentum may overcome the obstacle.
•Brushwood, sacking or any similar material 
placed in front of the tires may improve tire 
grip.
CD autochanger
*
Playing CDs while negotiating arduous off-road 
terrain is not recommended. Severe jolting of 
the vehicle may disturb the operation of the 
autochanger, causing the disc to jump or 
skip.
H5082 
						

							Off-Road Driving
172
AFTER DRIVING OFF-ROAD SERVICING REQUIREMENTS
Vehicles operated in arduous conditions, 
particularly on dusty, muddy or wet terrain, and 
vehicles undergoing frequent or deep wading 
conditions will require more frequent servicing. 
See ‘OWNER MAINTENANCE’, page 182 and 
contact a Land Rover Retailer for advice.
After wading in salt water or driving on sandy 
beaches, use a hose to wash the underbody 
components and any exposed body panels with 
fresh water. This will help to protect the 
vehicles cosmetic appearance.IMPORTANT 
Before rejoining the public highway, or 
driving at speeds above 25 mph (40 km/h), 
consideration should be given to the 
following:
•Wheels and tires must be cleaned of 
mud and inspected for damage.
•If wheels and tires are not cleaned 
properly, damage to the wheels, tires, 
braking system and suspension 
components could occur.
•Brake discs and callipers should be 
examined and any stones or grit that 
may affect braking efficiency removed.
•The underside of the vehicle should be 
checked for damage, especially the 
suspension springs and dampers.
•Any damage to paint or protective 
coatings, should be rectified by a Land 
Rover Retailer as soon as possible.
If you have any doubt whether the vehicle 
has been damaged, have the vehicle 
inspected by a Land Rover Retailer. 
						

							Driving Techniques
173
Driving TechniquesDRIVING ON SOFT SURFACES & DRY 
SAND
The ideal technique for driving on soft sand 
requires the vehicle to be kept moving at all 
times - soft sand causes excessive drag on the 
wheels, resulting in a rapid loss of motion once 
driving momentum is lost. For this reason, gear 
changing (particularly on manual gearbox 
vehicles) should be avoided.
Select the highest suitable gear and REMAIN in 
that gear until a firm surface is reached.
Stopping the vehicle on soft ground, in sand 
or on an incline
If you do stop the vehicle, remember:
Starting on an incline or in soft ground or sand 
may be difficult. Always park on a firm level 
area, or with the vehicle facing downhill.
To avoid wheel spin, select second or third 
gear, (D for automatic gearbox), and use the 
MINIMUM throttle necessary to get the vehicle 
moving.
If forward motion is lost, avoid excessive use of 
the throttle - this will cause wheel spin and tend 
to dig the vehicle into the sand. Clear sand from 
around the tires and ensure that the body is not 
bearing on the sand before again attempting to 
move.
If the wheels have sunk, use an air bag lifting 
device or other suitable jack, and then build up 
sand under the wheels so that the vehicle is 
again on level ground. If a restart is still not 
possible, place sand mats or ladders beneath 
the wheels.
DRIVING ON SLIPPERY SURFACES
(ice, snow, mud, wet grass)
•Select the highest gear possible. 
•Drive away using the MINIMUM throttle 
possible.
•Drive slowly at all times, keeping braking to 
a minimum and avoiding violent 
movements of the steering wheel. 
						

							Driving Techniques
174
CLIMBING STEEP SLOPES
ALWAYS follow the fall line of the slope - 
travelling diagonally could encourage the 
vehicle to slide broadside down the slope.
Select 1st gear (1 for automatic transmission) 
and engage hill descent control (HDC). If the 
surface is loose or slippery, use sufficient 
speed in the highest practical gear to take 
advantage of your vehicles momentum. 
However, too high a speed over a bumpy 
surface may result in a wheel lifting, causing the 
vehicle to lose traction. In this case try a slower 
approach. Traction can also be improved by 
easing off the accelerator just before loss of 
forward motion.
If the vehicle is unable to complete a climb, do 
not attempt to turn it around while on the slope. 
Instead, adopt the following procedure to 
reverse downhill to the foot of the slope.
1.Hold the vehicle stationary using both foot 
and hand brakes.
2.Restart the engine if necessary.
3.Engage reverse gear (R for automatic 
transmission).
4.Select hill descent control (HDC), if not 
already selected. 
5.Release the Parking brake. Then release 
the foot brake and clutch (where 
applicable) simultaneously, and allow the 
vehicle to reverse down the slope using 
engine braking and HDC to control the rate 
of descent.
6.Unless it is necessary to stop the vehicle 
to negotiate obstructions, DO NOT apply 
the brake or clutch pedal during the 
descent.
7.If the vehicle begins to slide, accelerate 
slightly to allow the tires to regain grip.When the vehicle is back on level ground or 
where traction can be regained, a faster 
approach will probably enable the hill to be 
climbed. However, DO NOT take unnecessary 
risks, if the hill is too difficult to climb, find an 
alternative route.
WARNING
DO NOT attempt to reverse down a slope 
without the engine running, or HDC and the 
braking effect of the gearbox will be lost. 
						

							Driving Techniques
175
DESCENDING STEEP SLOPES
WARNING
Failure to follow these instructions may cause 
the vehicle to roll over.
•Stop the vehicle at least a vehicle length 
before the start of the slope and engage first 
gear (1, for automatic transmission) and 
hill descent control (HDC).
•Unless it is necessary to stop the vehicle in 
order to negotiate obstructions, DO NOT 
touch the brake or clutch pedals (where 
applicable) during the descent - the engine 
and HDC will limit the speed, keeping the 
vehicle under perfect control provided the 
front wheels are rotating. If the vehicle 
begins to slide, the limits of adhesion have 
been reached, and it may be impossible to 
maintain the minimum speed relative to the 
gear selected. In this case, HDC may 
automatically accelerate the vehicle 
sufficient to maintain directional stability. 
DO NOT use the accelerator or the brakes or 
attempt to change gear. HDC will 
automatically slow the vehicle down again 
as soon as possible.
•Once level ground is reached, select a 
suitable gear for the next stage of your 
journey.
TRAVERSING A SLOPE
WARNING
Failure to follow these instructions may cause 
the vehicle to roll over.
Before crossing a slope ALWAYS observe the 
following precautions:
•Check that the ground is firm and not 
slippery.
•Check that the wheels on the downhill side 
of the vehicle are not likely to drop into 
depressions in the ground and that the 
uphill wheels will not run over rocks, tree 
roots, or similar obstacles that could 
suddenly increase the angle of tilt.
•Ensure that passenger weight is evenly 
distributed, that all roof rack luggage is 
removed and that all other luggage is 
properly secured and stowed as low as 
possible. Always remember; any sudden 
movement of the load could cause the 
vehicle to overturn.
•Rear seat passengers should sit on the 
uphill side of the vehicle or, in extreme 
conditions, should vacate the vehicle until 
the sloping ground has been safely 
negotiated.
H5223H5224 
						

							Driving Techniques
176
NEGOTIATING A V SHAPED GULLY
Observe extreme caution. Steering up either of 
the gully walls could cause the side of the 
vehicle to be trapped against the opposite gully 
wall.
DRIVING IN EXISTING WHEEL TRACKS
As far as possible allow the vehicle to steer 
itself along the bottom of the ruts. However, 
always keep a light hold of the steering wheel to 
prevent it from spinning free.
Particularly in wet conditions, if the steering 
wheel is allowed to spin free, the vehicle may 
appear to be driving straight ahead in the ruts, 
but in actual fact (due to the lack of traction 
caused by the wet ground) is unknowingly on 
full right or left lock. Then, when level ground is 
reached, or if a dry patch of ground is 
encountered, the wheels will find traction and 
cause the vehicle to suddenly veer to left or 
right.
CROSSING A RIDGE
Approach at right angles so that both front 
wheels cross the ridge together - an angled 
approach could cause diagonally opposite 
wheels lifting from the ground at the same time.
CROSSING A DITCH
Cross ditches at an angle so that three wheels 
always maintain contact with the ground. If a 
ditch is approached head on, both front wheels 
will drop into the ditch together, possibly 
resulting in the body and front bumper being 
trapped on opposite sides of the ditch.
H5225
H5226 
						

							Driving Techniques
177
WADING
WARNING
The maximum advisable wading depth is 
16 inches (0,4 m).
Severe electrical damage may occur if the 
vehicle remains stationary for any length of 
time when the water level is above the door 
sills.
Severe damage to the catalytic converter 
could occur if the engine is stopped for any 
length of time when the water level is above 
the exhaust tailpipe.
If the depth of water is likely to exceed 
16 inches (0,4 m), the following precautions 
should be observed:
•Fix a plastic sheet in front of the radiator 
grille to prevent water from soaking the 
engine and mud from blocking the radiator.
•Remove the CD autochanger
*
•Ensure that the silt bed beneath the water is 
free of obstacles and firm enough to 
support the vehicles weight and provide 
sufficient traction.
•Ensure that the engine air intake is clear of 
the water level.•Select a low gear and maintain sufficient 
throttle to prevent the engine from stalling. 
This is particularly important if the exhaust 
pipe is under water.
•Drive slowly into the water and accelerate to 
a speed which causes a bow wave to form; 
then maintain that speed.
At all times, keep all the doors fully closed.
After wading
•Drive the vehicle a short distance and apply 
the foot brake to check that the brakes are 
fully effective.
•DO NOT rely on the Parking brake to hold 
the vehicle stationary until the brakes are 
thoroughly dried out; in the meantime, leave 
the vehicle parked in gear (P for automatic 
gearbox vehicles).
•Remove any protective covering from in 
front of the radiator grille.
•If the water was particularly muddy, remove 
any blockages (mud and leaves) from the 
radiator to reduce the risk of overheating.
•If deep water is regularly negotiated, check 
all oils for signs of water contamination - 
contaminated oil can be identified through 
its milky appearance. In addition, check the 
air filter element for water ingress and 
replace if wet - consult a Land Rover 
Retailer if necessary.
•If salt water is frequently negotiated, 
thoroughly wash the underbody 
components and exposed body panels with 
fresh water.
NOTE: Vehicles required to undergo frequent or 
deep wading conditions will require more 
frequent servicing. Contact a Land Rover 
Retailer for advice.
H5229 
						

							178 
						

							179
Owner Maintenance
Maintenance
ROUTINE MAINTENANCE  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  181
OWNER MAINTENANCE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  182
SAFETY IN THE GARAGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  183
EMISSION CONTROL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  184
ROAD TESTING DYNAMOMETERS
(rolling roads)  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  184
Hood Opening
HOOD OPENING. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  185
Engine Compartment
2.5 GASOLINE ENGINE  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  186
Engine Oil
OIL LEVEL CHECK & TOP-UP  . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  187
DRAIN & REFILL  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  188
OIL FILTER RENEWAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  190
Air Cleaner
AIR CLEANER ELEMENT RENEWAL  . . . . . . . . .  191
Spark Plugs
SPARK PLUG REMOVE & REFIT  . . . . . . . . . . . .  192
Cooling System
COOLANT CHECK & TOP-UP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  193
ANTI-FREEZE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  194
Brakes
BRAKE FLUID. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  195
Power Steering
POWER STEERING FLUID . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  197
Washers
WINDSHIELD WASHERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  198
Wiper Blades
WIPER BLADE REPLACEMENT  . . . . . . . . . . . . .  199 
						

							180
Battery
BATTERY SAFETY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   200
BATTERY MAINTENANCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   200
THE EFFECTS OF BATTERY DISCONNECTION  .   203
Tires
CARING FOR YOUR TIRES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   204
SNOW CHAINS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   207
TIRE MARKINGS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   208
TIRE INFORMATION LABELS . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   210
UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADING . . . . . . . . .   212
PRODUCTION OPTION WEIGHTS . . . . . . . . . . .   213
TIRE GLOSSARY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   215
Cleaning & Vehicle Care
WASHING YOUR VEHICLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   216
CLEANING THE INTERIOR  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   219
Identification Numbers
CONTACTING YOUR DEALER . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   220
IDENTIFICATION NUMBER LOCATIONS . . . . . .   220
VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER  . . . . . . . .   220
Parts & Accessories
PARTS AND ACCESSORIES  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   221