Land Rover Range Rover 2000 2001 Owners Handbook 2nd Edition Aus Rover

							Off-road driving
188 Use of engine for braking
Before descending steep slopes, stop the
vehicle at least its length before the descent,
move the gearshift lever to’N’, engage LOW
range and then select first or second gear (’1’
or’2’for automatic transmission) depending
on the severity of the incline.
While descending the slope it should be
remembered that the engine will provide
sufficient braking effort to control the rate of
descent, and that the brakes should not be
applied.
Accelerating
Use the accelerator with care; any sudden
surge of power may induce wheel spin and
result in loss of control of the vehicle.
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
For serious off-road driving ALWAYS remove
the bib spoiler extension from the front
bumper (if fitted).
Don’t forget to allow for ground clearance
beneath the chassis, axles and under the front
and rear bumpers. Note that the axle
differentials are situated BELOW the chassis
and are positioned slightly to the LEFT of the
centre of the vehicle. 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 a steep slope, or where wheel
ruts are unusually deep and where sudden
changes in the slope of the ground are
experienced.
On soft ground, the axle differentials will clear
their own path in all but the most difficult
conditions. However, on frozen, rocky or hard
ground, if the vehicle’s progress is halted as a
result of grounding of the chassis, this will
cause the vehicle to rise automatically to the
’Extended profile’ride height position. (see
’Air suspension’for further details).
Always attempt to avoid obstacles that may
foul the chassis or differentials. 
						

							Off-road driving
189 Loss of traction
If the vehicle is immobile due to loss of wheel
grip, the following hints could be of value:
Avoid prolonged wheel spin; this will only
make matters worse. The electronic
traction control (ETC) (if fitted) will
prevent wheel spin; drive will be diverted
from a spinning wheel and the remaining
wheel will then provide the traction
necessary to overcome difficult driving
conditions.
Remove obstacles rather than forcing the
vehicle across them.
Clear clogged tyre 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 tyres will
improve tyre grip.IMPORTANT INFORMATION
After driving off-road
Before rejoining the public highway, or
driving at speeds above 40 km/h,
consideration should be given to the
following:
Wheels and tyres must be cleaned of
mud and inspected for damage -
ensure there are no lumps or bulges
in the tyres or exposure of the ply or
cord structure.
Brake discs and calipers should be
examined and any stones or grit that
may affect braking efficiency
removed.
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’and contact a Land Rover
dealer for advice.
In addition:
After wading in salt water or driving on
sandy beaches, use a hose to thoroughly
wash the underbody components and any
exposed body panels with fresh water.
This will help to protect the vehicle’s
cosmetic appearance. 
						

							Off-road driving
190 DRIVING ON SOFT SURFACES & DRY SAND
The ideal technique for driving on soft ground
and dry sand requires the vehicle to be kept
moving at all times; soft ground and sand
causes excessive drag on the wheels,
resulting in a rapid loss of motion once
driving momentum is lost. For this reason,
gear changing should be avoided.
Select the highest suitable gear and REMAIN
in that gear until a firm surface is reached. It
is generally advisable to use LOW range
gears, as these will enable you to accelerate
through worsening conditions without the risk
of being unable to restart.
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 is almost impossible. Always park on a
firm, level area, or with the vehicle facing
downhill.
To avoid wheel spin, select’D’(or’4’if in
LOW range). In LOW range, select MANUAL
mode (see’Transmissions’for further
information).
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 tyres and ensure that
the chassis and axles are not bearing on the
sand before again attempting to move.
If the wheels have sunk, use an air bag lifting
device or high lift jack to raise the vehicle, and
then build up sand under the wheels so that
the vehicle is again on level ground. If a
restart is not possible, place sand mats or
ladders beneath the wheels.DRIVING ON SLIPPERY SURFACES
(ice, snow, mud or wet grass)
Select’D’(or’4’if in LOW range). In LOW
range, also select MANUAL mode. (see
’Transmissions’for further information).
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 ON ROUGH TRACKS
On very rough tracks, engage the LOW gear
range to enable a steady, low speed to be
maintained without constant use of the brake
pedal. 
						

							Off-road driving
191
CLIMBING STEEP SLOPES
ALWAYS follow the line of the slope; travelling
diagonally could encourage the vehicle to slide
broadside down the slope.
Steep climbs will usually require the LOW gear
range. If the surface is loose or slippery, use
sufficient speed in the highest practical gear
to take advantage of the vehicle’s 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 handbrakes.
2.Restart the engine if necessary.
3.Engage LOW range reverse gear (’R’).
4.Release the handbrake. Then release the
foot brake and allow the vehicle to reverse
down the slope using engine braking to
control the rate of descent.
5.Unless it is necessary to stop the vehicle
in order to negotiate obstructions, DO NOT
apply the brake pedal during the descent.
6.If the vehicle begins to slide, accelerate
slightly to allow the tyres to regain grip.
When the vehicle is back on level ground or
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
The engine must be restarted before
reversing down the slope as there will be no
braking effect from the gearbox unless the
engine is running. 
						

							Off-road driving
192
DESCENDING STEEP SLOPES
A.Stop the vehicle at least a vehicle length
before the slope, engage LOW range and
then select the lowest gear.
B.Unless it is necessary to stop the vehicle
in order to negotiate obstructions, DO NOT
touch the brake pedal during the descent;
the engine will limit the speed, keeping the
vehicle under control provided the front
wheels are turning. If the vehicle begins to
slide, accelerate gently to maintain
directional stability. DO NOT use the
brakes or attempt to change gears.C.Once level ground is reached, select a
suitable gear for the next stage of the
journey.
WARNING
Failure to follow these instructions may
cause the vehicle to roll over. 
						

							Off-road driving
193
TRAVERSING A SLOPE
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
any 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.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 VEHICLE TRACKS
As far as possible, allow the vehicle to steer
itself along the bottom of the ruts. However,
always keep a tight 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 wet ground) is unknowingly on full
right or left lock. Then, when level ground is
reached, or if a dry patch is encountered, the
wheels will find traction and cause the vehicle
to suddenly veer to the left or right. 
						

							Off-road driving
194
CROSSING A RIDGE
Approach at right angles so that both front
wheels cross the ridge together; an angled
approach could cause traction to be lost
through 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
approached head on, both front wheels will
drop into the ditch together, possibly resulting
in the chassis and front bumper being trapped
on opposite sides of he ditch).WADING
WARNING
The maximum advisable wading depth is
0,5 metre.
Severe electrical damage may occur if the
vehicle remains stationary for any length of
time when the water level is above the door
sills.
Before wading, ensure the electronic air
suspension is set in either’Standard’or’High’
ride height.
If the water is likely to exceed 0.5 metre while
the vehicle is moving, the following
precautions MUST 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.
Ensure that the silt bed below the water is
firm enough to support the vehicle’s
weight and provide sufficient traction.
Select’High’ride height.
Ensure that the engine air intake is above
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. 
						

							Off-road driving
195 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 handbrake alone to hold
the vehicle stationary until the transmission
has thoroughly dried out; in the meantime,
use wheel chocks or leave the vehicle parked
in gear.
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 and oil cooler (behind spoiler on left
hand side) to reduce the risk of overheating.
If deep water is regularly negotiated, check the
transmission 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.
Vehicles required to undergo frequent or deep
wading conditions will require more frequent
servicing. See’Owner maintenance’and
contact a Land Rover dealer for advice.
If salt water is frequently negotiated,
thoroughly wash the underbody components
and exposed body panels, with fresh water.
BIB SPOILER(if fitted)
The vehicle has a bib spoiler extension fitted
to the front bumper to improve air flow during
normal driving conditions. This MUST be
removed when considering serious off-road
driving.
The bib spoiler is in two parts and is attached
to the underside of the front bumper by six
spring clips and eight plastic rivets.
To remove:
Using a screwdriver, remove the inner locking
pins from the studs, then remove the studs.
Slide the spring clips off the bib spoiler, then
separate the two halves of the spoiler.
Store all parts in a suitable container pending
refitment.
To refit:
Place one half of the bib spoiler against the
underside of the front bumper, install four
studs and fit the locking pins and three spring
clips.
Engage the other half of the bib spoiler with
the first half, then fit the remaining studs and
spring clips, ensuring that the locking pins are
fitted to the studs.
SNOW CHAINS
Snow chains are NOT recommended for
off-road use. For further information see
’Tyres’. 
						

							196 
						

							Index
197
A
ABS in action! 105..........................................
Access code 16..............................................
Accessories 183.............................................
After sales service 183....................................
Air conditioning 77.........................................
Air distribution 79...........................................
Air suspension 110.........................................
Airbag SRS 48 & 169......................................
Airbag SRS warning light 51...........................
Anti-freeze 137...............................................
Anti-lock braking ABS 105..............................
Anti-theft alarm indicator light 13...................
Anti-theft precautions 5..................................
Anti-trap function 71 & 73..............................
Ashtray 81......................................................
Auto relock 19................................................
Automatic temperature control (ATC) 77........
Automatic transmission 99.............................
Auxiliary equipment 93...................................
Auxiliary power socket 82...............................
B
Battery charging 147......................................
Bib spoiler 195...............................................
Body protection 168.......................................
Bonnet 134.....................................................
Booster cables 124.........................................
Brake fluid check 139.....................................
Brake pads 104...............................................
Braking system 104........................................
Breakdown safety code 6................................
Bulb failure messages 29................................
Bulbs 160.......................................................
C
Catalytic converter 94.....................................
CD autochanger 82.........................................
Child restraints 45..........................................
Child-proof locks 19.......................................
Cigar lighter 81...............................................
Cleaning 168...................................................
Clock 83.........................................................
Cold climates 90.............................................
Controls 9.......................................................
Cooling system top-up 137............................
Courtesy & map reading lights 80..................
Critical warnings 23........................................Cruise control 108..........................................
Cubby box 83.................................................
D
Dimensions 177.............................................
Direction indicators 63 & 161 & 163..............
Door locks 11.................................................
Door mirrors 55..............................................
Driver’s seat/mirrors facility 38.......................
Driving 95.......................................................
E
Electrical equipment 183................................
Electrical system 177......................................
Electronic air suspension messages 114........
Electronic traction control 107........................
Emergency key access code 16......................
Emergency starting 124..................................
Emergency towing 126...................................
Emission control system 92...........................
Empty fuel tank 97..........................................
Engine immobilisation 15...............................
Engine oil level check & top-up 136................
Engines 176....................................................
External temperature 79.................................
F
Face level vents 76..........................................
Fog guard lights (rear) 68 & 164.....................
Fog lights (front) 68 & 163.............................
Folding armrests 35........................................
Front towing eye 126......................................
Fuel 96 & 180..................................................
Fuel economy 92............................................
Fuel filler flap 96 & 98.....................................
Fuel filling 97..................................................
Fuel gauge 58.................................................
Fuse failure messages 28...............................
Fuses 156.......................................................
G
Gear changing in high range 102....................
Gear selection automatic gearbox 99..............
Gear selector lever 99.....................................
General data 173.............................................
Glass & mirrors 168.......................................
Glovebox 82 & 167.........................................
Ground clearance 188.....................................