Land Rover Range Rover 2004my Owners Handbook Lm 2nd Edition Nas Rover

							Hill Descent Control
160
Hill Des cen t C ontrolHILL DESCENT CONTROL
Hill Descent Control (HDC) operates in 
conjunction with the anti-lock braking system 
to provide greater control in off-road situations 
particularly when descending severe gradients.
To select HDC
HDC can be selected at any speed if LOW range 
is selected in the transfer gearbox, and can be 
selected at up to 20 mph (35 km/h) if the 
vehicle is in HIGH range. The HDC ‘Information’ 
warning light in the instrument pack will 
illuminate when HDC has been successfully 
selected.
Move the switch (arrowed) fully rearwards to 
select HDC.If the vehicle speed is too high when an attempt 
to select HDC is made, ‘NO HDC - SLOWDOWN’ 
appears in the message center and the HDC 
warning light will extinguish when the switch is 
released.
To deselect HDC, move the switch rearwards 
(the warning light will extinguish). If HDC is 
deselected when HDC is operating, the warning 
light will flash as the system ‘fades out’ - 
allowing the vehicle to gradually increase in 
speed.
When used in LOW range, HDC controls the 
vehicle speed more aggressively. Use LOW 
range gears when steep descents are to be 
attempted.
NOTE: If the vehicle speed exceeds 35 mph 
(60 km/h) when in HIGH range, HDC will be 
automatically deselected (warning light 
extinguishes). HDC is also automatically 
deselected if the vehicle ignition is switched off 
for more than 6 hours.
Hill Descent Control in action
HDC can be used with the transmission in 
CommandShift mode, in ‘R’ (reverse) and ‘D’ 
(drive). When in ‘D’, the vehicle will 
automatically select the most appropriate gear.
During a descent, if engine braking is 
insufficient to control the vehicle speed, HDC (if 
selected) automatically operates the brakes to 
slow the vehicle and maintain a speed relative 
to the selected gear range and the accelerator 
pedal position.
When driving off-road, HDC can be 
permanently selected, to ensure that control is 
maintained. ABS and traction control are still 
fully operational and will assist if the need 
arises. 
NOTE: With HDC selected, gear changes can be 
carried out in the normal way.
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							Hill Descent Control
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If the brake pedal is depressed when HDC is 
active, HDC is overridden and the brakes will 
perform as normal (a pulsation might be felt 
through the brake pedal). If the brake pedal is 
then released, HDC will recommence operating 
at a reduced speed.
In extreme circumstances, the HDC system 
may cause brake temperatures to exceed their 
pre-set limits. If this occurs, ‘HDC TEMP. NOT 
AVAIL.’ will be displayed in the message center. 
HDC will then fade out (warning light flashes) 
and then become temporarily inactive. HDC will 
not be available until the brakes reach an 
acceptable temperature, at which time the 
warning message will disappear from the 
message center and HDC will, if required, 
resume operating.
If a fault is detected in the HDC system, ‘HDC 
INACTIVE’ will appear in the display. Do not 
attempt a steep descent when HDC is 
unavailable. If a fault has been detected, consult 
your retailer at the earliest opportunity.
HDC fade-out
HDC fade-out gradually decreases the HDC 
brake intervention with the effect that the rate of 
hill descent will increase. If this occurs the HDC 
information light will flash for the period that 
HDC takes to fade. HDC will be disabled 
completely once the descent is complete. 
If required (e.g. the angle of the descent levels 
out significantly), fade-out may be achieved 
deliberately by deselecting HDC while the 
system is operating.
If a fault with the HDC system is detected, or if 
the braking system exceeds a pre-set 
temperature due to extreme conditions, HDC 
will automatically fade out.Warning light
HDC information light - GREEN
The light illuminates briefly as a 
bulb and system check when the 
starter switch is turned to position ‘II’ and also 
when HDC is selected. 
If HDC is selected and the operating conditions 
are met, the light will illuminate continuously.
If the light flashes while HDC is active, normal 
functionality may cease and HDC ‘fade out’ may 
be induced. 
						

							Electronic Air Suspension
162
Ele ctron ic  Air Sus pen sionELECTRONIC AIR SUSPENSION (EAS)
When the engine is running, the EAS operates 
automatically on the vehicle to maintain a level 
or efficient vehicle height regardless of vehicle 
load.
If the height of the vehicle is reduced by 
additional loading (attachment of a trailer, for 
example), the system automatically increases 
air pressure to the springs to compensate for 
the additional weight or changed angle of the 
vehicle. Similarly, if loads are removed and the 
vehicle height increases in consequence, the 
system will reduce air pressure to bring the 
vehicle back to a level position. 
MANUAL OPERATION
Your vehicle is fitted with an electronically 
controlled air suspension system (EAS) which 
provides four different ride height settings 
including an Access mode. These settings 
increase or decrease the height and ground 
clearance of your vehicle to cope with different 
driving conditions. The four height settings are 
as follows:
•Off-road height.
•Standard height.
•Motorway height (not user selectable).
•Access height.
For a more detailed description of the different 
height settings, please refer to the relevant 
passages later in this section.
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							Electronic Air Suspension
163
Before operating EAS
Remember, even if a change of ride height is 
selected, it will NOT take place if any door is 
open.
NOTE: Frequent changes between ride heights 
could cause the compressor to overheat. If this 
occurs, EAS will be fully operational again after 
a few minutes when the compressor has 
cooled.
1. Ride height selector
Push the switch up or down to raise or lower 
the vehicle to the next ride height setting.
2. Ride height indicator panel
When the vehicle is at a particular ride height, 
the corresponding indicator light illuminates. If 
a new ride height is selected, the current 
indicator light remains illuminated and the 
indicator light for the new setting flashes, until 
the new height is reached (the original indicator 
light extinguishes). If the current ride height 
indicator light flashes when a new height is 
selected, the new ride height is invalid and the 
height change will not be performed.
3. Suspension inhibit switch
Press to select inhibit mode (not operational at 
Off-road height), the indicator light in the 
switch illuminates. This prevents automatic or 
manual changes between ride heights. Press 
again to cancel inhibit mode.
Access height switch
Press to lower the vehicle to access height, for 
easier loading/unloading. See ‘ACCESS 
HEIGHT’, page 164, for further information.MOTORWAY HEIGHT
At high speeds, the suspension is 
automatically lowered to motorway 
height to improve ride quality and 
vehicle handling at motorway speeds. The 
motorway height setting is approximately 
0.8 inches (20 mm) below the standard ride 
height setting.
The motorway height setting is activated 
automatically when the electronic air 
suspension system detects the vehicle being 
driven at more than 60 mph (100 km/h), for 
more than 30 seconds.
When the system detects that the vehicle speed 
has fallen below 45 mph (70 km/h) for more 
than one minute, the vehicle automatically rises 
to the standard height setting. If the vehicle 
comes to rest while still at motorway height, the 
vehicle will not rise unnecessarily.
If the inhibit button is pressed while in 
motorway height, the vehicle will not 
automatically rise to standard height when the 
vehicle speed falls. Motorway height will be 
maintained until the inhibit switch is pressed 
for a second time, when normal automatic 
height adjustment is resumed.
Motorway height selection is fully automatic 
and cannot be selected manually by the driver.
From motorway height, the driver can manually 
select standard height, by rotating the ride 
height selector up. If the vehicle is travelling at 
less than 15 mph (25 km/h) the vehicle can be 
lowered to access height by rotating the ride 
height selector down. 
						

							Electronic Air Suspension
164
OFF-ROAD HEIGHT
At low speeds, the vehicle height 
can be raised to increase ground 
clearance for when driving 
off-road.
WARNING
DO NOT select off-road height while driving 
on the road, or when the suspension has been 
lowered below standard ride height - any 
sudden or unexpected change to the vehicles 
height or attitude could cause an 
inexperienced driver to lose control, or 
disturb the load/weight distribution within the 
vehicle. 
DO NOT attempt to select off-road height 
while towing. 
To select off-road height, ensure the vehicle is 
travelling at less than 30 mph (50 km/h) and 
then rotate the ride height selector clockwise. 
The vehicle will be raised to 2 inches (50 mm) 
above the standard ride height and the 
appropriate light on the ride height indicator 
panel will illuminate.
NOTE: The front axle will be raised 10 mm 
higher than the rear axle.
The vehicle will stay at off-road height until 
either standard ride height is selected using the 
ride height selector, or the vehicle speed 
exceeds 30 mph (50 km/h).
If the vehicle speed is too high when off-road 
height is selected, the standard ride height 
indicator will flash to indicate that the request 
has not been performed. Reduce the vehicle 
speed to below 30 mph (50 km/h) and then 
select off-road height. 
NOTE: Off-road height can NOT be selected if 
the inhibit switch is on and the inhibit function 
can not be selected while at off-road height.
ACCESS HEIGHT
Access height lowers the vehicle to 
1.6 inches (40 mm) below 
standard ride height and improves 
accessibility (for passengers and luggage). 
Access height can be selected when in any ride 
height, by either pushing the ride height 
selector down when in standard or motorway 
ride height, or by pressing the access height 
switch on the driver’s door switch panel 
(arrowed above).
Access height can be selected when the vehicle 
is travelling at less than 50 mph (80 km/h). The 
access height indicator light will start flashing, 
but EAS will not start to lower the vehicle to 
access height until the vehicle speed drops to 
below 15 mph (25 km/h). If the vehicle does not 
come to a rest within 65 seconds after the 
access height preselect was requested, or the 
vehicle speed rises above 50 mph (80 km/h), 
the access request is cancelled and the 
indicator light stops flashing. Access will need 
to be reselected if required.
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							Electronic Air Suspension
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NOTE: If the vehicle speed increases to more 
than 20 mph (30 km/h), when the vehicle is at 
access height, the EAS will automatically 
reselect standard ride height.
If the vehicle is travelling at above 50 mph 
(80 km/h) when access preselect is requested, 
the standard ride height indicator light flashes 
to indicate that the request has not been 
performed.
Access mode should only be selected whilst the 
vehicle is moving. In extreme circumstances, if 
it is necessary to select access height whilst the 
vehicle is stationary, ‘N’ (neutral) should be 
selected and the parking brake applied. Note 
that some noise from the suspension may be 
heard, accompanied by vibrations as the track 
and wheelbase of the vehicle change .
Crawl mode
If it is necessary to manoeuver the vehicle in an 
area where height is restricted, Crawl mode 
should be selected as follows:
•Select access height and if the vehicle is still 
moving, stop so that access height is 
achieved.
•Press the inhibit switch.
NOTE: If the inhibit switch is pressed before the 
vehicle starts lowering to access height (i.e 
before the vehicle speed drops below 15 mph 
(25 km/h), the access request is cancelled and 
the vehicle will return to standard height.
The vehicle is now in crawl mode and all manual 
and automatic height changes are inhibited, 
provided the vehicle does not exceed 25 mph 
(40 km/h).
If the vehicle speed exceeds 20 mph (30 km/h), 
a message appears in the message center 
(accompanied by a warning chime) warning the 
driver to keep the vehicle speed low.CAUTION: If vehicle speed exceeds 25 mph 
(40 km/h) when in crawl mode, the mode is 
cancelled and the vehicle will rise to standard 
ride height. If the vehicle is still in an area of 
restricted height, this could seriously damage 
and trap the vehicle.
TOWING A TRAILER
When the electrical plug for a trailer attachment 
is connected to the vehicle socket, the EAS 
controller acts as though the inhibit button is 
activated. The only height change which is 
accepted is a return to standard height, if the 
vehicle is not already at standard height. The 
standard height indicator light and the inhibit 
light are illuminated. Once standard height is 
reached, no other ride height change will be 
available.
WARNING
If the vehicle is at any ride height other than 
standard height, when a trailer is fitted, 
trailer weight distribution and balance may be 
affected when the vehicle returns to standard 
height. 
						

							Towing
166
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. A smooth start will be 
achieved with trailers over 4400 lb (2000 kg) by 
moving off in low range then changing to high 
range while on the move.
The suspension will automatically be set to 
standard height when the towing electrical 
socket is utilised and is designed to cope with a 
heavy trailer load without upsetting the balance 
or feel of the vehicle.WARNING
To preserve the vehicle’s handling and 
stability, only fit towing accessories that have 
been designed and approved by Land Rover.
The trailer tongue weight, plus the combined 
weight of the vehicle’s load-carrying area and 
passengers, must never exceed the specified 
maximum rear axle load or the gross vehicle 
weight rating.
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 tire or 
suspension failure, increase vehicle brake 
stopping distance, and adversely affect 
vehicle handling and stability which may 
result in a crash or rollover.
DO NOT use lashing eyes or vehicle recovery 
towing eyes to tow a trailer or caravan.
It is the driver’s responsibility to ensure that the 
towing vehicle and trailer 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.
H4924 
						

							Towing
167
Balancing the combination
To ensure optimum stability, it is essential that 
the trailer adopts a level aspect. In other words, 
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.Trailer hitch*
The optional trailer hitch recever is rated as a 
Class III. When selecting a drawbar for the 
receiver, the following dimensions must be 
adhered to:
A.The hitch length must not exceed 
11 in.(280 mm) measured from the 
connecting pin of the receiver.
B.The drop height must not be less than 
2.5 in. (63 mm), measured from the top of 
the receiver.
C.The drop height must not be more than 
5.5 in. (140 mm), measured from the top 
of the receiver.
A
B2  /   
11 
C
1
2
5  /   1
2
H4672 
						

							Towing
168
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 tire pressures 
are correct and that the trailer tire 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 Handbook.
•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.
Gear range selection
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. Select low range 
instead.
Trailer socket
When the engine is running, power output from 
the trailer socket must NOT exceed 5 amps.
If it is required to exceed 5 amps, consult your 
Land Rover retailer.
Vehicle weights
When loading a vehicle to its maximum (gross 
vehicle weight), take account of the unladen 
vehicle weight and load distribution 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.
WARNING
In the interest of safety, maximum trailer 
weight and tongue weights must not be 
exceeded, see ‘TOWING WEIGHTS’, page 280 
						

							Towing
169
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 280).
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 tire 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
Tire pressures:Increase rear pressures of towing vehicle by at least 3 lbf/in
2 (21 kPa) up to 
maximum of 44 lbf/in2 (302 kPa). Ensure trailer/caravan tires 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:If the vehicle is loaded to the Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW), the tongue 
weight is limited to 330 lb (150 kg). If a greater tongue weight is necessary 
(up to 550 lb (250 kg) maximum), vehicle loading should be adjusted to 
ensure the GVW and rear axle weights are not exceeded - see ‘TOWING 
WEIGHTS’, page 280, for further information.
Hitch height:Must be set so that caravan/trailer is level when connected to the tow 
vehicle with engine running.
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 280.
•The maximum individual axle weights 
must not be exceeded, see ‘TOWING 
WEIGHTS’, page 280.
•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.