Land Rover Range Rover Owners Handbook Lm 2nd Edition Exp Rover

							Off-road Driving
160
Use of engine for braking
Before descending steep slopes, stop the 
vehicle at least its length before the descent, 
engage LOW range and then select HDC. Use of 
manual Steptronic gear selection to limit the 
transmission to lower gears will also increase 
engine braking. Select ‘1’ or ‘2’ LOW range, 
depending on the severity of the descent.
While descending a slope (either forwards or in 
‘R’ - reverse) it should be remembered that 
HDC and 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, 
therefore, invoke unnecessary operation of 
traction control, or in extreme conditions could 
lead to loss of control of the vehicle.
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.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.
H3876 
						

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161
Ground clearance
Dont forget to allow for ground clearance 
beneath the vehicle suspension components 
and under the front and rear bumpers. 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 vehicle.
Electronic air suspension
Select ‘Off-road height’, to increase 
approach/departure angles and ground 
clearance (see ‘ELECTRONIC AIR SUSPENSION 
(EAS)’, page 146).
Loss of traction
If the vehicle is immobilised due to loss of 
wheel grip, the following hints could be of 
value:
•Remove obstacles rather than forcing the 
vehicle to cross 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 may improve tyre 
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’.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 171 and 
contact a Land Rover dealer 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 INFORMATION
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.
•If wheels and tyres are not cleaned 
properly, damage to the wheels, tyres, 
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 air springs and dampers.
•Any damage to paint or protective 
coatings, should be rectified by a land 
Rover dealer as soon as possible.
If you have any doubt whether the vehicle 
has been damaged, have the vehicle 
inspected by a Land Rover dealer. 
						

							Off-road Driving
162
REMOVING THE FRONT BIB SPOILER
To improve off-road performance, it is possible 
to remove the front bib spoiler from the vehicle 
- this will also prevent the spoiler from being 
damaged.
1.Remove the towing eye cover (see 
‘TOWING EYES’, page 214).
2.From inside the wheel arch, remove the 
bolt/washer securing the spoiler to the 
wheel arch liner. Repeat for the other side 
of the vehicle. Keep the bolts and washers 
in a safe place.3.On one half of the spoiler, remove the 
three bolt/washers and one screw/washer 
securing the spoiler to the bumper. Keep 
the bolts, screw and washers in a safe 
place.
4.Slide the half-spoiler outwards towards 
the side of the vehicle and remove.
Repeat items 3 and 4 for the other half of the 
spoiler.
Refitting the spoiler is the reverse of the 
removal procedure.
WARNING
Ensure that the spoiler halves and the towing 
eye cover are securely stowed in the vehicle, 
so they do not become projectiles in the event 
of an accident or emergency manoeuvre.
H4218
1
22
H4219
34 
						

							Driving Techniques
163
Driving TechniquesDRIVING ON SOFT SURFACES & DRY 
SAND
The ideal technique for driving on soft surfaces 
(dry sand for example) 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. 
Deactivate DSC (see ‘DYNAMIC STABILITY 
CONTROL (DSC)’, page 142), then select ‘D’ 
(drive) and REMAIN in that gear until a firm 
surface is reached. It is generally advisable to 
use LOW range, as this 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 may be difficult. Always park on a firm 
level area, or with the vehicle facing 
downhill.
•To avoid wheel spin, select ‘D’ (drive) and 
use the MINIMUM throttle necessary to get 
the vehicle moving.
•If forward motion is lost, avoid excessive 
use of the throttle - this may dig the vehicle 
into the sand. Clear sand from around the 
tyres and ensure that the vehicle underside 
is 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 
tyres so that the vehicle is again on level 
ground. If a restart is still not possible, place 
sand mats or ladders beneath the tyres.
DRIVING ON SLIPPERY SURFACES
(ice, snow, mud, wet grass) 
•Select ‘D’ (drive) in LOW range. 
•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
Although rough tracks can sometimes be 
negotiated in normal drive, on very rough 
tracks, engage LOW range to enable a steady,
low speed to be maintained without constant 
use of the brake pedal. 
						

							Driving Techniques
164
CLIMBING STEEP SLOPES
ALWAYS follow the fall 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 and selecting ‘3’ or ‘4’ using Steptronic 
selection is recommended. It is advisable to 
engage HDC, in case there is a need to reverse 
down the slope to avoid an obstacle. If the 
surface is loose or slippery, use sufficient 
speed in the highest practical gear to take 
advantage of your vehicles momentum and 
disable DSC. However, too high a speed over a 
bumpy surface may result in a wheel lifting, 
causing the vehicle to lose stability. 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 ‘N’ (neutral) and engage LOW 
range, then select ‘R’ (reverse).
4.Select Hill Descent Control (HDC). 
5.Release the handbrake. Then fully release 
the foot brake 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 during the descent - even a light 
application may cause the front wheels to 
lock, rendering the steering ineffective.
7.If the vehicle begins to slide, accelerate 
slightly to allow the tyres to regain grip.When the vehicle is back on level ground and 
safety permits, 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 and ensure that 
‘R’ (reverse) is selected. Otherwise, HDC and 
the braking effect of the gearbox will be lost. 
						

							Driving Techniques
165
DESCENDING STEEP SLOPES
WARNING
Failure to follow these instructions may cause 
the vehicle to roll over.
•Slow the vehicle and select LOW range. 
•With the transmission in manual Steptronic 
mode, change down the gears to select 
either ‘1’ or ‘2’, depending on the severity of 
the slope, before bringing the vehicle to a 
stop at least vehicle length before the start 
of the slope.
•Select Hill Descent Control (HDC).
•Unless it is necessary to stop the vehicle in 
order to negotiate obstructions, DO NOT 
touch the brake pedal 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 sufficiently 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 the descent has been started, ‘D’ can 
be selected in the main gearbox. HDC will 
continue to operate and the previously 
selected manual ‘gear’ will be retained until 
the descent is complete. 
•Once level ground is reached, the 
transmission will automatically select ‘D’ for 
the next stage of your journey.
H3855 
						

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166
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.
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 and always 
keep a light hold of the steering wheel to 
prevent it from spinning free. Deactivation of 
DSC may help in deep ruts.
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.
H3856 
						

							Driving Techniques
167
CROSSING A RIDGE
Approach at right angles so that both front 
wheels cross the ridge together - an angled 
approach could cause stability 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 a 
ditch is 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 the ditch. If the 
severity of terrain makes this inevitable, 
selecting ‘Off-road’ height with the EAS to 
increase clearance between the ground and the 
bottom of the vehicle may help.H3857
H3858 
						

							Driving Techniques
168
WADING
WARNING
The maximum advisable wading depth is 
0,5 m. Wading at a depth greater than the 
maximum advisable wading depth regularly, 
is not recommended.
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 to off-road height. 
If the water is likely to exceed 0,5 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.
•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 (located on 
the front wings) is clear of the water level.•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.
NOTE: If deep wading is to be carried out 
regularly, contact your Land Rover dealer for 
advice.
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 to hold the 
vehicle stationary until the brakes have 
thoroughly dried out; in the meantime, leave 
the vehicle parked in ‘P’.
•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 
condenser and 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 dealer 
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 dealer 
for advice.
H3859 
						

							169
Owner Maintenance
Maintenance
ROUTINE MAINTENANCE  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  171
OWNER MAINTENANCE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  171
SAFETY IN THE GARAGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  172
EMISSION CONTROL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  173
ROAD TESTING DYNAMOMETERS
(‘rolling roads’)  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  173
PREPARATION FOR WINTER. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  173
Bonnet Opening
BONNET OPENING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  174
Engine Compartment
DIESEL ENGINE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  175
PETROL ENGINE  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  176
Engine Oil
CHECK & TOP-UP  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  177
Cooling System
COOLANT CHECK AND TOP-UP . . . . . . . . . . . . .  179
ANTI-FREEZE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  180
Brakes
BRAKE FLUID. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  181
Power Steering
POWER STEERING FLUID . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  182
Washers
WINDSCREEN WASHER TOP-UP  . . . . . . . . . . .  184
WASHER JETS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  185
HEADLIGHT WASHERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  185
Wiper Blades
WIPER BLADE REPLACEMENT  . . . . . . . . . . . . .  186
Battery
BATTERY SAFETY  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  187
BATTERY MAINTENANCE  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  187
Tyres
CARING FOR YOUR TYRES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  189
SNOW CHAINS  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  191
Cleaning & vehicle care
WASHING YOUR VEHICLE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  192
CLEANING THE INTERIOR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  193