Land Rover Defender: Vehicle In Workshop

When working on a vehicle in the workshop always make sure that:

• Where practicable, the parking brake is applied and the wheels are securely chocked to prevent the vehicle moving forwards or backwards.
• Whenever possible, the ignition key is removed before any work is carried out on the vehicle.
• If the engine is to be run, there is adequate ventilation, or an extraction hose is used to remove exhaust fumes.
• There is adequate room to raise the vehicle and remove the wheels, if necessary.
• Fender covers are always installed if any work is to be carried out in the engine compartment.
• Where practicable, the battery is disconnected if working on the engine, underneath the vehicle, or if the vehicle is raised.

CAUTIONS:

• Prior to disconnecting the battery, refer to the Electrical Section of this manual - Battery disconnection /connection and the following paragraphs.
• When electric arc welding on a vehicle, always disconnect the generator wiring to prevent the possibility of a surge of current causing damage to the internal components of the generator.

• If using welding equipment on the vehicle, a suitable fire extinguisher is readily available.

BATTERY - GENERAL

WARNING: It is essential that a period of 1 minute elapses after the battery is disconnected before any work is undertaken on any part of the SRS.

CAUTIONS:

• After re-connecting the battery, the steering wheel must be turned to full left-hand and right-hand lock (with engine running). This allows the DSC system to relearn the steering wheel position. Failure to do so will result in a variety of instrument warning lights being illuminated.
• Prior to carrying out any procedures which involve disconnecting/connecting the battery, refer to the Electrical Section of this manual - Battery disconnection/connection.
• A discharged battery condition may have been caused by an electrical short circuit. If this condition exists there will be an apparently live circuit on the vehicle even when all normal circuits are switched off. This can cause arcing when the jumper cables are connected.

Jump Starting a Vehicle

CAUTIONS:

• While it is not recommended that a vehicle is jump started, it is recognized that this may occasionally be the only practical way to mobilize a vehicle. Reference should be made to the following and also to the Electrical Section of this manual - Jump Starting.
• It is advisable not to use starter/charger sets for jump starting but if this is unavoidable, make sure that the sets are not used in the 'START' mode.

• Always make sure that the jumper cables are adequate for the task.
• Always make sure that the slave battery is of the same voltage (12 volts) as the vehicle battery. The batteries must be connected in parallel.
• Make sure that the battery terminals of both batteries are fully tightened.
• Where another vehicle is used to jump start a disabled vehicle, make sure that the two vehicles are not touching.
• It is advisable that the engine of the donor vehicle is switched off during jump starting; take care to make sure that the battery of the donor vehicle does not also become discharged.
• Always make sure that switchable electric circuits are OFF before connecting jump cables. This reduces the risk of arcing occurring when the final connection is made.

Following jump starting of a disabled vehicle, the discharged battery must be checked for serviceability and recharged as soon as possible to avoid permanent damage.

Do not rely on the generator to restore a discharged battery. For a generator to recharge a battery, it would take in excess of eight hours continuous driving with no additional loads placed on the battery.

Trickle charging (defined as voltages <16 volts) may be carried out with the battery connected. Make sure that the battery terminals are fully tightened prior to trickle charging.

CAUTION: Boost charging may only be carried out with the battery disconnected from the vehicle.

TOWING THE VEHICLE

WARNING: When towing is necessary, reference must be made to the Jacking, Lifting and Towing Section of this Manual.

When the vehicle is being towed the ignition switch must be in position II (steering lock released and warning lights illuminated). Only then will the steering, turn signal lamps, horn and stop lamps be operational. Failure to follow these instructions may result in personal injury. It must be noted that with the engine not running, the power steering and brake booster will be inoperative therefore, greater effort will be needed to steer the vehicle and apply the brakes.

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