Starting and Operating

Steering Column Lock

If your vehicle is equipped with a steering column lock, it is integrated with the starter switch and located as shown in the illustration.

Unlocking the Steering Column: Insert the key into the starter switch.

Locking the Steering Column: Remove the key from the starter switch.

Note: Before removing the key, the selector lever must be in the P (Park) position.

WARNING: Driving is impossible with a locked steering column. Do not remove the key while driving.

Note: The removed key should not be kept in close proximity to the starter switch. Otherwise, the steering column lock may continuously engage, discharging the vehicle's battery.

Starter Switch

The starter switch has the following positions for operating the steering column lock, electrical circuit, and starter motor:

Position "Off"

Steering column lock (if the key is removed).
Most lighting circuits are active, including: side lighting, headlights, and hazard warning lights.
When the driver's door is open, the seat position switches and seat memory functions operate.

Position I

Steering column is unlocked.
The steering wheel is set to the desired working position.
The clock, audio system, and cigarette lighter can be used.

Position II

All instruments, malfunction indicators, and electrical circuits are operational.

Position III

Starter cycle activation. Note that during engine cranking, the electrical circuits activated by turning the key to position I are temporarily interrupted.

Note: Before starting the engine, the gear selector lever must be in the P (Park) or N (Neutral) position.

Starting - Gasoline Models

WARNING: Do not start or run the engine in an enclosed space. Exhaust gases are toxic and can cause unconsciousness or death if inhaled.

Before starting the engine and driving, familiarize yourself with the precautions in the "CATALYTIC CONVERTER" section, page 188.

Specifically, remember:

If the engine does not start, prolonged starter operation may damage the catalytic converter due to unburned fuel.

Ensure the parking brake is engaged and set the selector lever to P or N.
Turn off all unnecessary electrical equipment.
Turn the starter switch to position II, then to position III to start the engine.

When starting, do not press the accelerator pedal. Release the key as soon as the crankshaft begins to turn (rotation will continue automatically until the engine starts).

If the engine stalls or does not start, turn the starter switch back to position I before attempting to restart; if the starter switch is in position II, the engine will not start.

Caution: If the engine fails to start, do not continue attempting to start it, as this will discharge the battery. It may also damage the catalytic converter due to unburned fuel passing through the exhaust system.

Starting - Diesel Models

WARNING: Do not start or run the engine in an enclosed space. Exhaust gases are toxic and can cause unconsciousness or poisoning.

Before starting the engine and driving, familiarize yourself with the precautions in the "CATALYTIC CONVERTER" section, page 188.

Ensure the parking brake is engaged and set the selector lever to P or N.
Turn off all unnecessary electrical equipment.
Insert the key and turn the starter switch to position II. Wait for the pre-glow plug indicator light to go out.

Note: The waiting time depends on the coolant temperature (if the engine is hot, the pre-glow plug indicator may go out immediately or not light up at all).

Turn the key to position III to start the engine. When starting the engine, do not press the accelerator pedal. Release the key immediately after the engine starts.

After Starting

Before moving the gear selector lever from the N (Neutral) or P (Park) position, ensure that the parking brake is fully engaged, the brake pedal is pressed, and the accelerator pedal is not pressed. Otherwise, the vehicle may start moving immediately after the selector is moved to one of the driving positions – D (Drive) or R (Reverse). This is especially important with a cold engine, as idle speed will be higher than normal.

Note: Before shifting the selector lever from P or N to a driving position, you must press the brake pedal.

If the engine stalls or does not start, turn the starter switch back to position I before attempting to restart; if the starter switch is in position II, the engine will not start.

Caution: If the engine fails to start, do not continue attempting to start it, as this will discharge the battery.

In temperate climates, do not operate the starter for more than 10 seconds. If the engine does not start, turn off and wait 10 seconds before engaging the starter again.

Note: Prolonged starter operation not only discharges the battery but can also damage the starter.

Note: Once the engine starts, the battery charge and oil pressure warning indicators should go out.

Caution: Engine speed should not exceed idle speed until the oil pressure warning indicator goes out. This ensures proper engine and turbocharger bearing lubrication before driving at speed.

Similarly, before turning off the engine, always let it idle for 10 seconds.

Cold Climate

In very cold climates, the oil pressure warning indicator may operate with a delay of a few seconds. Engine cranking time also increases. At temperatures of –25°C (–13°F), the starter motor may need to operate continuously for 30 seconds to start the engine. In such cases, turn off all unnecessary electrical equipment for optimal battery performance.

General Driving Recommendations

Instruments and Warning Indicators

Before using the vehicle, it is important to familiarize yourself with the functions of the instruments and warning lights. See the "INSTRUMENT PANEL" section, page 78.

Caution: Red warning indicators, indicating a malfunction, are particularly important. If a red indicator lights up, stop the vehicle immediately, seek qualified assistance, and then continue your journey.

Power Steering

Note: Power steering operation depends on engine operation. With the engine off, more effort is required to turn the steering wheel.

Warm-up

For fuel economy, it is recommended to start driving immediately, remembering that rapid acceleration or high engine speeds before reaching operating temperature can damage the engine.

With a cold engine, idle speed is higher than normal. In these conditions, control the vehicle using the brake pedal until the engine warms up and idles normally, and perform maneuvers more carefully.

Running-in

Proper running-in directly affects the reliability and smoothness of the vehicle's operation throughout its service life.

The engine, gearbox, brakes, and tires require time to adapt to everyday operating conditions. During the first 800 km (500 miles) of driving, you must consider the running-in process and follow these recommendations:

Limit your maximum road speed to 110 km/h (70 mph) or 3000 rpm. Start from a standstill with light accelerator pedal pressure, and after the running-in period, gradually increase engine speed.
When driving, do not press the accelerator pedal fully, and avoid placing excessive loads on the engine in any gear.
Avoid rapid acceleration and hard braking unless required for safety.

Service Requirements

Remember: For long-term operation and optimal performance, regular maintenance with checks for brake pad wear and their periodic replacement is necessary.

Vehicles driven in severe road conditions, particularly on dusty, muddy, wet ground, and vehicles that frequently ford deep water, require more frequent technical maintenance. Consult your dealer/Land Rover technical center for recommendations.

After driving through salt water or on sandy terrain, rinse the lower body components and unprotected panels with fresh water. This will help maintain the vehicle's appearance and prevent reduced effectiveness of the parking brake.

Fuel Economy

Fuel consumption is influenced by two main factors:

Vehicle condition.
Driving style.

For optimal fuel consumption, the vehicle must be maintained according to the manufacturer's scheduled maintenance program.

Parameters such as the condition of the air filter elements, tire pressure, and wheel alignment significantly affect fuel consumption. However, driving style is the most important factor. The following conditions contribute to improved vehicle operating parameters:

Avoid short trips with frequent stops unless necessary.
Avoid rapid acceleration from a standstill; press the accelerator pedal gently and smoothly.
Use lower gears only when necessary.
Slow down smoothly, avoiding abrupt and hard braking.
Anticipate obstacles and adjust your speed accordingly.
For optimal fuel consumption and air conditioning during brief stops, select N (Neutral) gear.
Turn off the air conditioning when not needed.

Vehicle Height

Caution: The overall height of the vehicle is greater than that of conventional passenger cars. Always be aware of your vehicle's height and check clearances when passing through areas with height restrictions. This is especially important for vehicles with a roof rack or an open sunroof.

Vehicle Stability

WARNING: Off-road vehicles, compared to other vehicle categories, have a higher tendency to roll over. Because these vehicles are designed for off-road use, they have increased ground clearance, resulting in a higher center of gravity. This leads to a higher risk of rollovers.

The advantage of increased ground clearance is improved visibility of the road, allowing you to anticipate difficult situations. Another factor increasing rollover risk is unauthorized modifications to the vehicle's structure, such as installing non-standard tires (see "WHEELS AND TIRES", page 346), oversized tires, raising the body, non-standard springs and/or shock absorbers, improper vehicle loading, and towing a trailer.

Nevertheless, road accident data shows that driver behavior is a more significant factor than a high center of gravity. The most effective behavior for preventing injury and loss of life is to wear seat belts and use appropriate child restraint systems. In the event of a rollover, the risk of fatality is significantly higher for an unbuckled occupant.

Additional measures to reduce the risk of injury and loss of life in accidents and rollovers:

Limit your speed. Never exceed the posted speed limits, and reduce speed if road or weather conditions require it. Always use common sense and sound judgment.
Take corners at appropriate speeds, avoiding excessive braking.
Drive cautiously. Be aware of road and weather conditions. Avoid risky driving behavior, such as tailgating, frequent lane changes, and abrupt maneuvers. Do not forget that pedestrians and other drivers may make mistakes.
Anticipate that they will make them. Be prepared for their mistakes.
Avoid distractions, such as phone calls, reading, eating, drinking, or attempting to pick up objects from the floor.
Before changing lanes, check mirrors and use turn signals;
Always leave a safety margin for unexpected actions, such as sudden braking.
Do not drive under the influence of alcohol, while drowsy or fatigued, or after taking medication that impairs judgment, reflexes, or alertness.

WARNING: Vehicle rollovers often occur when a driver attempts to return the vehicle to the road after some or all wheels have gone off the edge or shoulder. In such a situation, do not make sudden or abrupt steering movements or brake maneuvers to return to the road. Instead, reduce speed as much as possible and keep the wheels pointed straight ahead as much as possible.

Breakdown Safety

In case of a breakdown while driving:

If possible, and considering road safety measures and conditions, move the vehicle off the road, preferably to the shoulder, as far as possible.
Turn on the hazard warning lights.
If possible, place a warning triangle or flashing orange light at an appropriate distance behind the vehicle to warn other road users of the breakdown (remember that this is a mandatory requirement in some countries).
Evacuate passengers from the vehicle into a safe area through doors opposite the direction of traffic, as a precaution against impact from other vehicles.

Before Driving Off-Road

Before driving off-road, the driver must familiarize themselves with the operation of the vehicle's controls, especially the high and low range selector, CommandShift manual shifting, and Hill Descent Control (HDC) system.

Basic information and techniques for off-road driving are provided in the vehicle's off-road driving manual, available at http://www.ownerinfo.landrover.com.

Anyone planning to drive off-road is recommended to complete a relevant training course. Training can be taken at the nearest Land Rover advanced training center. More detailed information can be obtained at: http://www.landroverexperience.com

Fording

Caution: The maximum recommended wading depth is 700 mm (27.6 inches). Regular wading in depths greater than recommended is not advised.

If the vehicle remains stationary in water with the level above the door sills for any length of time, significant damage to the electrical system may occur.

Do not switch off the engine while fording. If the engine stalls during fording, restart it immediately. If the engine stalls, have the vehicle checked by a dealer or Land Rover technical center as soon as possible.

If water enters the engine air intake while fording, switch off the engine immediately. The vehicle must be towed out of the water and taken to a Land Rover dealer or technical center.

Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF)

The Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) is part of the exhaust gas toxicity reduction system installed in Land Rover vehicles. The DPF removes most harmful carbon microparticles (soot) before they exit the exhaust system. This is achieved by filtering fine particles that accumulate and are then burned off, emptying the filter.

Regeneration

Caution: The regeneration process generates high temperatures in the DPF. The space under the vehicle may become very hot; this is normal and not a sign of malfunction. However, do not park the vehicle over flammable materials, especially in dry weather. The heat generated may be sufficient to ignite nearby flammable materials such as grass, paper, etc.

Unlike a conventional filter that requires periodic replacement, the DPF regenerates or self-cleans to maintain operational efficiency. In most cases, the regeneration process occurs automatically. However, in some adverse driving conditions, the driver must initiate the regeneration process.

Regeneration Procedure

If the information panel displays the message "DPF FULL" with a handbook symbol, follow this procedure.

Note: During this procedure, you should observe relevant speed limits, regulations, and rules. Always consider road and weather conditions and drive considering the traffic of other vehicles.

Warm up the engine by driving it to normal operating temperature. Engine warm-up should not be done at idle.
Continue driving for another twenty minutes at a speed exceeding 80 km/h (50 mph).
If regeneration is successful, the indicator light will go out (or the message will disappear). If not, repeat the process.

Note: If after three regeneration attempts the indicator light does not go out (or the message does not disappear), contact your dealer or Land Rover technical center.

Indicators and Messages

Caution: Failure to take appropriate action when an indicator lights up or a message appears may lead to damage to the engine and the DPF system, increased exhaust gas toxicity, and costly repairs.

If regeneration does not occur automatically, for example, due to short trips, the driver will be notified by an indicator or message.

DPF FULL

When this message appears, the driver should perform the regeneration procedure for the DPF as soon as possible.

DPF FULL, RETURN TO DEALER

When this message appears, the vehicle must be taken to a Land Rover dealer or technical center as soon as possible.

Exhaust Gas Emission Control System

WARNING: Exhaust gases contain toxic substances that can cause unconsciousness and even death.

Do not inhale exhaust gases.
Do not start or run the engine in enclosed, unventilated areas, and do not drive with the tailgate open.
Do not make structural modifications to the exhaust system.
Immediately repair any exhaust system leaks.
If you suspect exhaust gases are entering the vehicle's cabin, take immediate measures to identify and rectify the fault.

Land Rover vehicles are equipped with an exhaust gas emission control and removal system in accordance with numerous regional requirements.

Emissions Control System Modifications

In many countries, the law prohibits vehicle owners from making structural modifications or alterations to the exhaust gas toxicity control equipment, and sanctions are applied for making structural modifications to such equipment or replacing it. In such cases, both the vehicle owner and repair facility representatives are legally responsible.

It is important to remember that Land Rover dealers and technical centers have all the necessary equipment for the repair and maintenance of the vehicle's exhaust gas toxicity control system.

Caution: If the vehicle runs out of fuel during operation, it may lead to misfires. This can cause damage to the exhaust gas toxicity control system.

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