Get Controls & instruments Guide for Land Rover Defender 90 SUV First Generation (1990-2016)

In this section of the handbook you will find

descriptions of the controls and instruments

on your vehicle.

For your own safety, it is most important to

read this section fully and to gain a thorough

understanding of all the controls before

driving.

SECTION 2

Controls & instruments

Section Contents Page

Controls 9.......................................................

Locks & alarm 11...........................................

Seats 21.........................................................

Seat belts 24...................................................

Instruments 28...............................................

Warning lights 29...........................................

Lights & indicators 32....................................

Wipers & washers 34.....................................

Switches 36....................................................

Windows 37...................................................

Sunroof 38.....................................................

Heating & ventilation 39.................................

Air conditioning 42.........................................

Interior equipment 44.....................................

Controls

Right hand steering

1. Ventilator control

2. Rear screen wash/wipe switch

3. Radio/cassette player

4. Ashtray

5. Cigar lighter

6. Bonnet release handle

7. Ventilator control

8. Heater fan control

9. Lighting, direction indicators and horn

control

10.Instrument and warning light pack

11.Clock

12.Heater controls

13.Hand throttle - if fitted

14.Headlight adjuster

15.Main gear lever

16.Transfer gear lever

17.Handbrake

18.Main lighting switch

19.Clutch pedal

20.Brake pedal

21.Accelerator pedal

22.Rear fog guard lights, heated rear window

and hazard warning light switches

23.Windscreen wash/wipe control

NOTE: The precise specification and location of controls may vary according to territorial

requirements and from model to model within the vehicle ranges.

Controls

Left hand steering

1. Ventilator control

2. Rear screen wash/wipe switch

3. Radio/cassette player

4. Ashtray

5. Cigar lighter

6. Bonnet release handle

7. Ventilator control

8. Heater fan control

9. Lighting, direction indicators and horn

control

10.Instrument and warning light pack

11.Clock

12.Heater controls

13.Hand throttle - if fitted

14.Main gear lever

15.Transfer gear lever

16.Handbrake

17.Main lighting switch

18.Clutch pedal

19.Brake pedal

20.Accelerator pedal

21.Windscreen wash/wipe control

22.Headlight adjuster - if fitted

NOTE: The precise specification and location of controls may vary according to territorial

requirements and from model to model within the vehicle ranges.

Locks & Alarm

KEYS

You have been supplied with two sets of keys,

comprising:

• a black key for operating the starter

switch.

• a plain, metal, key for operating the door

locks.

• A smaller metal key (marked ’FUEL’) to

operate the fuel filler cap lock.

Key numbers

The starter key number is stamped on a tag

attached to the key ring. Both key numbers

should be entered on the Security Information

card.

WARNING

For safety, remove the Security Information

card from the literature pack and keep it

with the key tag, and spare keys in a safe

place - AWAY FROM THE VEHICLE!

Front door locks

From outside the vehicle, the door locks can

ONLY be operated with the key. Turn the key

towards the rear to lock and towards the front

to unlock.

Door sill locking buttons

From inside the vehicle, each door can be

individually locked by depressing the

appropriate sill locking button.

WARNING

DO NOT depress the sill buttons as a means

of locking the doors from outside the vehicle

(this practice - known as ’slam locking’ - is

NOT recommended, because keys can be

locked inside accidentally).

Locks & Alarm

Child-proof locks

(110 Station wagon)

Move the locking levers down to engage the

child-proof locks (see illustration).

With the locks engaged, the rear doors cannot

be opened from inside the vehicle, thereby

reducing the risk of a door being opened

accidentally while the vehicle is moving.

Taildoor

(if fitted)

From outside, use the door key to lock and

unlock the taildoor. From inside and with the

door closed, push the locking button up to

lock and down to unlock (as illustration).

Locks & Alarm

ALARM SYSTEM

(if fitted)

Your vehicle is fitted with a sophisticated

anti-theft alarm and engine immobilisation

system. In order to combine maximum vehicle

security with minimum inconvenience, you are

advised to gain a full understanding of the

alarm system by thoroughly reading this

section of the handbook.

Features of the alarm system

Perimeter protection: This part of the alarm

system protects the doors, bonnet and

taildoor against unauthorised entry - the alarm

sounding if any one of these apertures is

opened without the alarm first being

disarmed.

Interior protection: Also known as volumetric

protection, this part of the system protects the

space inside the vehicle. If movement within

the passenger compartment, or intrusions

through the windows or sunroof are detected,

the alarm will sound.

Engine immobilisation: The engine is

immobilised electronically whenever the alarm

system is armed. Even if the alarm has not

been armed, engine immobilisation will occur

automatically thirty seconds after the driver’s

door is opened, or five minutes after the

starter switch is turned to position ’0’.

In practice, this means it is virtually

impossible to leave your Defender unattended

without the engine being immobilised.

ARMING THE ALARM

WARNING

If a passenger or animal is to be left inside

the vehicle, or if a window or sunroof is to

be left open, interior protection must be

disabled. Refer to ’Interior protection’

before arming the alarm.

To arm the alarm, aim the handset at the

Defender and press the right hand button

(PADLOCK SYMBOL). Provided all the doors

and other apertures are closed, the direction

indicator lights will flash three times to

confirm that the alarm is armed. All the

security features described previously will be

active.

Once armed, the alarm will sound if a door or

the bonnet is opened, or if movement is

detected inside the vehicle.

Locks & Alarm

Disarming the alarm

Within range of the vehicle, briefly press the

left (PLAIN) button on the handset; the

direction indicator lights will flash once to

indicate that the alarm has been disarmed and

the engine re-mobilised.

NOTE: In some territories, the interior lights

will illuminate when the alarm is disarmed.

If the direction indicators fail to flash when

the alarm is armed:

This indicates that a door or the bonnet is not

fully closed, in which case the alarm will still

be partially armed and the engine

immobilised, but interior protection will not be

active.

Once the open door or bonnet is closed, the

direction indicators will flash three times and

the alarm will fully arm as described

previously.

If the alarm sounds:

The vehicle horn and alarm siren will sound

continuously for 30 seconds and then switch

off. The horn and siren can be triggered up to

three times.

To silence the alarm, press either handset

button. If the handset is inoperative, the alarm

can only be disarmed by entering the

emergency key access code (see ’Engine

immobilisation override’).

Anti-theft alarm indicator light

A RED indicator light on the instrument panel

indicates the status of the alarm system.

When the alarm is armed successfully, the

light FLASHES rapidly. After 10 seconds, the

light adjusts to a slower frequency, and

continues flashing as an anti-theft deterrent

until the alarm is disarmed.

If the light fails to illuminate during the rapid

flash phase, this indicates a ’mislock’ (door or

bonnet not fully closed or key in starter

switch). If this occurs, the indicator light will

still flash at the slower frequency as an

anti-theft deterrent.

If the light illuminates continuously, this

indicates that the engine has immobilised

passively (see ’Engine immobilisation’).

Locks & Alarm

Interior protection

Interior protection is activated automatically

when the alarm system is armed; twin sensors

inside the vehicle monitor the interior space

and will activate the alarm if an intrusion is

detected.

However, if passengers or animals are to be

left inside the vehicle, or if a window or

sunroof is to be left open, the alarm must be

armed with interior protection DISABLED as

follows:

To disable interior protection:

1. Open the driver’s door.

2. With the driver’s door open, use the

handset to arm the alarm in the normal way.

3. Close the driver’s door (the direction

indicator lights flash three times and the

anti-theft indicator light commences flashing

rapidly). The alarm system is now armed with

interior protection disabled.

WARNING

If the vehicle is to be left with windows or

sunroof open, or with passengers or animals

inside, the interior protection MUST BE

DISABLED, as described above.

NOTE: Interior protection will not operate for

the first 15 seconds after the alarm is set.

ENGINE IMMOBILISATION

Engine immobilisation is an important aspect

of the vehicle’s security system, and occurs

automatically whenever the alarm system is

armed.

The system also includes a feature known as

’passive immobilisation’, which is designed to

safeguard the vehicle from theft should the

driver forget to lock the doors or arm the

alarm.

Passive immobilisation occurs automatically:

• thirty seconds after the starter switch has

been turned off AND the driver’s door

opened.

• five minutes after the starter switch is

turned off or the alarm system is

disarmed.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

The engine immobilisation system relies

on the handset to re-mobilise the engine.

Look after the handsets at all times,

protecting them from loss, damage and

battery discharge.

If the engine has immobilised passively,

re-mobilisation will occur when the

starter switch is turned to position ’II’,

provided the handset is on the same ring

as the key and in close proximity to the

switch.

• ALWAYS keep the handset on the

same ring as the key.

• NEVER attach both handsets to the

SAME key ring.

Any attempt to start the engine while it is

immobilised will cause the engine

immobilisation warning light (on the left

of the warning light panel) to flash.

Locks & Alarm

Engine immobilisation override

If the handset is lost or fails to operate, engine

immobilisation can be overridden by using the

starter key to enter the four digit emergency

key access code (this code is recorded on the

Security Information card). The procedure for

entering the code is described below.

Before entering the code, note the following:

If your handset is lost or inoperative, it is

impossible to disarm the alarm. As soon as

the door is opened, the alarm will sound

(continuously for up to three 30 second

periods), and continue while the code is being

entered. Remove the handset from the key

ring and keep the handset well away from the

starter switch when entering the code.

1. With the driver’s door closed, insert the key

into the starter switch, turn to position ’II’ and

hold in this position for 5 seconds. Then

switch off, and open and close the driver’s

door.

2. Turn the switch to position ’II’ the required

number of times to enter the first digit of the

code (if the first digit is 4, turn the key to

position ’II’ and then back to ’0’ four times).

3. Open the driver’s door (to enter the first

digit) and then close the door again.

4. Turn the starter switch to position ’II’ and

back to ’0’ the required number of times to

enter the SECOND digit of the code.

5. Open the driver’s door (to enter the second

digit) and then close the door again.

6. Turn the starter switch to position ’II’ and

back to ’0’ the required number of times to

enter the THIRD digit of the code.

7. Open the driver’s door (to enter the third

digit) and then close the door again.

8. Turn the starter switch to position ’II’ and

back to ’0’ the required number of times to

enter the FOURTH digit of the code.

9. Finally, OPEN and CLOSE the driver’s door.

If the code has been entered correctly, the

anti-theft indicator light will extinguish and the

engine can be started.

Locks & Alarm

If an incorrect code has been entered:

If the code is entered incorrectly, the anti-theft

indicator light will continue to illuminate and

the engine will fail to start. Before entering the

code again, turn the starter switch to position

’II’ and hold in this position for 5 seconds.

After three failed attempts, the security

system invokes a delay period of thirty

minutes during which the system will not

accept any further codes.

WARNING

• NEVER leave the Security Information

card in the vehicle.

• Memorize the emergency key access

code or keep the Security Information

card on your person in case of

emergencies.

Locks & Alarm

HANDSET BATTERY

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

• BEFORE replacing a handset battery,

disarm the alarm and unlock the

doors.

• DO NOT remove an expired battery

until you are ready to install the

replacement.

• The engine will immobilise five

minutes after the key is removed

from the starter switch. If handset

battery replacement is NOT

completed within this period, the

emergency key access code will

have to be entered before the

handset can be synchronised.

The handset battery should last for

approximately three years dependent upon

use. When the battery needs replacing it will

be apparent from the following symptoms:

• The handset will only work every other

operation while disarming.

• The direction indicator lights will not flash

when the alarm is disarmed.

Locks & Alarm

Always fit a Land Rover STC4080 or a

Panasonic CR2032 replacement battery

(available from a Land Rover dealer) and

adopt the following replacement procedure:

1) Unlock the vehicle and disarm the alarm

system.

2) Turn the starter switch to position ’II’, then

turn to position ’0’ and remove the key.

3) Carefully prise the handset apart, start from

the keyring end using a coin or small

screwdriver. Avoid damaging the seal between

the two halves of the case and DO NOT allow

dirt or moisture to get inside the handset.

4) Slide the battery out of its clip, taking care

to avoid touching the circuit board or the

contact surfaces of the clip.

5) Press and hold one of the buttons for at

least five seconds (this will drain any residual

power from the handset).

6) Fit the new battery, ensuring that correct

polarity is maintained (positive (’+’) side

facing up). Finger marks will adversely affect

battery life; if possible, avoid touching the flat

surfaces of the battery and wipe them clean

before fitting.

7) Reassemble the two halves of the handset,

then operate the PADLOCK symbol button at

least four times within range of the vehicle to

resynchronise the handset.

The handset is now ready for use.

WARNING

The handset contains delicate electronic

circuits and must be protected from impact

and water damage, high temperatures and

humidity, direct sunlight and the effects of

solvents, waxes and abrasive cleaners.

Locks & Alarm

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Battery disconnection

Your vehicle is equipped with a battery backed-up sounder, which operates as an anti-theft

siren if the vehicle battery is disconnected.

Before disconnecting the vehicle battery, it is ESSENTIAL to refer to ’Battery removal and

replacement’ in Section 4, in order to prevent the alarm from sounding.

If the vehicle battery is disconnected for any reason, the status of the security system prior to

disconnection will be memorized and automatically reset when the battery is reconnected.

ALARM OR HANDSET DIFFICULTIES

Alarm goes off unexpectedly. (a) Ensure all windows and sunroof are closed.

(b) Disable interior space protection.

Alarm goes off when door opened. Disarm the alarm with the handset before

unlocking. If the handset has failed, enter the

emergency key access code (refer to ’Engine

immobilisation override’).

Starter will not operate. Ensure handset is on same ring as starter key. If

it still will not operate, consult a Land Rover

dealer.

Direction indicator lights don’t flash

when alarm is armed.

A door or bonnet is partially open.

Seats

FRONT SEAT ADJUSTMENT

WARNING

To avoid the risk of loss of control and

personal injury, never adjust the driver’s

seat or seatback while the vehicle is in

motion.

Forward/backward movement

Lift the bar at the front of the seat base to

slide the seat forward or back. Ensure the seat

is locked in position before driving.

Backrest movement

Lift the lever and lean backwards or forwards

to achieve the desired angle, then lower the

lever to lock.

WARNING

DO NOT allow front seat occupants to travel

with the seat backs reclined steeply

rearwards. Optimum benefit is obtained

from the seat belt with the seat back angle

set to 25 degrees from the upright (vertical)

position.

Seats

FOLDING THE REAR SEATS - (if fitted)

Before folding the rear seats;

• Slide the front seats forward.

• Ensure that the outer rear seat belts are

correctly stowed in their belt clips.

• Pass the seat belt locks through the

junction of the backrest and the cushion

and into the loadspace.

Individually split rear seats

NOTE: The two outer seats must be folded

first, thereby releasing the centre seat.

Outer seats;

1. Release the catch (see first inset).

2. Fold the backrest forward.

3. Slide back the bolt (see second inset).

4. Lift and fold the seat base forwards.

Centre seat;

5. Release the catch - as (1).

6. Fold the backrest forward.

7. Lift and fold the seat base forwards.

When returning the backrest to the upright

position, ensure it is securely latched in place

before driving.

WARNING

DO NOT adjust the seats while the vehicle is

in motion.

When the seat is erected, the latching

mechanism should be visually checked and

physically tested to ensure that the latch is

secure before driving.

Seats

60/40 split rear seats

1. Pull up the release catch.

2. Fold the backrest forward.

3. Lift and fold the seat base forward.

4. Fold away the seat stand.

WARNING

DO NOT adjust the seats while the vehicle is

in motion.

When re-erecting the seats, ensure that the

seat stands are properly positioned.

When the seat is erected, the latching

mechanism should be visually checked and

physically tested to ensure that the latch is

secure before driving.

Seat belts

SEAT BELT SAFETY

Seat belts are life saving equipment.

In a collision, unrestrained passengers can be

thrown around inside the vehicle, or possibly

thrown out of the vehicle, resulting in injury to

themselves and to other occupants. DO NOT

take chances with safety!

• DO make sure ALL passengers are

securely strapped in at all times - even for

the shortest journeys.

• ALWAYS adjust seat belts to eliminate any

slack in the webbing, and to ensure that

the diagonal belt passes across the

shoulder without slipping off or pressing

on the neck.

• ALWAYS fit the lap strap as low on the

hips as possible (never across the

abdomen).

• DO have seat belts checked if the vehicle

has been involved in an accident.

• DO NOT allow front seat occupants to

travel with the seat backs reclined steeply

rearwards. Optimum benefit is obtained

from the seat belt with the seat back angle

set to 25 degrees from the upright

(vertical) position.

• DO NOT fit more than one person into a

belt, or fit a seat belt that is twisted or

obstructed in any way that could impede

its smooth operation.

• DO NOT allow foreign matter (particularly

sugary food and drink particles) to enter

the seat belt locks - such substances can

render the locks inoperative.

WARNING

Pregnant women should ask a doctor for

advice about the safest way to wear seat

belts.

Seat belts

WARNING

At all times, occupants should wear a seat

belt for their protection in the event of a

collision or sudden stop. In some

circumstances, perhaps due to the vehicle

being on a slope, the automatic locking

mechanism may engage, preventing the

initial extension of the belt. This is not a

fault - ease the belt free and use it.

Fastening the inertia reel belts

Draw the belt over the shoulder and across

the chest, and insert the metal tongue plate

into the lock nearest the wearer - a ’click’

indicates that the belt is securely locked.

Seat belts are designed to bear upon the bony

structure of the body (pelvis, chest and

shoulders) and can only be worn safely with

the webbing crossing the shoulder MIDWAY

BETWEEN THE NECK AND THE EDGE OF THE

SHOULDER and with the seats in a normal

UPRIGHT position - DO NOT allow the front

passenger to travel with the seat steeply

reclined.

Lap belts

To adjust, pull the slider along the belt and

feed the webbing through the buckle until the

belt is comfortably tight. When not in use, the

lap belts should be fastened.

Seat belts

Infant and child restraints

All infant and child restraint systems are

designed to be secured in vehicle seats by

means of a lap belt or the lap portion of a

lap/shoulder belt.

When installing and using any infant or child

restraint system, always follow the

instructions provided by the manufacturer

concerning installation and use. Failure to

properly secure the child restraint system in

the vehicle can endanger the child in a

collision or sudden stop and cause injury to

other passengers.

Centre and inward facing seats are fitted with

lap belts which can be manually tightened to

secure an infant or child restraint system.

Older children should use the lap/shoulder

belt fitted to the outer rear seating positions.

Never leave a child unattended in your

vehicle.

WARNING

Infants and children too small for seat belts

should be restrained in a child safety seat or

restraint system, appropriate to their age

and/or size, and which is approved for use

in your vehicle. Always ensure that the

manufacturer’s fitting instructions are

followed exactly.

• DO NOT allow a baby or infant to be

carried on the lap. The force of a crash

can increase the effective body weight

by as much as 30 times, making it

impossible to hold on to the child.

• DO NOT use a child seat that ’hooks’

over a seatback, it is not secure!

• Accident statistics show that children are

safer when properly restrained in the

rear seating positions than in the front.

However, if a forward facing child seat

suitable for the size of child is available

and it is necessary for a child to travel in

the front, set the seat fully rearwards

and use an approved FORWARD FACING

child seat - DO NOT INSTALL

REARWARD FACING CHILD SEATS IN

ANY FRONT PASSENGER SEAT

POSITION.

Seat belts

Caring for seat belts

Regularly inspect the belt webbing for signs of

wear, paying particular attention to the fixing

points and adjusters. Always replace a seat

belt that has withstood the strain of an impact

or shows signs of fraying.

DO NOT bleach or dye the webbing. Clean the

webbing using warm water and non-detergent

soap only - allow to dry naturally and DO NOT

retract the belt until completely dry.

Testing inertia reel belts

From time to time carry out the following

tests:

1. With the seat belt fastened, give the

webbing near the buckle a quick upward

pull. The buckle must remain securely

locked.

2. With the seat belt unfastened, unreel the

webbing to the limit of its travel. Check

that unreeling is free from snatches and

snags.

3. With the webbing half unreeled, hold the

tongue plate and give it a quick forward

pull. The safety mechanism must lock

automatically and prevent any further

unreeling.

Instruments

1. Speedometer

Indicates road speed in miles and/or

kilometres per hour.

2. Anti-theft alarm indicator light

Indicates the status of the alarm system (see

’Locks & alarm’).

3. Total distance and trip recorder

Indicates the total distance or the individual

journey distance travelled by the vehicle.

4. Total distance and trip recorder

mode/reset button

Press and release the mode button to change

the digital display between either the total

distance the vehicle has travelled, or the

individual journey distance. Press and hold

the button to reset the trip recorder to zero.

5. Fuel gauge

The pointer indicates the fuel level when the

starter switch is turned to position ’II’.

6. Temperature gauge

Once the engine coolant has reached its

normal operating temperature, the pointer

should remain between the ’C’ (cold) and

’H’ (hot) segments. If the pointer enters the

’H’ segment, stop the vehicle as soon as

safety permits and seek qualified assistance

before continuing.

7. Clock

To adjust the time, use a ball point pen or

similar probe to advance or put back the time,

using the right or left hand buttons at the

bottom of the clock bezel.

NOTE: The clock will need to be reset if the

battery has been disconnected.

8. Warning lights

The specification of the warning lights will

vary according to model and market

requirements (see ’Warning lights’).

Warning lights

The warning lights are colour coded as

follows:

RED lights are warnings.

WARNING

DO NOT drive if a RED warning light remains

on once the engine is running or illuminates

whilst driving.

GREEN & BLUE lights indicate that a unit is

operating.

AMBER lights show that a unit is operating

and should be switched off (or rectified) as

soon as conditions allow.

Low engine oil pressure - RED

Illuminates as a bulb check

when the starter switch is

turned to position ’II’ and extinguishes when

the engine is running. If it remains on, or

illuminates whilst driving, STOP THE VEHICLE

as soon as safety permits and seek qualified

assistance before continuing. Always check oil

levels when this light illuminates.

NOTE: At very low ambient temperatures, the

light may take several seconds to extinguish.

Battery charging - RED

Illuminates as a bulb check

when the starter switch is

turned to position ’II’ and extinguishes when

the engine is running. If it remains on, or

illuminates whilst driving, a fault is indicated.

Seek qualified assistance urgently.

Handbrake & brake system-

RED

The light illuminates when the

handbrake is applied and extinguishes when it

is fully released. If the light illuminates while

the handbrake is released, a fault with the

braking system is indicated, check the brake

fluid level (see ’Maintenance’). If the light

continues to illuminate, seek qualified

assistance urgently.

Direction indicators - GREEN

Flashes in conjunction with the

direction indicators. If the light

does not illuminate, this may indicate a bulb

failure in the warning light pack or in one of

the direction indicator lights.

Headlight main beam - BLUE

Illuminates whenever the main

beam headlights are on.

Warning lights

Hazard warning lights - RED

Illuminates in conjunction with

the direction indicator warning

lights, when the hazard warning lights are

operated.

Differential lock - AMBER

Illuminates whenever the

differential lock is engaged.

If the light remains on after the differential

lock is disengaged, transmission ’wind up’

may be present. Reversing for a short

distance and then going forward will usually

’unwind’ the transmission. If the light remains

on, contact your dealer as soon as possible.

Heated rear screen - AMBER

Illuminates when the rear

screen heater is operating.

Engine immobilisation - RED

Flashes during any attempt to

start the engine when the

engine is immobilised.

Trailer direction indicators -

GREEN

Flashes in conjunction with the

vehicle direction indicator lights to show that

all trailer indicator lights are functioning

correctly. In the event of a bulb failure on the

trailer, the warning light flashes once and then

remains off.

NOTE: When a trailer is not fitted, the

warning light will only flash once.

Sidelights - GREEN

Illuminates whenever the

sidelights are on.

Rear fog guard lights - AMBER

Illuminates whenever the rear

fog guard lights are on.

REMEMBER: In clear conditions, rear fog

guard lights can dazzle other road users. Use

ONLY when visibility is severely restricted.

Glow plugs - AMBER

(diesels only)

Illuminates whenever the

starter switch is turned to position ’II’ if the

engine is cold. WAIT for the light to extinguish

before starting the engine.

Anti-lock braking system -

AMBER (if fitted)

Illuminates for approximately 1

second as a bulb and system check when the

starter switch is turned to position ’II’, and

briefly extinguishes before coming on again. If

the light does not extinguish and then come

on again, then a fault occurred with the ABS

system and you should consult a qualified

dealer at the earliest opportunity. The warning

light will remain on until the vehicle is driven

above approximately 5 mph (7 km/h).

If the light remains on or subsequently

illuminates while driving, a fault has been

detected by the self monitoring system. This

means that full ABS control may not be

available and you should consult your dealer

at the earliest opportunity.

Warning lights

Traction control - AMBER

(if fitted)

Illuminates as a bulb and

system check, when the starter switch is

turned to position ’II’ and extinguishes after

approximately 4 seconds. The light illuminates

for a minimum of 2 seconds, whenever

traction control is operating.

If the warning light flashes (for at least 10

seconds); this indicates that the traction

control has been operating for too long and

has temporarily shut down to allow the

system to cool down - this will only occur in

extreme conditions.

If the light illuminates continuously, a fault

with the system is indicated - seek qualified

assistance.

Transmission oil temperature

- RED (if fitted)

Illuminates when gearbox oil

temperature is too high (most likely to occur

in very hot weather, during continuous high

speed driving, when towing heavy loads on

steep inclines).

If the light illuminates, reduce speed. If the

light remains on, stop the vehicle and do not

drive until it has extinguished.

Check engine - AMBER

(Td5 models only)

Illuminates as a bulb and

system check when the starter switch is

turned to position ’II’ and extinguishes after

approximately 3 seconds. Illumination at any

other time indicates an engine fault - if the

light illuminates, avoid high speeds and seek

qualified assistance urgently.

Fuel filter - AMBER

(Td5 models only)

Illuminates as a bulb check

when the starter switch is turned to position

’II’ and extinguishes after approximately 2

seconds. If the light illuminates while driving,

this indicates the presence of excessive

amounts of water in the fuel. You may

continue driving, but should seek qualified

assistance at the earliest opportunity.

Low fuel - AMBER

Illuminates when the fuel

remaining in the tank drops to

a minimum of 2 gallons (9 litres). If the light

illuminates, refuel at the first opportunity.

Cold start - AMBER

(Petrol engines only)

Illuminates when the cold start

control is selected and extinguishes when the

cold start control is pushed fully in.

Lights & indicators

Direction indicators

Move the lever DOWN to indicate a LEFT turn,

and UP to indicate a RIGHT turn (the GREEN

warning light on the instrument panel will

flash in time with the direction indicators).

Hold the lever part-way up or down against

spring pressure to indicate a lane change.

Main light switch

Lever position;

• Static - all lights off

• First position - side, tail and instrument

panel lights on (see ’Dim-dip’ headlights)

• Second position - headlights on

Headlight main beam and ’flash’

With the headlights switched on, push the

lever away from the steering wheel to activate

main beam (BLUE warning light illuminates).

To flash the headlights, pull the lever part-way

towards the steering wheel and then release.

Horn

Press end of the lever to operate the horn.

Lights & indicators

Headlight levelling (if fitted)

The height of the headlight beams is affected

by the distribution of weight inside the vehicle.

Always ensure your headlights are adjusted so

that the point at which they meet the road

surface ahead of the vehicle provides

adequate illumination, without dazzling other

road users.

The following load conditions should be used

as a guide.

Position ’0’: Driver only, or driver and all front

seats occupied (loadspace empty).

Position ’1’: All seats occupied (loadspace

empty).

Position ’2’: All seats occupied by adults and

loadspace loaded to maximum rear axle

weight.

Position ’3’: Driver only with the loadspace

loaded to maximum rear axle weight.

NOTE: The maximum rear axle weight can be

found in the ’General data’ section.

Vehicles fitted with front seats only:

Positions ’1’ and ’2’ should only be used when

required, according to the distribution and

weight of the load being carried.

Wipers & washers

WARNING

To prevent possible overload damage to the

linkage or the wiper motors in either

freezing or extremely hot conditions, care

must be taken to ensure that the wiper

blades are not adhering to the glass before

operating the wipers.

WINDSCREEN WIPERS

• Single wipe

Push the lever up against spring pressure

and release immediately.

NOTE: With the lever held up, the wipers will

continue operating at slow speed until it is

released.

• Intermittent wipe

Pull lever down.

• Normal speed wipe

Push lever up to first position.

• Fast speed wipe

Push lever up to second position.

• Windscreen washer

Press to operate (the wipers will also

operate).

Wipers & washers

Rear window wash/wipe

The rear window wash/wipe only operates

with the starter switch turned to position ’II’.

• Press and hold to operate the washer.

• Rotate clockwise and hold to operate the

wiper for the required duration.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

• DO NOT operate the wipers on a dry

screen.

• In freezing or very hot conditions,

ensure that the blades are not frozen

or stuck to the glass.

• In winter, remove any snow or ice

from around the arms and blades,

including the wiped area of the

windscreen and the heater air

intakes.

NOTE: If the wiper blades have stuck to

the glass, a thermal cut-out may

temporarily prevent the wiper motor from

operating. If this is the case, switch the

wipers off, free them from the

obstruction and then switch on again.

Switches

Heated rear window (if fitted)

Press the lower portion of the

switch to operate; press the

upper portion to switch off. The

warning light in the instrument panel

illuminates while the heating elements are

switched on and extinguishes when they are

turned off.

WARNING

DO NOT stick labels over the heating

elements, and DO NOT scrape or use

abrasive materials to clean the inside of the

rear window.

Hazard warning lights

Press the lower portion of the

switch to operate (switch

indicator illuminates); all the

direction indicator lights (including those

fitted to a trailer) will flash in conjunction with

each other.

Use ONLY in an emergency to warn other

road users when your stationary vehicle is

causing an obstruction, or is in a hazardous

situation. Switch off by pressing the upper

portion before moving away.

Rear fog guard lights (if fitted)

Press to switch on and off, the

warning light in the instrument

panel illuminates when the fog

lights are on. The rear fog guard lights operate

only when the starter switch is at position ’II’

and when the headlights are switched on.

NOTE: The rear fog guard lights extinguish

automatically when the ignition or the

headlights are switched off and will need to be

reselected manually.

WARNING

The rear fog guard lights can only legally be

used when visibility is severely restricted -

other road users could be dazzled in clear

conditions.

Windows

WINDOWS

Front/rear windows;

Raise or lower the window by rotating the

handle mounted on the door trim pad.

Sliding rear windows; (if fitted)

To open, press the catch tongues together,

slide the window to the desired position and

release the catch, ensuring that it locates

securely in the sockets, locking the window in

position.

Sunroof

SUNROOF (if fitted)

The sunroof can be opened to varying degrees

or, if required, can be removed completely.

To OPEN the roof:

Turn the hand wheel anti-clockwise to give the

desired opening.

To CLOSE the roof:

Turn the hand wheel clockwise until resistance

is felt.

To REMOVE the roof:

Open the sunroof fully and push the catch (1)

rearwards to disengage the hand wheel

mechanism.

Remove the sunroof by tilting upwards and

lifting rearwards to disengage the locating

lugs.

WARNING

DO NOT store the sunroof loose in the

vehicle.

DO NOT allow passengers to extend any part

of their bodies through the sunroof while the

vehicle is moving.

DO NOT remove the sunroof whilst the

vehicle is moving.

Refit the sunroof by following the same

procedure in reverse.

Heating & ventilation

Fresh air vents

To open the two vents in the windscreen

frame, push the lever to the right and then

downwards to the desired position and

release.

The temperature of air supplied to the fresh air

vents is not controlled by the heater.

NOTE: For vehicles fitted with an air conditioning system, the location and operation of air vents is

described on a later page (see ’Air conditioning’).

Heating & ventilation

HEATER CONTROLS

NOTE: For vehicles fitted with an air

conditioning system, the heater controls are

described on a later page (see ’Air

conditioning’).

1. Temperature control

Move the lever downwards (towards the

RED segment) to increase air temperature,

or upwards (towards the BLUE segment)

to reduce air temperature.

2. Air distribution control

• Lever fully up - windscreen vents only.

• Lever midway - foot level and windscreen

vents.

• Lever fully down - foot level vents (also

provides some air to the windscreen).

3. Fan speed control

• Lever at position ’0’ - no air will enter the

vehicle through the blower vents.

• Lever between positions ’0’ and’1’ -

progressively more air will enter the

vehicle, depending solely on the ram effect

of the vehicle moving through the air.

• Lever between positions ’1’ and ’2’ - the

fan will operate and progressively increase

in speed.

Heating & ventilation

USING YOUR HEATER

Ensure the front grille and the air intake grille

on the front wing are kept clear of

obstructions (especially snow and ice).

The following examples of basic heater

settings are intended as a general guide; the

air distribution, temperature and blower

controls can then be further adjusted to suit

your comfort requirements.

Always remember that full heating is not

available until the engine has reached its

normal operating temperature.

Maximum heating

• Temperature control - fully down.

• Distribution control - midway.

• Fan speed control - fully down.

• Fresh air vents - fully closed.

Demisting and defrosting

• Temperature control - fully down.

• Distribution control - fully up.

• Fan speed control - fully down.

• Fresh air vents - fully open for demisting

(closed for defrosting).

• Opening a window may improve

ventilation.

Maximum ventilation

• Temperature control - fully up.

• Distribution control - fully down.

• Fan speed control - fully down.

• Fresh air vents - fully open.

Air conditioning

CONTROLS

1. On/off blower control

Rotate clockwise to the first position to turn

on the air conditioning. Rotate further

(positions II and III) to increase the flow of

conditioned air from the four vents in the

lower fascia.

NOTE: The air conditioning will only operate

with the engine running.

2. Temperature control

Rotate clockwise (positions I to III) to obtain

progressively cooler air.

Air vents

The four air conditioning vents located in the

lower fascia can be adjusted to suit your

requirements. The adjuster in the centre of

each vent can be used to adjust volume and

direction of air. To cut off the supply of air

from any particular vent, slide the adjuster

fully to the left.

USING THE AIR CONDITIONING (if fitted)

If your vehicle has been fitted with an air

conditioning system, you may find the

following guidelines useful.

Air conditioning provides additional cooling to

the vehicle interior and also reduces the

moisture content of the air.

It is important to keep the windows, sunroof

and fresh air vents closed during operation.

Points to remember:

• If the temperature inside the vehicle is

higher than that outside when you start

the engine, it will take time for the air

conditioning to become fully effective. It is

best to ventilate the vehicle by opening the

windows and setting the controls to

’Maximum cooling’ (see next page). When

the vehicle has been ventilated, close the

windows and set the blower controls for

personal comfort.

• Operating the air conditioning takes power

from the engine and consequently

increases fuel consumption.

• All air conditioning systems need to be

operated for a short while every week

(even in winter) to maintain them in peak

condition.

• The air conditioning system will also

dehumidify air. The surplus water

produced by this process is expelled from

the system via drain tubes beneath the

vehicle. This may result in a small pool of

water forming on the road when the

vehicle is stationary and is not a cause for

concern.

Air conditioning

The following examples of air conditioning

settings are included for your guidance:

NOTE: If air conditioning is to be used,

ensure that the fresh air vents are closed and

that the heater unit controls are set to;

Temperature control - fully up.

Fan speed control - position ’0’.

Distribution control - fully up.

Normal cooling

Temperature control - set to positions I or II.

Blower control - set to desired speed.

Maximum cooling

Temperature control - set to position III.

Blower control - set to position III

Interior equipment

INTERIOR LIGHTS

With the switch midway between the ’ON’ and

’OFF’ positions, the light will illuminate

automatically whenever a door is opened and

remain illuminated for approximately 15

seconds after ALL the doors are closed, or

until the starter switch is turned on.

When alighting from the vehicle, the interior

lights will fade and then extinguish as soon as

the last door is closed.

NOTE: Any subsequent opening and shutting

of doors prior to the starter switch being

turned on again, will cause the 15 second

delay feature to operate.

NOTE: If a door remains open for eight

minutes, a ’time-out’ function will extinguish

the lights to avoid discharging the battery.

CIGAR LIGHTER

With the starter switch turned to position II,

press the lighter in to heat up. When it has

reached the correct temperature it will partially

eject and can then be withdrawn for use.

• ONLY hold the cigar lighter by the handle.

• DO NOT use the ashtray for disposing of

waste paper or other combustible

materials.

• DO NOT plug accessories into the cigar

lighter socket unless they are approved by

Land Rover.

ASHTRAY

Lift the lid of the ashtray to open. To remove,

carefully prise the ashtray out of the fascia

panel.

Controls & instruments for Your Land Rover Defender 90 SUV First Generation (1990-2016)

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