Operation Manual

Off-road driving
184
WADING
WARNING
The maximum advisable wading depth is
0,5 metre (20 in.).
Severe electrical damage may occur if the
vehicle remains stationary for any length of
time when the water level is above the door
sills.
If the water is likely to exceed 0,5 metre (20
in.) while the vehicle is moving, the following
precautions MUST 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.
• Fit a drain plug to the flywheel housing
and diesel engine timing cover - Tdi
engines only (see ’Owner maintenance’).
• Ensure that the silt bed beneath the water
is firm enough to support the vehicle’s
weight and provide sufficient traction.
• Ensure that the engine air intake is clear of
the water.
• To prevent saturation of the electrical
system and air intake, avoid excessive
engine speed.
• With the DIFF LOCK engaged, select a low
gear and maintain sufficient throttle to
prevent the engine from stalling. This is
particularly important if the exhaust pipe is
under water.
• 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.
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 transmission
has thoroughly dried out; in the meantime,
leave the vehicle parked in gear.
• Remove the timing cover drain plug
(where fitted) and also any covering
material from the front of the radiator
grille.
• If the water was particularly muddy,
remove any blockages (mud and leaves)
from the radiator to reduce the risk of
overheating.
• If deep water is regularly negotiated, check
transmission 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.
• Vehicles required to undergo frequent or
deep wading conditions will require more
frequent servicing. See ’Owner
maintenance’ and contact a Land Rover
dealer for advice.
• If salt water is frequently negotiated,
thoroughly wash the underbody
components and exposed body panels,
with fresh water.