Land Rover Discovery: Pre-test Checks
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
Road or rolling road testing may be carried out for various reasons and a
procedure detailing pre-test checks, through engine starting and stopping,
pre-driving checks, on-test checks to final checks on completion of the test
are given.
Unless complete vehicle performance is being checked, the full road test
procedure need not be carried out. Instead, those items particularly relevant
to the system(s) being checked can be extracted.
Pre -test checks
WARNING:
If the brake system hydraulic fluid level is low, pedal travel is
excessive or a hydraulic leak is found, do not attempt to road test the
vehicle until the reason for the low fluid level, excessive pedal travel
or hydraulic leak is found and rectified.
It is suggested that pre-test and functional tests of those systems/circuits
which affect the safe and legal operations of the vehicle, such as brakes,
lights and steering, should always be carried out before the road or rolling
road test.
- Engine oil level
- Engine coolant level
- Tires, for correct pressure, compatible types and tread patterns, and
wear
within limits.
- There is sufficient fuel in the tank to complete the test.
- Check all around the engine, transmission and under the vehicle for oil,
coolant, hydraulic and fuel leaks. Make a note of any apparent leaks and
wipe off the surrounding areas to make it easier to identify the extent of
the leak on completion of the test.
STARTING THE ENGINE
NOTE:
On initial drive away from cold and within the first 1.5 km (1 mile), do
not depress accelerator pedal beyond half travel until the vehicle has
attained a minimum speed of 25 km/h (15 miles/h). Never operate at
high engine speed or with the accelerator pedal at full travel whilst
the engine is cold.
With the ignition off, check:
- The parking brake is applied.
- Automatic transmission: The selector lever is in 'P' - PARK.
- Manual transmission: The gear lever is in NEUTRAL.
- All instrument gauges read zero.
With the ignition on, check:
- Ignition controlled warning lights come on.
- Engine temperature gauge registers a reading compatible with the engine
temperature.
- Fuel gauge registers a reading appropriate to the fuel level in the tank.
- The operation of the parking brake warning light and fluid level warning
indicator light.
ON ROAD TEST CHECK :
CAUTION:
At commencement of road testing, check the brake operation while
still travelling at low speed before continuing with the test. If the
brakes pull to one side, or appear to be otherwise faulty, do not
continue with the road test until the fault has been found and
rectified.
- The parking brake releases completely.
- Gear changing is smooth, and there are no abnormal noises or vibrations
from the transmission.
- The engine power output is satisfactory, acceleration is smooth and
accelerator pedal operation is not stiff or heavy, and engine speed returns
to idle correctly.
- There is no excessive or abnormally colored smoke from the engine under
normal driving, heavy load or overrun conditions.
- Steering operation is smooth, accurate, not excessively heavy or with
excessive free play or vibration. Does not pull to one side and self centres
smoothly after cornering.
- All instruments register the correct readings and operate correctly.
- Switches and controls operate smoothly and positively, warning or
indicator lights operate correctly and the direction indicator control self
cancels when the steering is returned to the straight ahead position.
- Heating and ventilation systems work correctly and effectively.
- Brakes operate efficiently.
READ NEXT:
Avoid brake testing on busy roads where it can cause inconvenience or
danger to other road users.
CAUTION:
Brake testing which includes heavy brake applications should not be
carried out with new brak
SOLVENTS
WARNING:
Always handle all solvents, sealers and adhesives with extreme care.
Some contain chemicals or give off fumes which can be dangerous to
health. Always follow the manufacturers instr
SEE MORE:
REMOVAL
CAUTION:
Do not use tools during this operation, removal of the component(s)
must be carried out by hand.
NOTES:
Removal steps in this procedure may contain installation details.
RH illustration shown, LH is similar.
Refer to: Loadspace Trim Panel (501-05, Removal and Installation).
For optimum safety, children
should travel in the rear of the
vehicle at all times; front
passenger seat travel is not
recommended. However, if it is
essential that a child travels in the
front (not permitted in Australia),
set the vehicle's seat fully
rearward and seat the child in an
approved forw