Thread: First off-road drive in my first Defender

Ok so they're tiny but you get the idea. I shall do better next time....

Forgot to mention previously...

Highlights:
Low Range
Rescuing my mate
Stepping the back end out on the loose stuff
Creating my first bow wave....that wasn't in a boat.
UHF conversations

Lowlights:
Traction control making odd noises
Slipping out of high range once I'd put it back in. Twice
Scratches on the side
Having to come home

Awesome

Good to see a shiny one getting a good work out! For the High Range / Low Range.. that is common. What sometimes happens is that it doesn't fully engage when you move the lever - there is no synchro in the transfer.

When I change high range / low range I move the lever as far as it goes, and then very gently let the clutch out a little.. just so the gears in the transfer box turn 1/4 to 1/2 a turn. As this happens, the lever will move easily and lock properly into place.

Its quite common for it to sit half in place for a while before popping out. It can scare the life out of you as it feels like you've really busted something expensive!

As for the paint, go to your favourite auto store (super-crap don't usually have the full range) and get the meguires scratch / circle remover.

Flagg you're not wrong mate. I was straight on the radio to my mate out in front and said I'd lost drive and thoughts turned to the wallet....but fortunately having an old British sports car, I've learned to work through the symptoms first....so I looked down....and there it was, sitting in Neutral (between H and L).

No synchro - no dramas. I'll know next time....and let's hope it's not too long. I am completely in love with my new hobby.

Cheers for the paint tip - I'll give it a go.

you might get sick of polishing out those scratches, defenders have a habit of going out to play more than sitting in the shopping car park.
I look at the scratches in mine, smile and think, I remember that weekend, and this mark here...well it was from.....

Fantastic to see such a positive post. I’m glad to hear someone really enjoying and happy with their new vehicle.
Enjoy Bobby

The tracton control making noises is normal. Mine does the same thing. I find it handy as it wakes me up when it gets slippery.

Accordining to the book, if you are having trouble getting it into low range, engage 2nd gear, back into neutral and then try it again. Worked for me.

I always change from low to high while moving,walking pace only and you'll feel the gears engaging all the way.The traction control makes ugly noises,both my TC vehicles do it. Pat

Highlights:
Low Range
Rescuing my mate
Stepping the back end out on the loose stuff
Creating my first bow wave....that wasn't in a boat.
UHF conversations

Lowlights:
Traction control making odd noises That's just what TC sounds like. Same with ABS.
Slipping out of high range once I'd put it back in. Twice Yeah you get that. My 300Tdi does it. My RRC did it. My Series trucks do it. The Triton does it as did the Patrol before it.
Scratches on the side ...and?!
Having to come home Yes, fully agree.

Good on you mate - looks like you had an awesome weekend!

I took a neighbour down the back of his property last week because he had some work to do down there. He was convinced that it wasn't accessible to vehicles. Quite apart from being scared ****less, he was blown away that Defender just wandered down there as if it was nothing... He thinks I'm gods gift to driving now. I wasn't going to tell him it was more to do with the truck!