News
An India based company called Tata has acquired Land Rover & Jaguar from Ford Motors, announced in March, the sale price was about $2.3billion. Only time will tell how this will affect the marquee, but they did get backing from both Rover & Jaguar workers unions, and have said they will hold true to tradition.
In Feb 08, I’ve brought back my apprentice (Drew Wheeler) from my 1st year of running the shop, I had been trying to get him back on occasion over the last year or so, and finally he agreed to leave Corvettes Only to rejoin us here.
Tech Tips
With most vehicles, running the recommended octane gas will maximize performance and gas mileage. This is due to multiple engine sensors and programming that can make use of that octane rating. But, many customers ask us if their vehicles require that higher octane rating, and the answer is really no. Those same sensors & programming allow your vehicle to function safely with octane ratings below the manufacturer’s recommendation, though you are likely to see reduced performance and gas mileage.
Use it or lose it: I see this most often on the Discovery I, but it applies to others as well. The transfer case hi-low/CDL shifter can seize up over time from lack of use, so we recommend going through all the functions of the shifter at least once every few months. Here is how the shifter should work:
High to Low shift: With the Rover rolling at a slow walking pace, put the transmission in neutral (this will release a lock solenoid enabling the shift), push the shifter forward – it will go through 2 detents, one for transfer case neutral, then one into low range. You can now shift the transmission back into gear. When the transfer case is in neutral, you should hear an audible warning. Reverse procedure to go from low to high range.
CDL (Center Diff Lock): This function is completely independent of the high/low transmission in neutral (this will release a lock solenoid enabling the shift), push the shifter forward – it will go through 2 detents, one for transfer case neutral, then one into low range. You can now shift the transmission back into gear. When the transfer case is in neutral, you should hear an audible warning. Reverse procedure to go from low to high range. shift, though it uses the same lever. There is no need to put the transmission in neutral. This function is spring loaded inside the transfer case so may take time to engage/disengage depending on the load on the driveline. By default the transfer case lever should be off to the right side (unlocked), if loss of traction conditions exist then would be the time to engage the CDL. Simply pull the transfer case lever to the left, it should move about 2”. The CDL light may not come on immediately, remember its spring loaded. Try driving in slight arcs side to side and accelerate / decelerate slightly, that should engage the CDL and your diff lock light should illuminate (amber light on upper right side of instrument pack)
Jeffrey Corwin