Land Rover Defender: Gasoline engined vehicles

Use high quality fuel. Low quality fuel can damage the engine and reduce engine performance.

Do not use leaded fuels, fuels with lead substitutes, e.g., manganese-based, or fuel additives. The vehicle's emission control systems can be adversely affected, which may affect the vehicle's warranty coverage.

Fuel system cleaning agents should not be used, unless approved by the vehicle manufacturer. Inadequate cleaning agents may damage the fuel system.

OCTANE RATING

Do not use fuels with an octane rating lower than 87 AKI as severe engine damage may occur.

Do not use leaded fuels, fuels with lead substitutes, e.g., manganese-based or fuel additives. Doing so may adversely affect the vehicle's emission control systems and affect the vehicle's warranty.

The vehicle manufacturer recommends the use of premium unleaded gasoline with a minimum octane rating of 91 AKI (Anti-Knock Index). Using the correct fuel specification helps to maintain the vehicle's performance, fuel economy, and driveability.

If premium unleaded fuel is not available, use unleaded fuel with a lower octane rating, down to a minimum of 87 AKI.

Using a lower specification fuel may reduce the vehicle's performance, increase fuel consumption, cause an audible engine knock, and other driveability problems.

Consult a retailer/authorized repairer if an engine knock is detected, while holding a steady speed on level roads. Also consult a retailer/authorized repairer if a heavy persistent engine knock is detected, even if using fuel to the recommended octane rating. Failure to do so is misuse of the vehicle which is not covered by the vehicle's warranty.

Note: An occasional, light engine knock when accelerating or climbing hills is acceptable.

Note: Federal law requires that gasoline octane ratings be posted on the pumps.

ETHANOL

Do not use fuels containing more than 15% ethanol. Inadequate fuel can reduce engine performance and may cause damage to engine components.

Do not use E85 fuels with 85% ethanol content, as serious engine and fuel system damage will occur.

Fuels containing up to 15% ethanol may be used, e.g., E10 and E15.

Make sure that the fuel has octane ratings no lower than those recommended for unleaded fuel. Most drivers do not notice any operating difference with fuel containing ethanol. If driveability issues are experienced, revert to using fuel containing no more than 10% ethanol. If the issues remain, use premium quality unleaded fuel instead.

METHANOL

Wherever possible, avoid using fuel containing methanol. Using fuel containing methanol may cause serious engine and fuel system damage, which is not covered by the vehicle's warranty.

METHYL TERTIARY BUTYL ETHER (MTBE)

Unleaded fuel containing an oxygenate known as Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether (MTBE) can be used. The ratio of MTBE to conventional fuel must not exceed 15%.

MTBE is an ether-based compound derived from gasoline. MTBE has been specified by several refiners as the substance to enhance the octane rating of fuel.

SULFUR CONTENT

Using an incorrect specification of fuel will cause serious damage to the engine and the exhaust after-treatment system. The vehicle's warranty does not cover this. If in doubt, contact a retailer/authorized repairer for advice.

Vehicles with a diesel engine require the use of Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) fuel.

The sulfur content is in accordance with the American Society for Testing and Materials standard ASTM D975 ULSD, or the World Wide Fuel Charter (WWFC) standards. The fuel must also meet the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards.

This vehicle must be operated only with ultra low sulfur diesel fuel (that is, diesel fuel meeting EPA specifications for highway diesel fuel, including a 15 ppm sulfur cap).

REFORMULATED GASOLINE

Reformulated gasoline is specially formulated to help further reduce the vehicle's exhaust emissions. The vehicle manufacturer fully supports all efforts to protect and maintain the ambient air quality, and encourages the use of reformulated gasoline, where available.

RUNNING OUT OF FUEL

Avoid running out of fuel. Doing so can cause damage to the vehicle's engine, fuel and emission control systems.

If the vehicle does run out of fuel, a minimum of 1.1 U.S. gallons (4 L) is required to restart the engine. The vehicle should be left with the ignition on for 5 minutes after refueling, before attempting to restart the engine. The vehicle needs to be driven 1 - 3 miles (1.6 - 5 km), in order to reset the engine management and monitoring systems.

Note: If the vehicle does run out of fuel, seeking qualified assistance is advisable.

WATER IN FUEL

If the instrument panel displays a warning message, an excessive amount of water has collected in the fuel system. In this event, consult a retailer/authorized repairer as soon as possible. Water in fuel can damage engine components or the fuel system.

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