Paddock Spares
The TDCi Defender looks very similar to the Td5 and Tdi, but there are a number of changes that make servicing the vehicle at least a bit fiddlier; at worse, a nightmare.
What’s new in the TDCi Defender?
The most significant change is the MT82 Getrag six-speed gearbox as found in the Ford Transit van and Mustang.
The MT82 gearbox has moved away from Land Rover’s traditional ‘fill till it spills’ approach. The oil level is below the filler plug, leaving no certain way of checking it other than to dump it all and refill with the designated 2.2 litres of fluid.
A number of TDCi’s slipped out of the factory with hardly any oil in them. If you followed the Land Rover service schedule you may not discover this for 120,000 miles. It can’t be checked at pre-delivery inspection or during normal servicing.
So, if you’re not sure, change it.
Replacing the TDCi Fuel Filter
Replacing the Fuel Filter has become a challenge due to the absence of a fuel lift pump, but if you follow this advice you’ll be fine.
Tools used
- Basic spanners
- Socket set
- Torx bits
Safety advice when servicing
- Apply barrier cream to hands, or wear thin gloves, before handling any diesel and oil-covered components
- Support lifted vehicle on axle stands
The above content originally appeared in Lro Magazine and is reproduced here with the kind permission of LRO and their sponsors Britpart. Any advice or opinions are those of LRO magazine and its writers.
Service A Tdci Defender At Home
