🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Land Rover

Model:

Discovery 2

Year:

2003

Market:

Global (primarily North America, Europe, and other key markets)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Premium Mid-size SUV, often marketed for its off-road capabilities and luxurious appointments.

Key Competitors:

Jeep Grand Cherokee, Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, Mitsubishi Pajero/Montero, Ford Explorer, Chevrolet Blazer (during its production run).

Distinguishing Factors:

Body-on-frame construction, advanced four-wheel-drive systems (GKN Viscous Coupling Unit and Electronic Traction Control), 'SLS' Self-Levelling Suspension (optional/on higher trims), sophisticated interior for its class, excellent off-road articulation and capability.

📋 Manual Details

Systems Covered:

Engine (V8), Emission Control, Engine Management, Cooling System, Intake/Exhaust, Clutch, Manual Gearbox (R380), Transfer Box (LT230SE), Automatic Gearbox (ZF4HP22/24), Propeller Shafts, Front Axle, Rear Axle, Steering, Front Suspension, Rear Suspension, Brakes, Restraint Systems, Doors, Exterior Fittings, Interior Trim, Screens, Seats, Sunroof, Chassis/Body Dimensions, Panel Repairs, Body Sealing, Corrosion Prevention, Painting, HVAC, Wipers/Washers, Charging/Starting, Lighting, Body Control Unit, Alarm/Horn, Windows, In-Car Entertainment, Harnesses, Driving Aids, Navigation System, Instruments

Estimated Page Count:

Varies by specific edition, but factory service manuals for this era are typically extensive, often exceeding 1000 pages in print. PDF format may condense this.

Type:

Factory Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF (Downloadable)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Comprehensive coverage of the V8 engine, including specific variants, emission controls, engine management systems, cooling, intake, exhaust, clutch, manual transmission (R380), transfer case (LT230SE), automatic transmission (ZF4HP22/24), and propeller shafts.

Chassis And Suspension:

Detailed information on front and rear axles, steering system components, front and rear suspension systems, and brake systems, including hydraulic and electronic aspects.

Body And Interior:

Covers doors, exterior fittings, interior trim, screens, seats, sunroof, chassis and body dimensions, panel repairs, body sealing, corrosion prevention, and painting procedures.

Electrical And Electronics:

Includes charging and starting systems, lighting, body control unit, alarm system and horn, power windows, in-car entertainment, wiring harnesses, driving aids, and the navigation system.

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance procedures, fluid and lubricant specifications, torque wrench settings, lifting and towing guidelines, and capacity charts.

Repair And Diagnostics:

Step-by-step repair procedures for all major systems, diagnostic fault finding, troubleshooting guides, and component replacement instructions.

Depth:

Comprehensive, from basic maintenance and fluid changes to advanced engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, and complex electrical system diagnostics and repairs. Provides detailed schematics and specifications.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Typically searchable text within the PDF, allowing for quick access to specific topics.

Printable:

Yes

Print Resolution:

Designed for clear printing of diagrams, schematics, and text.

Binding:

N/A (Digital Download - PDF)

Paper Quality:

N/A (Digital Download - PDF)

Operating Systems:

WINDOWS and MAC

Software Requirements:

Adobe PDF Reader

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

10CS (often referred to as the 'Thor' V8)

Engine Type:

4.6L (4600cc) V8 SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft) 32-valve, Aluminum block and heads

Bore X Stroke:

84.0 mm x 102.0 mm

Horsepower:

Approx. 217-222 bhp (162-166 kW) at 4750 rpm (specifications can vary slightly by market and specific engine tune)

Torque:

Approx. 300-305 lb-ft (407-413 Nm) at 3000-3200 rpm (specifications can vary slightly by market and specific engine tune)

Fuel Injection:

Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI) with Electronic Engine Management System (Bosch Motronic or similar).

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline (91 octane RON or higher recommended)

Emission Systems:

Catalytic converters, Secondary air injection (on some variants), EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation), and electronic engine control to meet emissions standards.

🔧 Transmission

Manual Transmission:

R380 5-speed Manual Gearbox

Automatic Transmission:

ZF 4HP22-24 4-speed Automatic Gearbox with Electronic Management

Transfer Case:

LT230SE 2-speed transfer box with a 1.21:1 high-range ratio and a 3.32:1 low-range ratio, featuring a lockable center differential.

Drive System:

Permanent Four-Wheel Drive with a GKN Viscous Coupling Unit (VCU) as the center differential, providing variable torque split.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 4,715 mm (185.6 inches) - standard wheelbase

Width:

Approx. 1,800 mm (70.9 inches) - excluding mirrors

Height:

Approx. 1,872 mm (73.7 inches) - excluding roof rails

Curb Weight:

Approx. 2,000 - 2,150 kg (4,400 - 4,740 lbs) depending on specification

Towing Capacity:

Typically 3,500 kg (7,716 lbs) braked trailer

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Ratings:

Varies by testing agency and region. Generally considered to have robust safety features for its era, though direct comparative ratings may be less common than modern vehicles.

Traction Control:

GKN Viscous Coupling Unit, Electronic Traction Control (ETC) - utilizes ABS sensors to brake individual wheels to maintain traction. (Standard on most models)

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags. Side airbags were optional or standard on higher trims.

Seatbelts:

Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners for front occupants. Lap and diagonal for rear occupants.

Chassis Construction:

Body-on-frame construction, which provides significant structural integrity and off-road resilience.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory-fitted audio systems often included AM/FM radio, cassette player, and CD player. Premium sound systems with subwoofers were available. The manual covers system diagnostics and repair.

Cruise Control:

Standard on most models, providing convenience on highways. Covered in the electrical systems section for troubleshooting.

Navigation System:

Optional GPS navigation system available on some trims. Manual covers its components, operation, and basic troubleshooting.

Keyless Entry Alarm:

Integrated keyless entry system and factory alarm. The manual details its operation, programming, and troubleshooting.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 6,000 miles (10,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (check manual for specific recommendations).

Transmission Fluid Change:

Automatic transmission fluid and filter: typically every 60,000 miles (100,000 km). Manual transmission: fluid change recommended every 60,000 miles (100,000 km) or as per manual. Transfer box and axle fluid: every 60,000 miles (100,000 km).

Spark Plug Replacement:

Varies by type; iridium plugs can last up to 100,000 miles, while older copper plugs might be around 30,000 miles. The manual will specify.

Engine Oil:

API SJ or higher, Viscosity SAE 10W-40 or 10W-30 (check manual for exact specification based on ambient temperature). Capacity: Approx. 6.6 liters (7 US quarts).

Coolant:

Engine coolant: Mixture of ethylene glycol based antifreeze and distilled water. Typically a 50/50 mix. Use a long-life coolant (e.g., G48 type or equivalent that is cadmium and silicate free).

Brake Fluid:

DOT 4 brake fluid.

Power Steering Fluid:

Dexron III or Mercon ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid).

Common Problems:

Head gasket failure (particularly on earlier 4.0L V8 versions, less so on the 4.6L), ABS/TC warning lights (often due to wheel speed sensor issues or ABS modulator faults), SLS pump leaks and sagging rear suspension, BECM (Body Electronic Control Module) issues, door seal leaks leading to water ingress, radiator issues, viscous coupling unit (VCU) failure, minor oil leaks from various gaskets and seals.

Troubleshooting Resources:

This manual provides detailed diagnostic procedures for many common issues, enabling owners to identify and repair faults, saving significant costs compared to dealership servicing.

📚 Vehicle History

Off Road Legacy:

Land Rover has a long-standing reputation for building robust, go-anywhere vehicles, starting with the original Land Rover Series I in 1948 and continuing through the Range Rover and Discovery lines.

Discovery Series Ii:

The Discovery Series II (LD) was an evolution of the original Discovery I, featuring a longer wheelbase, updated exterior styling, improved interior comfort, and significant technological advancements like the GKN VCU and the ACE (Active Cornering Enhancement) and SLS (Self-Levelling Suspension) systems. It was produced from 1998 to 2004.

Production Period:

1998-2004 (for the Series II generation)

Manufacturing Locations:

Solihull, West Midlands, United Kingdom

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Off Road Accolades:

While specific awards for the 2003 model year are not as widely publicized as its capabilities, the Discovery lineage has consistently been recognized for its off-road prowess in various publications and by off-road enthusiasts globally.

Consumer Reviews:

Consumer reviews often praise its comfort, off-road ability, and family-friendly space, while noting potential reliability concerns and maintenance costs common to luxury European SUVs of the era.