🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Land Rover

Model:

Discovery 2

Year:

1997

Generation:

Series II (L318)

Chassis Code:

L318

Vin Decoder Engine Code Lookup:

Covered

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Luxury Mid-size SUV

Key Competitors 1997:

Jeep Grand Cherokee, Toyota Land Cruiser, Ford Explorer, Chevrolet Tahoe

Discovery 2 Distinction:

Renowned off-road capability, sophisticated ACE (Active Cornering Enhancement) suspension system (on certain models), powerful V8 engine, luxurious interior appointments.

Owner Benefit:

Empowers owners to perform cost-effective maintenance and repairs, understand vehicle systems, and diagnose issues effectively.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Maintenance, Repair, Diagnostics, Troubleshooting

Specific Systems Covered:

Engine (V8), Transmission (Manual R380, Auto ZF4HP22-24), Transfer Box (LT230SE), Axles, Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Electrical Systems, Bodywork, HVAC, Restraint Systems

Estimated Page Count:

Extensive (Detailed coverage implies significant page count, typically 1000+ pages for full factory service manuals)

Type:

Factory Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

File Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Systems:

V8 Engine Mechanicals, Engine Management System, Emission Control, Cooling System, Exhaust Systems

Drivetrain Systems:

Clutch, Manual Gearbox (R380), Automatic Gearbox (ZF4HP22-24), Transfer Box (LT230SE), Propeller Shafts, Front and Rear Axles

Chassis And Body Systems:

Steering, Front and Rear Suspension, Brakes, Chassis and Body Dimensions, Panel Repairs, Body Sealing, Corrosion Prevention, Painting

Electrical And Comfort Systems:

Charging and Starting, Lighting, Body Control Unit, Alarm System, Windows, Sunroof, HVAC, Wipers and Washers, In-Car Entertainment, Navigation System, Instruments

Safety And Interior Systems:

Restraint Systems, Doors, Exterior Fittings, Interior Trim, Seats, Screens

Maintenance Procedures:

Scheduled Maintenance, Fluid Changes, Filter Replacements, Lubrication

Repair Procedures:

Component Removal and Installation, Engine Rebuilds, Transmission Overhauls, Suspension Component Replacement, Brake System Repairs, Electrical Component Diagnosis and Repair

Diagnostic Procedures:

Troubleshooting Guides, Symptom-Based Diagnostics, Fault Code Interpretation (for relevant systems)

Technical Data And Specifications:

Torque Wrench Settings, Capacities (Fluids, Lubricants), Identification Numbers, Lifting and Towing Points, Chassis and Body Dimensions

Depth Of Coverage:

Comprehensive Factory-Level Detail: Covers everything from routine maintenance and minor repairs to major overhauls and component rebuilds, including electrical schematics and diagnostic procedures.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable PDF for efficient information retrieval.

Printability:

Yes, Printable

Operating Systems:

WINDOWS and MAC

Software Requirement:

Adobe PDF Reader

Binding:

Digital Download (PDF)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

V8 (Rover V8)

Engine Displacement:

4.0L (3947cc) and 4.6L (4552cc)

Bore X Stroke 4.0L:

88.89 mm x 77.0 mm

Bore X Stroke 4.6L:

94.0 mm x 81.0 mm

Compression Ratio 4.0L:

8.13:1

Compression Ratio 4.6L:

8.13:1

Horsepower 4.0L:

Approx. 182 hp @ 4750 rpm

Torque 4.0L:

Approx. 230 lb-ft @ 3250 rpm

Horsepower 4.6L:

Approx. 217 hp @ 4750 rpm

Torque 4.6L:

Approx. 280 lb-ft @ 3250 rpm

Fuel Induction:

Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline

ECU Type:

Lucas 14CUX (typically)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-Speed Manual (R380)

Transmission Type:

4-Speed Automatic (ZF 4HP22-24)

Transfer Case:

LT230SE (Permanent Four-Wheel Drive with Center Differential Lock)

Manual Gearbox Fluid:

Likely GL-4 (e.g., Castrol EPX 80W-90 or equivalent)

Automatic Gearbox Fluid:

Dexron III (or equivalent)

Transfer Box Fluid:

Likely EPX 80W-90 GL-5 (or equivalent)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 4706 mm (185.3 in)

Width:

Approx. 1796 mm (70.7 in)

Height:

Approx. 1963 mm (77.3 in) with roof rails

Wheelbase:

Approx. 2540 mm (100 in)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 2000-2200 kg (4400-4850 lbs) depending on configuration

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approx. 2700-2800 kg (5950-6170 lbs)

Towing Capacity:

Approx. 3500 kg (7716 lbs) (braked)

Cargo Volume Behind Second Row:

Substantial, designed for utility

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Results:

Limited public data for this specific year/model. Early SUVs often had less stringent testing than modern vehicles.

Active Safety Systems:

ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), Center Differential Lock (for off-road traction)

Passive Safety Features:

Front Airbags, Seatbelts, Side-Impact Beams

Airbag Coverage:

Driver and Passenger front airbags

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM Cassette/CD Player, optional premium sound systems

Driving Aids Covered:

Covers systems like ACE (Active Cornering Enhancement) and potentially SLS (Self-Levelling Suspension), though these were phased in. Also includes ABS diagnostics.

Connectivity Features:

Limited by modern standards. Primarily focused on internal vehicle systems and basic entertainment.

Navigation Availability:

Optional factory navigation system covered.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically 5,000-7,500 miles or 6-12 months (refer to manual for exact schedule based on driving conditions)

Major Service Points:

Spark plugs, transmission fluid, brake fluid, differential fluid, transfer case fluid, coolant, air filter, fuel filter (as per manual's schedule)

Engine Oil Specification:

API SJ or higher, SAE 10W-40 or 10W-50 (check manual for ambient temperature recommendations)

Coolant Specification:

Ethylene glycol-based, OAT-free coolant (e.g., British Leyland anti-freeze or equivalent)

Brake Fluid Specification:

DOT 4

Common Wear Items:

Head Gaskets (especially on 4.6L models), Crankshaft Position Sensor, ACE System Fluid Leaks, ABC (Active Body Control) Spheres (if equipped, though less common on '97 model), Door Seals, Headliner Fabric Sagging

Body And Chassis:

Rust (wheel arches, sills, tailgate), Drive Shaft U-joints, Panhard Rod Bushings, Ball Joints

Engine Management:

Oxygen Sensors, MAF Sensor Cleaning/Replacement

📚 Vehicle History

Land Rover Legacy:

Long history of producing rugged, go-anywhere vehicles, beginning with the original Land Rover Series I in 1948. Known for off-road prowess and durability.

Discovery Series Evolution:

The Discovery 2 (Series II) was an evolution of the original Discovery I (Series I). It featured a longer wheelbase, improved body structure, a new chassis, updated interior, and advanced electronic systems like ACE and SLS (Self-Levelling Suspension).

Production Years:

Discovery 2: 1998-2004. This manual covers the 1997 model year, which is the transition year or early production of the Series II. It's important to note the Series II was introduced in late 1998 for the 1999 model year in most markets. The 1997 listing might refer to a very late production Series I or the initial rollout of the Series II depending on region and exact launch timing.

Manufacturing Base:

Solihull, United Kingdom

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Off Road Acclaim:

Consistently recognized for its superior off-road capabilities and durability in its class.

Owner Satisfaction General:

Generally positive, particularly from owners who value its off-road prowess and ruggedness, though reliability can be a concern for some if not meticulously maintained.