Bulkhead Workshop › Land Rover models › Land Rover Defender Td5 › Workshop guide › Engine oil & filter change

Land Rover Defender Td5: engine oil & filter change

Engine · Defender (1990–2016) · 1998–2007

How often: every 12,000 mi or year, whichever comes first. Old oil is the main cause of worn bearings, cams and turbos. It is the cheapest job on the list and the one that matters most.

Engine oil	Castrol 5W-30 to ACEA A1/B1 (A3/B3 if unavailable); 10W-40 in hot climates
Oil capacity	≈8.2 L with a new filter (handbook: 7.2 L from dry plus 1.0 L for the filter)

Work safely: support the vehicle on axle stands, never a jack alone; let it cool first. Check figures against your workshop manual. You do this work at your own risk.

Parts

Engine oil (Castrol 5W-30 to ACEA A1/B1 (A3/B3 if unavailable); 10W-40 in hot climates; ≈8.2 L with a new filter (handbook: 7.2 L from dry plus 1.0 L for the filter))
Oil filter (to suit engine) LPX100590
Sump plug washer CDU1001L

Tools

Drain tray (10 L)
Socket or spanner for sump plug
Filter wrench
Funnel
Gloves & rags

Step by step

Run the engine for 5 minutes so the oil flows freely. Park level, stop the engine, and remove the oil filler cap.
Undo the sump drain plug and let the oil drain for at least 10 minutes. Look at the oil and the plug: fine grey sludge is normal wear; metal flakes or milky oil need investigating.
Refit the drain plug with a new washer. Snug it up firmly; do not overtighten.
Renew the filter. Canister type: undo the centre bolt, discard the element and the rubber sealing ring, clean the bowl and seat the new ring fully in its groove. Spin-on type: oil the new seal and tighten by hand ¾ of a turn after it touches.
Land Rover's handbook interval for the Td5. On an older Td5 or one used hard, pick More frequent servicing or Hard use on the vehicle to shorten it.
Refill with Castrol 5W-30 to ACEA A1/B1 (A3/B3 if unavailable); 10W-40 in hot climates (≈8.2 L with a new filter (handbook: 7.2 L from dry plus 1.0 L for the filter)). Start the engine and check for leaks at the filter. Stop, wait 2 minutes and top up to the high mark on the dipstick.
Log the mileage here, then take the old oil to a recycling point.

More Land Rover Defender Td5 servicing

Centrifugal oil filter rotor every 12,000 mi or year
Air filter element every 24,000 mi or 2 yrs
Fuel filter change & bleed every 24,000 mi or 2 yrs
Injector loom & ECU plug oil check every 12,000 mi or year
Drain water from fuel filter every 12,000 mi or year
Fan / auxiliary belt check every 12,000 mi or year
Coolant drain, flush & refill every 3 yrs
Grease propshafts every 6,000 mi or 6 months
Check swivel housings & seals every 12,000 mi or year
Check gearbox, transfer & axle oil levels every 12,000 mi or year
Change gearbox & transfer box oil every 24,000 mi or 2 yrs
Change front & rear axle oil every 24,000 mi or 2 yrs
Steering & power steering check every 12,000 mi or year
Inspect pads, discs & brake hoses every 12,000 mi or year
Adjust transmission handbrake every 12,000 mi or year
Brake & clutch fluid change every 2 yrs
Suspension bushes, arms & dampers every 12,000 mi or year
Wheel bearings & hub seals every 24,000 mi or 2 yrs
Chassis & bulkhead inspection, rust-proofing every year
Annual safety inspection every year
Monthly walk-round checks every month

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