Oil level dipstick for Defender Td4 transfer box

Vehicle ➔ Defender 90 Td4 2013
Difficulty ➔ Easy

Time ➔ 30 minutes
Summary

When draining, the oil level of the Defender Td4 transfer box is done by volume and not by overflow. The main drawback of this method is that it is impossible to check the oil level between two oil changes.
If the box is perfectly sealed, this poses no problem. On the other hand, when your Defender gets older and with more kilometers, it is preferable to check the oil level from time to time.
If the box is perfectly sealed, this poses no problem. On the other hand, when your Defender gets older and with more kilometers, it is preferable to check the oil level from time to time.

We have made a dipstick from a simple piece of wire. Simply position it in the oil filler hole of the transfer box and remove it to check the oil level.
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Make the dipstick
Op 01
Bend a piece of wire as shown in the picture. Use the multigrip pliers.

The characteristics of the wire :
• It must be thin enough to easily fit into the transfer box filler hole.
• It must also be rigid enough not to deform during handling.
• It must be thin enough to easily fit into the transfer box filler hole.
• It must also be rigid enough not to deform during handling.

Wire used when writing this tutorial ➔ Ø 3 mm - length: 300 mm

As you can see, the dimensions mentioned in the photo are approximate. No need to use your calliper to check the dimensions of your new dipstick.

The small loop at the bottom of the dipstick is not essential but it greatly facilitates handling.
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Identify the oil level
Op 02
Remove the transfer box oil filler plug (➔ see the tutorial ''Transfer box oil change on Defender Td4'' Op 01 and 02).
Op 03
Insert the dipstick into the transfer box filler hole.
Op 04
Press the dipstick down to the bottom of the hole.
Op 05
Remove the dipstick.

You can now see where the oil level is (2nd photo).

Of course, this operation must be carried out after a transfer box oil change to be certain that the oil level is correct.
Op 06
Make a mark on the dipstick at the level where the oil is. Use the cutting pliers.

The dipstick is now finished.
Op 07
Fit the transfer box oil filler plug (➔ see the tutorial ''Transfer box oil change on Defender Td4'' Op 14 and 15).
The End