Land Rover Defender

Introduction

This manual provides comprehensive information for operating your Land Rover Defender. Please read it carefully.

Important Information: This manual applies to all vehicle modifications and optional equipment. Some features described may not be installed on your vehicle. Land Rover reserves the right to change specifications without prior notice. Reproduction or translation of this document without permission is prohibited.

Symbols Used in This Manual:

• Warning [!]: Indicates procedures or information that require careful attention to prevent injury.
• Caution [①]: Indicates procedures or information that require careful attention to prevent vehicle damage.
• Recycling Symbol [♻️]: Indicates that components should be disposed of properly to avoid environmental pollution.
• Disposal of Components [☣️]: Indicates components that may contain toxic substances and require proper disposal. Contact your Land Rover dealer, authorized workshop, or local authorities for disposal information.
• Dealer Adjustable Features [⚙️]: Indicates features that can be adjusted, enabled, or disabled by contacting your Land Rover dealer or authorized workshop.

©Jaguar Land Rover Limited 2013. All rights reserved.

Table of Contents

Introduction - 2

Getting into the Vehicle - 6

• Unlocking the Vehicle
• Remote Control Operation
• Key Operation
• Opening and Closing the Tailgate
• Pickup Truck Tailgate Operation
• Emergency Access Procedure (EKA)
• Replacing the Key Fob Battery

Exiting the Vehicle - 11

• Locking the Vehicle and Arming the Alarm
• Alarm Status Indicator
• Locking Errors
• Door Handles for Locking and Unlocking

Front Seats - 13

• Manually Adjustable Seats
• Correct Seating Position
• Removing and Installing Front Seat Cushions

Rear Seats - 16

• Folding and Unfolding Seats
• Folding and Unfolding Split Rear Seats
• Folding and Unfolding Side Seats

Head Restraints - 19

• Adjusting Head Restraints
• Removing Rear Head Restraints

Seat Belts - 20

• Using Seat Belts
• Seat Belt Warnings and Precautions
• Seat Belt Maintenance and Checks

Child Safety - 23

• Rear Door Child Safety Locks
• Child Seats
• Child Seat Checks
• Child Seat Placement
• Additional Seat Cushions for Children

Exterior Lights - 27

• Operating Lights
• Headlight Aiming
• Headlight Condensation

Interior Lighting - 29

• Interior Lighting Operation

Wipers and Washers - 30

• Using Windscreen Wipers and Washers
• Rear Window Wiper and Washer

Interior Glazing - 32

• Electric Window Operation
• Sliding Windows
• Sunroof Operation

Mirrors - 35

• Exterior Mirrors

Instrument Panel - 36

Warning and Indicator Lights - 38

Heating and Ventilation - 42

Storage Compartments - 44

Carrying Loads - 45

Towing a Trailer - 47

Soft Top - 54

Starting the Engine - 57

Gearbox - 58

Brakes - 61

Audio System - 63

Radio - 68

Portable Devices - 72

Telephone - 78

Fuel and Refueling - 82

Maintenance - 87

Cleaning the Vehicle - 97

Checking Fluid Levels - 101

Battery - 109

Fuses - 116

Tires - 121

Changing a Wheel - 126

Towing the Vehicle - 131

After a Collision - 133

Vehicle Identification Plates - 134

Technical Specifications - 136

Vehicle Type Approval Information - 147

Index - 149

General Information on Controls - 160

Getting into the Vehicle

Unlocking the Vehicle

Warning [!]: Do not leave the remote control in the vehicle if children or animals are present. Vehicle systems and remote control functions may be activated, potentially causing injury.

Caution [①]: The remote control contains sensitive electronic circuits. Protect it from mechanical damage, water, high temperatures, humidity, direct sunlight, solvents, and abrasive cleaning materials.

Do not modify or tamper with the anti-theft system, as this may cause it to fail.

Your vehicle is equipped with two remote controls.

Vehicle with Central Locking:

• Remote Control Operation:
• Press the lock button once to lock all doors, immobilize the engine, and activate the alarm. The hazard lights will flash three times.
• Press the unlock button once to deactivate the alarm and unlock all doors. The hazard lights will flash once, and the interior lights will turn on.

Key Operation:

• Insert the key into the driver's door lock and turn it towards the rear of the vehicle to lock all doors, immobilize the engine, and activate the alarm.
• Unlocking with the key is not recommended as the alarm may not be deactivated (depending on vehicle specification).

Vehicle without Central Locking:

• Key Operation: Each door must be locked/unlocked separately. The remote control does not unlock the doors. Turn the key towards the rear of the vehicle to lock, or towards the front to unlock.

Arming and Disarming the Alarm

• Press the lock button once to immobilize the engine and activate the alarm. The hazard lights will flash to confirm.
• To disarm the alarm, press the unlock button on the remote control. The hazard lights will flash once, and the interior lights will turn on.

Opening and Closing the Tailgate

Note: The tailgate is not designed for carrying loads.

Standard Pickup Truck Tailgate Operation:

1. Slide the retaining plates to the uppermost position.
2. Turn the retaining plates 90 degrees downwards.
3. Pull the tailgate to allow the retaining plates to pass through.

To close the tailgate, reverse the procedure.

Getting into the Vehicle (Continued)

Pickup Truck Tailgate Operation

1. Opening the tailgate:

1. Pull the latches outwards towards the sides of the vehicle.
2. While holding the latches open, carefully lower the tailgate.

To close the tailgate, reverse the procedure.

Emergency Access Procedure (EKA)

In case of remote control malfunction, a unique four-digit code is required to deactivate the alarm and immobilizer. The code is on the security card. Do not leave the security card in the vehicle.

1. Remove the remote control from the key ring and place it near the ignition switch.
2. Unlock the driver's door, sit in the seat, and close the door. Note: Opening the door for 30 seconds will trigger the audible alarm.
3. Insert the key into the ignition switch and turn it to position II to restart the alarm system.
4. Turn the key to position 0, then open and close the driver's door.
5. Enter the first part of the EKA code by turning the key to position II and back to 0 the number of times indicated by the code. For example, if the code digit is 4, turn the key to II and back to 0 four times.
6. Open and close the driver's door to confirm the code entry.
7. Repeat this procedure for the remaining three digits.

If the code is entered correctly, the alarm indicator on the instrument panel will go out, the alarm will be deactivated, and the engine immobilizer will be released. If the code is entered incorrectly, the alarm indicator will continue to flash, and the engine will remain immobilized. To repeat the process, turn the key to position II and hold for five seconds to reset. After three unsuccessful attempts, the security system will initiate a thirty-minute delay, during which further EKA code entries will be ignored.

Replacing the Key Fob Battery

Signs that the key fob battery needs replacement include:

• The remote control only responds after the second press of the unlock button.
• The hazard lights do not flash when the alarm is deactivated.
• The alarm indicator on the instrument panel flashes frequently for more than ten seconds after the ignition is switched off.

To replace the battery:

1. Remove the cover by sliding it in the direction indicated by the arrows.
2. Use the black mechanical key to separate the key fob casing.
3. Install a new, unused CR2032 battery (available from your Land Rover dealer or authorized workshop) with the positive (+) terminal facing upwards.

Note: Avoid touching the new battery. Skin oils can reduce battery life and cause corrosion.

Note: If the low battery warning does not disappear, the installed battery is not new or has been used. Reassemble the components in reverse order, ensuring they click into place.

Battery Disposal: Batteries contain hazardous substances and must be disposed of properly. Contact your dealer, authorized workshop, or local authorities for disposal information.

Exiting the Vehicle

Locking the Vehicle and Arming the Alarm

It is not recommended to lock the vehicle with the key, as this does not activate the alarm. The key can be used to lock and unlock the tailgate.

Press and release the lock button on the remote control to lock the vehicle, immobilize the engine, and activate the alarm. The hazard lights will flash, indicating the vehicle is locked. The alarm indicator on the instrument panel will start flashing.

The alarm will be triggered in the following situations:

• A door, the hood, or the tailgate is opened.
• Movement is detected inside the cabin.
• An attempt is made to disconnect the alarm siren.

Note: If the alarm is activated and a window or sunroof is open, the volumetric sensor will detect air movement and trigger the alarm.

The indicator light shows the alarm status. After locking the vehicle, the indicator may be in one of the following states:

• The indicator lights up for ten seconds, then flashes intermittently – the driver's door is not closed.
• The indicator flashes slowly – the engine is immobilized, but the alarm is deactivated.
• The indicator flashes rapidly for ten seconds, then flashes intermittently – the alarm is activated, and the engine is immobilized.

Locking Errors

If any door, the hood, or the tailgate is not fully closed, a double beep will sound when attempting to lock the vehicle. The hazard lights will not flash, and the alarm will not be fully activated. If the vehicle has central locking, the vehicle will not fully lock until all doors, the hood, and the tailgate are completely closed.

Door Handles for Locking and Unlocking

Note: The central locking system prevents the driver's door from locking when slammed shut.

If the doors are unlocked, any door can be locked by pressing the lock button for that door. Pressing the driver's door lock button locks all doors, but does not immobilize the engine or activate the alarm.

To open a door, pull the interior handle.

To lock the tailgate, slide the latch to the uppermost position.

To open the tailgate, lift the interior handle.

Front Seats

Manually Adjustable Seats

1. Lift the lever to slide the seat forward or backward.
2. Lift the locking lever to adjust the seatback angle.
3. Press the retainer to adjust the head restraint height.

Warning [!]: Do not adjust the seat position while the vehicle is in motion. This could lead to loss of control and injury.

Correct Seating Position

Warning [!]: The driver and front passenger must not recline the seatback beyond the specified limit. This can impair the effectiveness of the seat belts and lead to injury.

1. Sit upright with your lower back firmly against the seatback. To ensure optimal protection in case of an accident, do not recline the seatback too far.
2. Do not sit too close to the steering wheel. Maintain a minimum distance of 254 mm (10 inches) between your chest and the steering wheel. Grip the steering wheel with slightly bent elbows.
3. Adjust the head restraint so its top edge is above the level of your head.
4. Position the seat belt so it passes across the middle of your chest and shoulder. The lap portion of the belt should lie flat across your hips, not over your stomach.

Ensure your driving position is comfortable and allows you to operate all vehicle controls.

Removing and Installing Front Seat Cushions

The front seat cushions must be removed to access the following:

• Right Seat: Battery, Tire Change Tool Kit.
• Left Seat: Additional fuse box.

Note: On vehicles with heated front seats, exercise caution when removing the seat cushions to avoid damaging wires or disconnecting electrical connectors. Disconnect the wire from the seat cushion if necessary.

Seat Cushion Removal Procedure:

1. Pull the front of the seat cushion upwards with force to release the front retainers.
2. If necessary, disconnect the electrical connector for the seat heater.
3. Pull the seat cushion forward and remove it.
4. Disconnect the retainer at the front of the seat.
5. Slide the cover forward and remove it.

Seat Cushion Installation Procedure:

1. Install the cover and close it.
2. Secure the retainer at the front of the seat.
3. If necessary, reconnect the electrical connector.
4. Insert the two pins at the rear of the seat base into the holes.
5. Press the front edge of the seat cushion to secure the retainers.

Rear Seats

Folding and Unfolding Seats

The seats can be folded forward completely for large loads or partially for long items, while still allowing space for passengers. The side seats can be folded individually to increase luggage space.

Warning [!]: Always secure any items being transported in the vehicle.

Warning [!]: Ensure rear head restraints are securely stored.

Warning [!]: All passengers and the driver must sit in the correct position and wear seat belts while driving.

Warning [!]: After removing a child seat or folding the seats, reinstall and adjust the head restraint.

Caution [!]: To prevent upholstery wear on folded seats, you may need to move the front seats forward and the seatbacks upright.

Folding Split Rear Seats:

1. Lower the head restraints completely.
2. Press the locking lever down to release the seatback lock, then fold the seat forward.
3. Pull the seat belt strap towards the front of the vehicle to rotate the seat for storage.
4. To create a flat load floor when the entire seat is folded forward, also fold the seat base locking mechanisms flat.

Unfolding the seats is the reverse of folding. Before unfolding, ensure the vehicle is on a level surface.

Warning [!]: Ensure the locking lever is fully raised when the seatback is raised.

Warning [!]: When folding the rear seats, ensure the seat belts are routed correctly in front of the seat, not trapped behind it.

Caution [!]: Before raising the seatback, ensure the seat cushion is securely latched. Failure to do so may damage the latch mechanism.

Folding and Unfolding Side Seats

1. Lower the head restraints.
2. Press the seatback retainer down and fold the seat forward.
3. Pull the seat cushion locking lever up, then fold the seat upwards until the latch engages.
4. To release the seat assembly, pull the retainer in the direction shown in the illustration.
5. Lower the seat cushion until the latch engages.
6. Unfold the seatback until it latches.
7. Install the head restraint in the desired position.

Warning [!]: When raising a side seat, ensure the locking mechanism is fully engaged.

Warning [!]: When raising the rear seats, ensure the seat belts are routed correctly in front of the seat, not trapped behind it.

Head Restraints

Adjusting Head Restraints

Note: To raise the head restraint, the retainer does not need to be pressed.

To remove the head restraint, move it to the uppermost position, then press the retainer while lifting the head restraint off the seat.

To install the head restraint, align the guides with the slots and press down until it clicks.

Removing Rear Head Restraints

Warning [!]: Store removed head restraints so they do not pose a hazard and are securely fastened.

The rear head restraint may need to be removed to install a child seat or fold the seat. Removal is as follows:

• Lift the head restraint to the uppermost position and press the retaining clip.
• Remove the head restraint from the seat.

After removing a child seat or folding the seats, ensure the head restraint is reinstalled.

Warning [!]: Adjust the head restraint so its top edge is above the level of your head.

Warning [!]: Do not drive or transport passengers without head restraints installed.

Warning [!]: Do not adjust the head restraint position while the vehicle is in motion.

1. To release the head restraint, press the retainer.
2. Move the head restraint to the desired position.

Seat Belts

Using Seat Belts

Warning [!]: All passengers and the driver must wear seat belts at all times, regardless of the duration of the journey. Failure to do so significantly increases the risk of death or serious injury in an accident.

1. How to wear a seat belt:

• Pull the belt smoothly. Ensure your seating position and posture are correct.
• The belt should pass across your pelvic area and chest, and across the middle of your collarbone, between your neck and shoulder.

Warning: The seat belt is designed to transfer impact forces to the skeleton. The lower part of the belt must rest on the pelvis, and the upper part across the chest. Do not allow the belt to lie over the stomach.

Warning: Do not make modifications or improvements that may prevent the adjustment devices from taking up slack or make them difficult to adjust. The seat belt provides protection when it fits snugly against the body without causing discomfort. The effectiveness of the belt is greatly reduced if the straps are not snug against the body. Do not wear the belt with twisted straps.

2. Insert the metal buckle into the nearest buckle receiver. Insert the buckle until it clicks. To release the seat belt, press the red button.

Warning: Pregnant women should wear the lap belt low on the hips, below the abdomen. The diagonal strap should pass between the breasts and to the side of the abdomen. Ensure the belt is not twisted or sagging.

Warning: Do not place any objects under the belt to cushion the impact in a collision. This is dangerous in itself and reduces the effectiveness of the seat belts. Pregnant women MUST ensure the seat belt is positioned correctly to avoid harming themselves or their unborn child.

Warning: Never use only the lap belt or sit with only the diagonal belt. Both are extremely dangerous and significantly increase the risk of serious injury in a collision or sudden stop.

Seat Belt Usage Rules

Warning: The seat belt must be replaced after it has been subjected to significant stress in a severe collision, even if there is no visible damage.

Warning: Do not use only the lap or shoulder portion of a three-point seat belt. This is extremely dangerous and increases the risk of serious injury.

Each seat belt is intended for one person only. Do not allow a child to ride on your lap and use the same seat belt.

Warning: During journeys, the driver and front passenger must not recline their seatbacks more than 30 degrees. Failure to comply with this rule will reduce the protection provided by the seat belts.

It is not recommended to use clips or other devices that may loosen the seat belt tension.

There should be no hard, brittle, or sharp objects between your body and the seat belt. In an impact, the pressure of the seat belt on these objects could break them, potentially causing death or serious injury.

Seat Belts (Continued)

Seat Belt Maintenance and Checks

Information on cleaning seat belts is provided in Section 99, SEAT BELTS.

Warning [!]: The seat belt must be replaced after it has been subjected to significant stress in a severe collision, even if there is no visible damage.

Warning [!]: In case of damage, wear, cuts, defects, or slackening of the seat belts, the vehicle must be taken to a Land Rover dealer or authorized workshop for immediate inspection. Do not use the vehicle if the seat belts are not functioning correctly.

Warning [!]: The seat belt must be replaced if the webbing is worn, dirty, or damaged. Pay attention to ensure the belt webbing does not come into contact with body cleaning agents or interior care products, especially oils, chemicals, and battery electrolyte. Clean the belts using a neutral soap and water.

When using seat belts to secure items, ensure the belts are not damaged or passed over sharp edges.

Seat Belt Checks

Note: Parking the vehicle on a slope may cause the seat belt mechanism to lock. This is not a fault; the belt should be gently released at the upper anchor point.

Regularly check seat belts for webbing wear, cuts, or damage, and ensure the mechanism, buckles, adjusters, and anchor points are secure.

• When the seat belt is fastened, pull the webbing upwards near the buckle. The buckle should securely hold the belt.
• With the seat belt unfastened, pull the webbing fully out. Ensure the webbing extends smoothly without snagging or jerking. Allow the belt to retract fully, checking its smooth retraction.
• Partially extend the seat belt, then grasp the tongue and pull forward sharply. The inertia reel should lock automatically, preventing further belt extension.

If any seat belt does not meet these requirements, contact your Land Rover dealer or authorized workshop immediately.

Child Safety

Rear Door Child Safety Locks

Warning [!]: Never leave children unattended in the vehicle. This can lead to the child's death or serious injury.

The rear doors have locks that prevent accidental opening by children while the vehicle is in motion. It is recommended to use the rear door locks when transporting children in the rear seats.

1. Open the door.
2. Move the lock lever upwards to enable or downwards to disable the child safety lock function for opening doors from the inside.

Child Seats

Warning [!]: Do not use a forward-facing car seat until the child weighs at least 9 kg (20 lbs) and can sit unaided. Until the age of two, a child's spine and neck are not fully developed and are susceptible to injury in a frontal collision.

Accident statistics show that transporting children in a child seat secured in the rear seat is the safest option.

Warning [!]: Do not allow a child to sit on an adult's lap while driving. In a collision, the force can multiply the child's weight by thirty times, making it impossible to hold them. Children usually require an additional seat cushion appropriate for their age and size, which allows the seat belt to be properly fastened, to reduce the risk of injury in a collision. Children can be endangered in a collision if child seats are not properly secured in the vehicle.

Child Seat Checks

For every journey with a child, perform the following checks:

• Use appropriate child seats.
• Follow the child seat manufacturer's installation instructions.
• Adjust the seat belts for each child and for each journey.
• Ensure adult seat belts are securely fastened.
• Always check that the child seat is securely fastened.
• Do not dress the child in excessive clothing or place any objects between the child and the seat.
• Regularly check the fastening and condition of child seats. If the fastening is loose or shows signs of wear/damage, replace the child seat immediately.
• Set a good example by always wearing your seat belt.

Child Seat Placement

Warning: Child seat anchor points are designed to withstand only the forces acting on a correctly installed seat. Never use them to secure standard seat belts or other items and equipment.

Accident statistics show that transporting children in a child seat secured in the rear seat is the safest option.

Child Safety (Continued)

Child Seat Placement (Continued)

Note: The information in the following table may not apply in all countries. If you cannot resolve issues related to choosing and installing a child seat yourself, consult a qualified specialist.

U = Suitable for universal child seats certified for this weight group.

Note: Age is approximate. If in doubt when choosing a child seat, prioritize weight over age.

The information in the table was correct at the time of printing. The availability of child restraint systems may change. Consult your dealer or authorized Land Rover workshop for the latest recommendations.

Note: Legislation regarding the transport of children in vehicles may change. The driver is responsible for complying with legal requirements.

Additional Seat Cushions for Children

In situations where a child no longer fits in a child seat but is still too small to be safely secured by a three-point seat belt, it is recommended to use an additional seat cushion for maximum safety. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for installation and use, and adjust the seat belt.

Exterior Lights

Operating Lights

1. Turn off headlights/parking lights.
2. Side and rear parking lights and instrument panel illumination are on.
3. Low beam headlights are on.
4. Push forward to switch on high beam. Pull towards you for a momentary high beam. To operate the turn signals, move the stalk up or down. When high beam is on, the high beam indicator light is illuminated. See Section 40, HIGH BEAM (BLUE).
5. Rear fog light switch: Rear fog lights operate only when the low beam headlights are on. The rear fog light indicator illuminates on the instrument panel (see Section 40, REAR FOG LIGHT (AMBER)). Press again to switch off.
6. Hazard warning light switch: Press to activate all indicators.
7. Headlight aim adjustment: Use the adjuster to set the aim according to the vehicle load to avoid dazzling other drivers.

The following table provides recommended settings.

Headlights – Condensation Formation

Under certain atmospheric conditions, condensation may form on the headlight lenses. This does not affect headlight performance, and condensation will disappear naturally during normal operation.

Interior Lighting

Interior Lighting Operation

• OFF Position: Permanently off.
• Central Position (Automatic): The light turns on when a door is opened and stays on for 15 seconds after the door is closed or the ignition is switched on. The tailgate also activates the interior light in station wagon models. Note: If the door remains open and the switch is in the automatic position, the lights will turn off after approximately eight minutes.
• ON Position: Permanently on.

Wipers and Washers

Using Windscreen Wipers and Washers

1. Intermittent wipe: Pull the stalk down. In very cold or hot weather, ensure the wiper blades are not frozen or stuck to the screen before switching them on. Resistance to wiper movement can damage the mechanism.

Warning [!]: Do not operate the wipers on a dry windscreen. Resistance to wiper movement can damage the mechanism.

Caution [!]: Before operating the wipers, remove snow, ice, and frost from around the wiper blades and arms. Snow and ice on the windscreen can damage the wiper mechanism.

Note: If the wiper blades are stuck or jammed, the overload protection device may temporarily stop the wipers. Switch off the wipers and ignition. Before restarting, clean the windscreen and free the wiper blades.

2. Low-speed wipe: Move the stalk up to the first position. For a single wipe, push the stalk upwards against the spring pressure and release.
3. High-speed wipe: Move the stalk up to the second position.
4. Press to activate the washer.

Warning [!]: Some washer fluids are flammable. Do not allow washer fluid to come into contact with ignition sources.

5. Press to activate continuous operation of the rear wiper. Press again to switch off.
6. Press and hold to activate the rear window washer.

Interior Glazing

Electric Window Operation

Warning [!]: Before closing a window, ensure passengers are not obstructing it. This could cause serious injury or death.

Warning [!]: When leaving passengers in the vehicle, take the ignition key with you. This prevents accidental operation of the electric windows, which could cause injury.

When the ignition is on or the engine is running:

• Press the lower part of the switch to lower the window.
• Press the upper part of the switch to raise the window.
• Release the switch to stop the window movement.

Sliding Windows

Press the retainer and slide the window to the desired position. Release the retainer and ensure the latch is securely engaged in the retaining slot.

Interior Glazing (Continued)

Sunroof Operation

1. Turn the handle clockwise to open, counter-clockwise to close the sunroof.

Warning [!]: Ensure there are no obstructions when opening or closing the sunroof.

Warning [!]: Do not allow passengers to put their heads out of the sunroof while the vehicle is in motion. Flying debris, tree branches, etc., can cause injury.

2. Before removing the sunroof, ensure it is fully open.

Warning [!]: Do not remove the sunroof while the vehicle is in motion.

3. Slide the latch back and detach the handle mechanism.
4. Lift the sunroof upwards with both hands, then slide it backward to detach it from the two mounting pins.
5. Turn the sunroof so it passes through the roof opening and lower it into the cabin.

Store the sunroof in a safe place.

Warning [!]: Do not leave the unsecured sunroof panel in the cabin.

Mirrors

Exterior Mirrors

Warning [!]: When judging distances to objects through the mirrors, objects may appear further away than they actually are.

The mirrors fold in case of impact. They can also be folded to allow passage in narrow spaces.

To improve visibility and increase the field of vision, the mirror bracket can be rotated outwards.