Land Rover Defender: Deployable Side Steps

DEPLOYABLE SIDE STEPS - PART NUMBER: 110: VPLEP0393, VPLEP0394, VPLEP0422

REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION

VPLEP0394, VPLEP0393, VPLEP0422, VPLEV0129, VPLET0278

WARNING: Accessories which are not correctly installed can be dangerous. Read the instructions carefully prior to installation. Comply with instructions at all times. If in doubt, contact your nearest approved retailer.

NOTES:

• This procedure contains some variation in the illustrations depending on the vehicle specification, but the essential information is always correct.
• This procedure contains illustrations showing certain components removed to provide extra clarity.
• This procedure contains illustrations for left side components, right side components are similar.
• Deployable side steps can only be installed to vehicles with 110 wheelbase.
• Do not loosen any fixings on the deployable side steps prior to installation.
• The module (VPLET0278) must be ordered if the vehicle is not already equipped with a suitable module. If the module (LR129345) is currently installed to the vehicle this does not include deployable side steps functionality. The module (VPLET0278) will need to be ordered to replace the module (LR129345).
• To install deployable side steps to vehicles with 110 wheelbase order VPLEP0394, VPLEP0393, VPLEP0422, VPLEV0129. Order VPLET0278 if required.
• Clips (LR112137) will need to be ordered as required if they are damaged during removal of the exterior body trims. The maximum quantity that may be required is (x30) for both sides.

NOTE: The module (VPLET0278) must be used as this has the deployable side step functionality. The module (VPLET0278) must be ordered if the vehicle is not already equipped with a module of type VPLET0278. The towing module (LR129345) does not include the deployable side step functionality.

REMOVAL

1. Move the left and the right front row seats to the furthest forward position.

2. Disconnect the startup battery ground cable.

3.

NOTE: There is a different removal process for fixed and sliding seats.

Remove the second row left seat.

4.

NOTE: There is a different removal process for fixed and sliding seats.

Remove the second row right seat.

5. Remove the loadspace floor trim and the foam inserts.

6.

NOTE: Removing the D-loop anchor points and loadspace rails will aid the removal of third row seats if applicable.

Remove the fixed D-loop anchor points, or the loadspace rails with sliding D-loop anchor points, and appropriate trim to allow the loadspace side trim panels to be moved aside for access when releasing the rear door tread plate.

7.

NOTE: Only remove sufficient loadspace trim to allow removal of third row seats.

If equipped, remove the third row left and right seats.

• Only remove the fixed D-loop anchor points, or the loadspace rails with sliding D-loop anchor points and appropriate trim to allow the removal of the seats.

8.

NOTE: Make sure to retain all removed clips and fixings.

Aside the left and right loadspace trim panel as required to allow access to remove the rear door treadplate.

1. Remove lower seatbelt finisher to access seatbelt fixing.
2. Remove seatbelt fixing.
3. Pull trim away from the (x3) clips.
4. Move side trim aside for rear door treadplate access. No need to remove the whole side trim.

9. Remove B-pillar lower trim to gain access to rear door treadplate.

10. Remove rear door treadplate.

INSTALLATION

1. Place the module (A1) into the loadspace at the correct location but do not fasten at this stage.

2.

CAUTION: Make sure the electrical wiring harness (A2) and the link lead (A7) avoid any sharp edges.

NOTE: The link lead (A7) will only need to be installed if the vehicle is not already equipped with towing.

Vehicles with towing installed will already have this link lead installed into the vehicle.

Connect the electrical wiring harness (A2) and the link lead (A7) to the module (A1).

1. Connect the clip, part of the electrical wiring harness (A2), to the vehicle body as illustrated. If the vehicle is already equipped with a towing system then the clip cannot be used because the towing harness will already be using the clip connection location on the vehicle body.
2. Use the tie wraps (A10) to secure the electrical wiring harness (A2) to the body wiring harness as illustrated.

3.

NOTES:

• The electrical wiring harness connectors will already be connected to the module. Harness hidden in illustration to provide extra clarity.
• This step must be completed if the vehicle is not already equipped with a module of type VPLET0278.
• This step must be completed if the vehicle is equipped with the module (LR129345) which must be removed and replaced with the module (VPLET0278). The module (VPLET0278) has 4 connectors.
• Install the speaker only if the electrically deployable towbar is also being installed. The speaker is not required for the deployable side steps to operate correctly.

Install the 'DDS' module (A1) using the 2 nuts (A5). Install the speaker only if required.

• Torque: 5 Nm

4.

NOTE: Complete step on both sides of the vehicle.

Remove the carpet retaining clip from the area of carpet under the second row seats. Move the carpet aside to gain access to the core harness conduit and the grommet. Complete step on both sides of the vehicle.

5.

NOTES:

• Complete step on both sides of the vehicle.
• The routing of the core harness conduit will restrict access to the grommet. To gain access to the grommet, the core harness conduit under the treadplate must be released.

Release the 2 M6 nuts as illustrated to aside the core harness conduit, under the treadplate, to allow access to the grommet. Complete step on both sides of the vehicle.

6.

CAUTION: Make sure the electrical wiring harness avoids any sharp edges.

Install the electrical wiring harness (A2) using the 3 retaining clips and the tie wraps (A10) in the sequence as illustrated. Route the harness beneath the rear cross member bracket and use the tie wraps (A10) to secure the harness to the core harness conduit.

1. Install the 2 retaining clips, part of the electrical wiring harness (A2) to the vehicle body.
2. Use the tie wraps (A10) to secure the wiring harness (A2) to the core harness conduit as illustrated.
3. Install the retaining clip. Release the vehicle body bolt first, install the retaining clip and then tighten the bolt.
4. Feed the wiring harness (A2) through the floor.
5. Install the grommet. Make sure the grommet is correctly installed.
6. Install the 2 M6 nuts to secure the core harness conduit under the treadplate.

7.

CAUTION: Make sure the electrical wiring harness avoids any sharp edges.

Secure the electrical wiring harness (A2) as illustrated.

1. Use the 3 retaining clips, part of the to electrical wiring harness (A2), to secure the harness to the rear cross member.
2. Use 2 tie wraps (A10) to secure the harness to the rear cross member.

8.

Install the electrical wiring harness (A2) as illustrated. Route the harness underneath the rear cross member bracket and secure to the core harness conduit.

1. Use the tie wraps (A10) to secure the wiring harness (A2) to the core harness conduit as illustrated.
2. Install the retaining clip. Release the vehicle body bolt first, install the retaining clip and then tighten the bolt.
3. Feed the wiring harness (A2) through the floor.
4. Install the grommet. Make sure the grommet is correctly installed.
5. Install the 2 M6 nuts to secure the core harness conduit under the treadplate.

9.

CAUTION: Make sure to use the front and rear subframe jacking points.

NOTE: Complete this step for all vehicle variants.

Make sure the ramp legs are positioned so they do not obstruct the deployable side step installation locations.

Raise and support the vehicle on a suitable 4 post lift. The front and rear subframe jacking points must be used. Do not use the sill jacking points.

10. Complete removal steps 11 to 16 on both sides of the vehicle. Then cget ontinue at step 17.

11.

NOTES:

• Make sure that the 4 clips remain on the front fender moulding.
• Remove the front mudflaps if installed to the vehicle.

Remove the front fender moulding.

• Release the 4 clips.
• Remove the front fender moulding.

12.

• Remove the 2 lower clips.
• Release the 2 upper clips.
• Remove the front fender moulding bracket.

13.

Remove the deflector on both sides of the vehicle.

14.

CAUTION: Clips may be damaged during removal. Replace clips if they are damaged.

NOTE: Install the 3 fixings to the rear wheel arch liner moulding after moving aside.

Aside the rear wheel arch liner moulding as illustrated to allow access.

• Release only the 3 clips as illustrated.

15.

CAUTION: Clips may be damaged during removal. Replace damaged clips as required with spare clips (B5).

Remove the 9 retaining clips.

16.

CAUTIONS:

• Take extra care not to damage the component.
• Replace any retaining clips, that were damaged during the removal process with clips (H). The maximum quantity of clips fitted to all exterior trims removed is (x30).

Remove the 12 retaining clips, remove the rocker panel.

17.

Remove the 8 bolts.

• Remove the metal transmission shield as illustrated.

18.

NOTES:

• This step requires the aid of another technician.
• Make sure to retain all fixings.

Remove the left undershield.

19.

NOTES:

• This step requires the aid of another technician.
• Make sure to retain all fixings.

Remove the right undershield.

20.

NOTE: The cut guide lines are different for the left side rocker panel and the right side rocker panel.

Identify the cut guide lines on the left side rocker panel.

• Paint over the cut guide lines to make the cut guide lines clearer. This will help when they are cut.

21.

NOTE: The cut guide lines are different for the left side rocker panel and the right side rocker panel.

Identify the cut guide lines on the right side rocker panel.

• Paint over the cut guide lines to make the cut guide lines clearer. This will help when they are cut.

22.

WARNING: Make sure to wear suitable personal protective equipment.

CAUTION: Make sure to follow the cut guide lines as illustrated.

NOTE: Left side rocker panel shown.

Use suitable tooling to cut the illustrated sections from the left side rocker panel. Discard the removed sections.

1. Drill holes at the illustrated locations.
2. Use the cut guide lines on the rocker panel.

23.

WARNING: Make sure to wear suitable personal protective equipment.

CAUTION: Make sure to follow the cut guide lines as illustrated.

NOTE: Right side rocker panel shown. Appearance of right side rocker is different to the left side rocker panel.

Use suitable tooling to cut the illustrated sections from the right side rocker panel. Discard the removed sections.

1. Drill holes at the illustrated locations.
2. Use the cut guide lines on the rocker panel.

24.

NOTES:

• Left side undershield shown, viewed from below the vehicle. Undershield illustrated in correct installation position on vehicle and viewed from below.
• When viewed from below, the part (B1) is located above the left side undershield.

Steps 25 to 30 show the process to cut a section from the left and the right side undershield and then replace the cut section with the supplied part from the kit (B1) or (B2). Illustration shows how the supplied kit part will be installed to the existing undershield.

25.

CAUTION: There are multiple cut guide lines on the surface of the undershield. Make sure the correct cut guide lines are followed as illustrated.

NOTE: Left side undershield shown. Undershield illustrated in correct installation position on vehicle and viewed from above.

Identify the cut guide line on the undershield as illustrated.

26.

WARNING: Make sure to wear suitable personal protective equipment.

NOTE: Left side undershield shown. Undershield illustrated in correct installation position on vehicle and viewed from above.

Use suitable tooling to cut the illustrated sections from the undershield. Discard the removed section.

27.

NOTE: Left side undershield shown. Undershield illustrated in correct installation position on vehicle and viewed from above. Inset shows view from below.

Locate part (B1) against the undershield as illustrated. Inset illustration shows view from below and shows how part (B1) is located above the undershield and the final location of fixings.

1. Use the guide holes provided on the part (B1) to carefully mark the undershield.
2. Remove the part (B1).

28.

WARNING: Make sure to wear suitable personal protective equipment.

NOTE: Left side undershield shown. Undershield illustrated in correct installation position on vehicle and viewed from above.

Drill holes at the marked locations on the undershield.

• 5 mm drill bit

29.

NOTES:

• Left side undershield shown. Undershield illustrated in correct installation position on vehicle and viewed from above.
• When viewed from above, the part (B1) is located above the left side undershield.

Using the 12 rivets (B10) and the 12 washers (B9), install the part (B1) to the left side undershield as illustrated.

30.

NOTES:

• Left side undershield shown, viewed from below the vehicle. Undershield illustrated in correct installation position on vehicle and viewed from below.
• When viewed from below, the part (B1) is located above the left side undershield.

Make sure the part (B1) is correctly installed to the left side undershield.

31. Repeat steps 24 to 30 for the right side undershield.

• Install part (B2) to the right side undershield.

32.

CAUTION: The foil heatshield is riveted to the core material transmission undershield. The rivets must be drilled out.

NOTE: Undershield illustrated in correct installation position on vehicle and viewed from above.

Identify the cut guide lines on the undershield as illustrated.

• Drill out the rivets that secure the foil heatshield to the core material transmission undershield.

33.

WARNING: Make sure to wear suitable personal protective equipment.

NOTE: Undershield illustrated in correct installation position on vehicle and viewed from above.

Use suitable tooling to cut the illustrated sections from the undershield. Discard the removed sections.

• Use the cut guide lines on the undershield.

34.

WARNING: Make sure to wear suitable personal protective equipment.

NOTES:

• Undershield illustrated in correct installation position on vehicle and viewed from below.
• When viewed from below, the parts (B3) and (B4) are located underneath the undershield.
• Drill out the rivet in the foil heatshield.

Locate parts (B3) and (B4) against the undershield as illustrated.

1. Use the guide holes provided on the parts (B3) and (B4) to mark the undershield.
2. Remove both the parts (B3) and (B4).
3. Drill holes at the marked locations on the undershield. 5 mm drill bit.

35.

NOTES:

• Undershield illustrated in correct installation position on vehicle and viewed from below.
• When viewed from below, the parts (B3) and (B4) are located underneath the undershield.

Using the 12 rivets (B10) and the 12 washers (B9), install parts (B3) and (B4) to the undershield as illustrated.

• The foil heatshield is installed again using the deployable side step plastic undershield rivet.

36.

CAUTION: Diesel vehicles only.

Remove and discard the transmission support bar fixing bolt, as illustrated, on both sides of the vehicle.

37.

CAUTIONS:

• Install, but do not fully tighten the bolts.
• Do not remove the deployable side step boards from the brackets.
• Do not remove the calibration bar on the deployable side step.

NOTES:

• This step requires the aid of another technician.
• Complete step on both sides of the vehicle.

Install the deployable side step (A) using the 4 bolts (B). Complete step on both sides of the vehicle.

38.

CAUTIONS:

• Diesel vehicles only.
• Install, but do not fully tighten the bolt.

Install, but do not fully tighten the bolt (C) on both sides of the vehicle.

39.

CAUTIONS:

• Non diesel vehicles only.
• Install, but do not fully tighten the bolt.

Install the spacer (F) and install, but do not fully tighten the bolt (C) on both sides of the vehicle.

40.

NOTE: Complete step on left side of vehicle only.

Install the 2 nut plates (D) as illustrated.

41.

CAUTION: Install, but do not fully tighten the bolts.

NOTE: Complete step on left side of vehicle only.

Install, but do not fully tighten the bolts.

1. Install, but do not fully tighten the bolt (C) and the 2 washers (E).

42.

CAUTION: Install, but do not fully tighten the bolt.

NOTE: Complete step on right side of vehicle only.

Install, but do not fully tighten the bolt (G).

43.

CAUTION: Tighten the bolts (B) in the indicated sequence.

NOTE: Complete step on both sides of the vehicle.

Fully tighten the 4 bolts (B) on the left side of the vehicle. Repeat step for the right side of the vehicle.

1. Tighten the indicated bolt first. Torque: 29 Nm
2. Tighten the remaining 3 bolts. Torque: 29 Nm

44.

NOTE: Complete step on left side of vehicle only.

Fully tighten the 2 bolts (C).

• Torque: 29 Nm

45.

Fully tighten the bolt (C) on both sides of the vehicle.

• Torque: 29 Nm

46.

NOTE: Complete step on right side of vehicle only.

Fully tighten the bolt (G).

• Torque: 65 Nm

47.

NOTE: Do not discard the geometry bar. Retain all fixings.

Remove the 2 fixings and the geometry bar.

48.

Use the arrowed clip and the arrowed retaining clip (A9) to secure the wiring harness (A2) to the right side of the vehicle and the body harness as illustrated.

49.

Use the arrowed clip and the arrowed retaining clip (A8) to secure the wiring harness (A2) to the left side of the vehicle and the body harness as illustrated.

50. The following steps must be followed correctly to test the operation of the deployable side steps.

51.

NOTES:

• Make sure that the correct link lead is installed to each side of the vehicle. The link leads are color coded.
• Repeat step for the right side of the vehicle using the electrical wiring harness (A4).

Connect the electrical wiring harness (A3) to the wiring harness (A2) and to the deployable side step motor.

Repeat step for the right side of the vehicle.

• The link lead (A3) that is installed to the left side of the vehicle has yellow color tape.
• The link lead (A4) that is installed to the right side of the vehicle has blue color tape.

52. Connect the start up battery ground cable.

53. Connect the Jaguar Land Rover approved battery support unit.

54.

Using the Jaguar Land Rover approved diagnostic equipment, update the module to the latest level.

55.

Using the Jaguar Land Rover approved diagnostic equipment, enable the deployable side steps on the vehicle.

After the deployable side steps have been enabled using the diagnostic equipment, then go into the deployable side step menu on the front screen and enable the side steps. The default is that the deployable side steps will be disabled. To enable the new changes to the vehicle, follow the steps below.

1. Switch off the vehicle ignition, close all apertures. Lock the vehicle for 5 minutes.
2. After 5 minutes unlock the vehicle and perform a Pivi reset by pressing the infotainment power on/volume button for 20 seconds.
3. Start the engine and make sure the "SIDE STEPS" icon is shown on the touchscreen.

56.

NOTE: This step is required to install the aero undershields and rocker panels.

Fully deploy the deployable side steps.

1. Make sure the deployable side steps are operating correctly when opening and closing the doors on both sides of the vehicle.

57.

CAUTIONS:

• Make sure the vehicle ignition is off.
• Disconnect the startup battery terminal before disconnecting the harness from the motor. Complete task while the steps are still in the fully deployed position.

Fully disconnect and remove the electrical wiring harness (A3) and (A4) as this will now need to be fitted to the undershields.

58.

NOTE: Make sure that the correct link lead is installed.

Install the electrical wiring harness (A3) to the left side undershield as illustrated. Repeat step for the right side undershield using the electrical wiring harness (A4).

59.

CAUTION: Make sure the electrical wiring harness is connected to the motor to avoid the connector and / or harness being damaged.

NOTE: This step requires the aid of another technician.

Position the left undershield as illustrated and connect the electrical wiring harness (A3).

1. Connect the electrical wiring harness (A3) to the wiring harness (A2) and the deployable side step motor.
2. Use the clip, part of the electrical wiring harness (A3), to secure the harness (A3) to the deployable side step motor cable.

60. Install the left undershield.

61.

NOTE: This step requires the aid of another technician.

Position the right undershield and connect the electrical wiring harness (A4).

1. Connect the electrical wiring harness (A4) to the wiring harness (A2) and the deployable side step motor.
2. Use the clip, part of the electrical wiring harness (A4), to secure the harness (A4) to the deployable side step motor cable.

62. Install the right undershield.

63.

Install the metal transmission shield.

• Install the 8 bolts.
• M6 Torque: 10 Nm
• M10 Torque: 60 Nm

64.

Install the transmission shield.

• Install the 20 bolts.
• Torque: 10 Nm

65.

NOTE: Make sure side steps are deployed before you can install fixings (B6).

Install fixings (B6).

• Install the 7 screws.

66.

NOTES:

• Complete step on both sides of the vehicle.
• Replace any retaining clips, that were damaged during the removal process with clips (H).

Install the rocker panel.

• Install the rocker panel to the 12 clips.
• Install and secure the 9 lower clips.

67.

NOTES:

• Replace any retaining clips, that were damaged during the removal process with clips (H).
• Complete step on both sides of the vehicle.

Install the section of rear wheel arch liner moulding that was moved aside.

68.

NOTE: Complete step on both sides of the vehicle.

Install the rear wheel deflector.

69.

NOTE: Complete step on both sides of the vehicle.

Install the front fender moulding bracket.

• Install the front fender moulding bracket to the 2 clips.
• Install and secure the 2 lower clips.

70.

CAUTIONS:

• Make sure to protect the paintwork.
• Make sure the clips are pushed in sufficiently so they are fully engaged. Do not use force on the cladding to engage the clips. Do not hit the side of the cladding to engage the clips.

NOTES:

• Replace any retaining clips, that were damaged during the removal process with clips (H).
• Install the 2 lower clips first and then install the 2 upper clips.
• Complete step on both sides of the vehicle.

Install the front fender moulding to the vehicle.

1. Adjust the 2 clips to the correct gap as illustrated.
2. Install the 2 lower clips.
3. Install the 2 upper clips.
4. Install the front fender moulding.
5. Visually check the top clip, that is closest to the wheel, to make sure the clip is fully engaged.
6. Make sure the fender moulding is correctly aligned to the surrounding bodywork.

71. Install the rear door treadplate on both sides of the vehicle.

72. Install the second row left seat.

73. Install the second row right seat.

74. If equipped, install the third row left and right seat.

75. Install the part of the left loadspace trim panel that was moved aside for access.

76. Install the part of the right loadspace trim panel that was moved aside for access.

77. Install underfloor foam stowage and tools and install the loadspace floor trim.

78. Make sure the deployable side steps are operating correctly and are activated for the customer handover.

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