Land Rover Defender: Important information

Make sure the following warnings have been read and fully understood. Failure to follow the guidance given could affect vehicle safety, leading to serious injury or death.

If the red brake warning lamp illuminates, safely bring the vehicle to a stop as quickly as possible. Seek qualified assistance.

If the amber brake warning lamp illuminates, drive with care, avoiding heavy brake pedal application. Seek qualified assistance.

Do not rest a foot on the brake pedal while the vehicle is in motion. Doing so can damage the braking system and reduce braking efficiency.

Never allow the vehicle to coast (freewheel) with the engine switched off. The engine must be running to provide full braking assistance. The brakes still function with the engine switched off, but far more brake pedal pressure is required to operate them.

Never place non-approved floor matting or any other obstructions under the brake pedal. The result can be restricted pedal travel and reduced braking efficiency.

Driving through heavy rain or water can have an adverse effect on braking efficiency. Under such circumstances, it is recommended to lightly apply the brakes intermittently, to dry the brakes.

Do not pump the brake pedal at any time. Doing so interrupts the operation of the braking system and may increase stopping distances.

Repeated or prolonged heavy braking can cause the brakes and the brake fluid to overheat, resulting in reduced braking efficiency and brake failure.

Do not drive if the instrument panel displays the Brakes Overheating message. Stop the vehicle as soon as safety permits. Allow the brakes to cool.

If necessary, seek qualified assistance before continuing. Driving with overheated brakes can cause increased braking distance or brake failure.

The red brake warning lamp and a continuous chime accompanies the Brakes Overheating message. The chime ceases when the vehicle is stationary.

ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS)

The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on this vehicle does not create a pulsing sensation under heavy braking, unlike previous systems.

STEEP SLOPES

If the vehicle is stationary on a steep, slippery slope, it may begin to slide, even with the brakes applied. Without wheel rotation, the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) cannot determine vehicle movement. To counteract this, briefly release the brake pedal, allowing wheel rotation. Re-apply the brake pedal to allow the ABS to gain control.

Note: The vehicle needs to be in Neutral (N) or an appropriate gear to descend the slope. The Electric Parking Brake (EPB) must not be applied.

EMERGENCY BRAKE ASSIST (EBA)

If the brakes are rapidly applied, the Emergency Brake Assist (EBA) system automatically boosts the braking force to its maximum. The result is that the EBA system helps to bring the vehicle to a stop as quickly as possible.

The EBA system stops operating as soon as the brake pedal is released.

The amber brake warning lamp indicates an EBA system fault and the instrument panel displays a warning message. In this event, drive with care, avoiding heavy brake pedal application. Seek qualified assistance.

ELECTRONIC BRAKE-FORCE DISTRIBUTION (EBD)

The Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) system controls the balance of braking forces supplied to the front and rear wheels. The result is that the EBD system helps to maintain maximum braking efficiency and stability.

If the vehicle has a light load, e.g., driver only and no luggage, the EBD system reduces the braking force applied to the rear wheels. If the vehicle is heavily laden, e.g., passengers and luggage, the EBD system increases the braking force to the rear wheels.

The red brake warning lamp indicates an EBD system fault and the instrument panel displays a warning message. In this event, gently and safely stop the vehicle. Seek qualified assistance.

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