Land Rover Defender: Towing the vehicle on four wheels

The recovery agent MUST activate the transmission park release mechanism before towing commences.

If Neutral (N) is selected and the engine is then switched off, the transmission automatically selects Park (P) after 10 minutes has elapsed. If the transmission park release mechanism has not been activated and the vehicle is being towed, serious damage to the transmission will result. There is also a danger to personal safety.

If the engine cannot be used during towing, there will be no power assistance to the braking system. The lack of power assistance results in a much greater effort to stop the vehicle and in a greatly increased stopping distance.

If the vehicle's battery is to be disconnected, the steering column must be unlocked first. Unlocking the steering column is not possible with the battery disconnected. If the steering column locks during towing, loss of control may occur, leading to serious injury or death.

Always make sure that the steering column is unlocked before recovery.

Failure to do so may lead to accidents causing serious injury or death.

Only tow the vehicle in a forward direction with all four wheels on the ground. Towing in a reverse direction, or with only two wheels on the ground, will cause serious damage to the transmission.

Do not tow the vehicle for more than 30 mi (50 km). Do not exceed 30 mph (50 km/h). Towing for a greater distance or at a higher speed may result in serious damage to the transmission.

Do not tow the vehicle if the transmission cannot be set in Neutral (N). Do not tow the vehicle if the rear electronic differential has failed in the locked position. Doing so may result in damage to the vehicle.

The vehicle should be recovered with all four wheels clear of the ground, i.e., on a trailer. If the vehicle cannot be recovered via the correct method, the vehicle can be towed on all four wheels for a short distance. Please adhere to the following guidelines.

The following procedure must be carried out carefully to prevent damage to the vehicle:

1. Secure the towing attachment from the recovery vehicle to the front towing eye.

2. With the Electric Parking Brake (EPB) applied, switch on the ignition. Make sure that the steering lock is unlocked.

3. Apply the brake pedal and select Neutral (N).

4. The recovery agent must activate the transmission park release mechanism.

5. Leave the smart key in a secure place inside the vehicle.

6. The ignition may be switched on to allow operation of turn signals, brake lights, etc.

Leaving the ignition switched on for extended periods will drain the vehicle's battery.

7. Release the EPB before towing the vehicle.

AFTER TOWING ON FOUR WHEELS

The following steps must be applied after towing the vehicle on four wheels:

1. Apply the Electric Parking Brake (EPB).

2. Switch on the ignition and apply the brake pedal.

3. Select Park (P).

4. An authorized person must deactivate the transmission park release mechanism.

5. Switch off the ignition and remove the smart key from the vehicle.

6. Remove the recovery vehicle's towing attachment from the front towing eye.

Refit the cover.

Use extreme caution when detaching towing equipment. Vehicle movement is possible, which can result in serious injury or death, as well as damage to the vehicle.

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