These instructions apply to the Land Rover Range Rover Sport Mk2 (L494) 2013-2022.
For other models, please choose your vehicle here.
The second-generation Land Rover Range Rover Sport (L494, 2013–2022) uses motor-on-caliper electronic parking brakes (EPB) at the rear. To change the rear pads you must wind those actuators back electronically first. On most L494s you can do this yourself with the built-in brake service mode — though, as noted below, some later model years are less consistent and may need a generic EPB tool.
What brake service mode does and why you need it
Each rear caliper on the L494 has an electric actuator on its back face. Parking screws the piston out to clamp the disc and locks it mechanically — the pedal will not push it back. Service mode commands the actuators to wind fully back and stops the EPB re-applying, giving the clearance to hinge the caliper off and fit thicker new pads.
How to enter brake service mode (Range Rover Sport L494)
- Park level, chock a front wheel, select P.
- Press Start without the brake pedal so the ignition is ON, engine off.
- Release the parking brake first — press the EPB switch down until the red PARK light goes out.
- Press and hold the EPB switch in the release position for about two seconds.
- Still holding it, press the accelerator pedal flat to the floor (wide-open throttle) and hold two seconds.
- While holding both, press Start to switch the ignition OFF, then immediately back ON.
- The rear actuators whirr as they retract and the cluster shows a brake service / e-brake service message. Release the accelerator and EPB switch.
With the actuators wound back, remove the lower caliper bolt, swing the caliper up and change the pads.
Never force the pistons back by hand
Do not lever, push or wind the EPB piston back by hand, and never use a hydraulic compression tool on a powered caliper. The piston is moved by a geared motor; forcing it strips the gears and destroys the caliper. Retract electronically only. If the sequence will not engage, use a generic OBD EPB tool with Land Rover coverage — never force the piston with hand tools.
Exit service mode and bed in the new pads
After reassembly, exit by repeating the sequence with the EPB switch held in the apply position instead of release; the actuators re-tension and the message clears. Press the brake pedal firmly several times to take up the new pads before moving off. Bed in with 6–8 firm slowdowns from about 30 mph to a crawl, allowing the brakes to cool between each, then drive gently for the first 200 miles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a dealer tool for L494 rear pads? Usually no — the in-car service mode retracts the EPB on most L494s. A generic OBD EPB tool is the fallback if the sequence won’t take.
My 2019+ L494 gives no message or sound — what now? Later model years are less consistent: some show no confirmation and the brake may re-engage at ignition-off. If you can’t confirm retraction, use a generic EPB tool rather than risk opening a clamped caliper.
Why won’t the sequence engage? The parking brake must be released first and you get one attempt per ignition-on cycle. Switch fully off, back on and retry with the timing held precisely.
Does the engine need to run? No — ignition ON with the engine off is correct.
How do I confirm it worked? Listen for the actuator whirr and watch for the e-brake service message; if neither appears, treat the caliper as still clamped.
If an EPB or brake warning persists after the job, read the stored fault code first at autodtcs.com to separate a genuine actuator fault from a service-mode message that just needs clearing.
Independent guide — not affiliated with Land Rover. Always follow your official service manual and safety precautions. Read our full disclaimer.