These instructions apply to the Land Rover Range Rover Mk4 (L405) 2013-2022.
For other models, please choose your vehicle here.
The fourth-generation Land Rover Range Rover (L405, 2013–2022) uses motor-on-caliper electronic parking brakes (EPB) at the rear. New rear pads mean winding those actuators back electronically first. On most L405s you can do this yourself with the built-in brake service mode, though some later cars are inconsistent and may need a generic EPB tool to confirm retraction.
What brake service mode does and why you need it
Each rear caliper on the L405 has its own electric motor. Parking screws the piston out to clamp the disc and locks it mechanically; brake-pedal pressure will not retract it. Service mode commands the actuators to wind fully back and holds the EPB off, giving the clearance to hinge the caliper away and seat thicker new pads.
How to enter brake service mode (Range Rover L405)
- Park on level ground, chock a front wheel, select P.
- Press Start without touching 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 the Start button to switch the ignition OFF, then immediately back ON.
- When the rear e-motors stop, the dash should report that brake service mode is active. 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 put a hydraulic wind-back tool against a powered caliper. The piston is driven by a geared electric motor; forcing it shears the gears and ruins the caliper. Retract electronically only via service mode, or with a generic OBD EPB tool that has Land Rover coverage if the sequence won’t confirm. Never improvise on 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; the actuators re-tension and the message clears. Press the brake pedal firmly several times to take up the new pads before driving. Bed in with 6–8 firm slowdowns from about 30 mph to a crawl, leaving the brakes to cool between each, then drive gently for the first 200 miles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a dealer tool for L405 rear pads? Usually no — the in-car service mode retracts the EPB on most L405s. A generic OBD EPB tool is the backup.
My 2016+ L405 shows no message or sound — is that normal? Some later L405s give no confirmation and the brake may re-engage at ignition-off. If you can’t confirm retraction, use a generic EPB tool rather than open 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 precise timing.
Does the engine need to run? No — ignition ON, engine off is correct throughout.
How do I confirm it worked? Listen for the e-motors and watch the dash for the brake service message; if neither appears, treat the caliper as still clamped.
If an EPB or brake warning lingers after the job, read the stored fault code first at autodtcs.com to tell a real actuator fault apart from a service-mode message that simply needs clearing.
Independent guide — not affiliated with Land Rover. Always follow your official service manual and safety precautions. Read our full disclaimer.