2023 Models without Softclose Door and Fan Control ?
This note is serious, not sarcasm or some such.
How do I know if I have a "soft close" rear door? The where used on the motor drawing suggests I should have this feature on my 2020 Defender 110 S.
Problem is, I just slam the door, pushing on it to make sure it closes. Often the vehicle is not on flat ground, so sometimes pushing the door takes a bit of effort, other times the door has to be held open strongly and it plunges at quite a rate as it slams shut on its own.
Also, are the other four doors soft-close equipped?
I am just wondering what is causing the excitement.
Enjoy !
How do I know if I have a "soft close" rear door? The where used on the motor drawing suggests I should have this feature on my 2020 Defender 110 S.
Problem is, I just slam the door, pushing on it to make sure it closes. Often the vehicle is not on flat ground, so sometimes pushing the door takes a bit of effort, other times the door has to be held open strongly and it plunges at quite a rate as it slams shut on its own.
Also, are the other four doors soft-close equipped?
I am just wondering what is causing the excitement.
Enjoy !
Last edited by TrioLRowner; Apr 20, 2022 at 12:54 PM.
@shepl - Not sure I understand the question. Could be if you are using a translation. If you are asking if it is still a feature, then I'm not really sure. JLR has been like the Forrest Gump quote: "Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're going to get." Same with Defender features. Specifically, however, if you are asking as a USA customer - no you can't get it as it is not allowed. If outside the US, then "maybe" depending on what shows up in your chocolate box.
@TrioLRowner - I'm very much aligned with you. This is a new feature to me as I've never had it before. Also, I don't notice it in action nor do I do things (that I'm aware of) that trigger it. So, it's not a feature that I notice in action or care in use. I'm confident that I'm either a minority or, at best, don't reflect most owners because I could care less about the feature. I'm glad folks enjoy it and saddened when they don't get what they were expecting - but this is the thematic topic of JLR's random wheel of specs that is madly being spun these days.
@TrioLRowner - I'm very much aligned with you. This is a new feature to me as I've never had it before. Also, I don't notice it in action nor do I do things (that I'm aware of) that trigger it. So, it's not a feature that I notice in action or care in use. I'm confident that I'm either a minority or, at best, don't reflect most owners because I could care less about the feature. I'm glad folks enjoy it and saddened when they don't get what they were expecting - but this is the thematic topic of JLR's random wheel of specs that is madly being spun these days.
Last edited by GrouseK9; Apr 20, 2022 at 01:19 PM.
@TrioLRowner the soft close only works on the last 1/4” or so of the door sweep, its main function is to remove the necessity to slam the rear door. I had been slamming ours and only realised how it worked after some trial and error.
@shepl theres very little chance of the Matrix LEDs appearing on US vehicles this soon as the NHTSA only approved their use in February 2022. If you add the issue that Land Rover can’t get enough to fulfil the spec on the cars being produced for other markets it makes it highly unlikely.
@shepl theres very little chance of the Matrix LEDs appearing on US vehicles this soon as the NHTSA only approved their use in February 2022. If you add the issue that Land Rover can’t get enough to fulfil the spec on the cars being produced for other markets it makes it highly unlikely.
Oooo!! I didn't know that NHTSA has approved them! The good news (for me) is that at least makes me optimistic that someday they may be available for me to replace my current lights. I was a big dope in the beginning of my order process. I watched a video that had them and I was smitten. That and the retracting tow hook. Since then, I've come to the realization that they weren't for my market! However, adding them is definitely something I would / could see myself do if the parts are ever for a US spec. Heck, I've done far dumber replacement of L663 parts....
@GrouseK9 our XS was delivered without them in January due to the semi conducted shortage meaning the car came with the premium units. I’m now on the lookout for matrix units from the various salvage suppliers as the used units are around £500 each instead £1300 each for new. I saw recently that Mo at LR Retrofits has successfully retrofitted them to Jaguar iPace and Range Rover Sport models recently. Mo seems up for having a go at fitting just about anything and even posted pictures yesterday of a Clearsight mirror installation he was undertaking.
Ok, thank you all. I have now discovered and understand the "soft close" feature on the rear door of my 2020 110S. I find it has zero value to me. I will try to forget it exists. I do wonder as to the content of a debate inside JLR to convince others to include this feature?
Now, if JLR would please enable me to drive the vehicle at slow speeds with the driver's door open we would be getting somewhere. This is a necessary requirement of an off-road vehicle. Cameras are not sufficient.
Enjoy !!
Now, if JLR would please enable me to drive the vehicle at slow speeds with the driver's door open we would be getting somewhere. This is a necessary requirement of an off-road vehicle. Cameras are not sufficient.
Enjoy !!
Last edited by TrioLRowner; Apr 21, 2022 at 07:18 AM.
The number of times the truck “outwits” me to prevent my doing what I fully intend to do is maddening. Sure, an annoying chime for 3 seconds and a lighted graphic on the IP to alert me that my door is open (if it is accidental) is actually helpful.
A refusal of the truck to so much as move an inch if the door is fully open or closed but not fully latched is somehow infuriating. I want to hang my head out and look at the rear tire or rear corner as I back up. Nope, no can do; I would surely die if I tried it and JLR is here to save me from that painful fate. Or I jump in and pull the door half-heartedly because I’m moving the truck 30 feet to wash it. Door doesn’t latch completely and the truck refuses to budge. Errrrggggghhhhh!
Oh, and with the soft-close rear door: I’m with you. With a 2022 X-Dynamic SE I guess I should have it, but after reading this thread I went out and tried mine and damned if I can tell whether I have it or not. I’ve had it on a car trunk before and it was very obvious there because it essentially prevented slams and took over when the lid got close even if you slammed it. This door doesn’t seem to do that. So either it’s very subtle or I don’t have it (truck was built in May 2021), but either way I don’t seem to care.
Part of it is that the rear door is so heavy you have to put some muscle into getting it started moving, and once you’ve done that it’s just easier to keep the momentum going than it would be to use more energy to slow it back down so you can watch the motor take over and close it slowly for you. Whereas a trunk lid on a car can be actuated with a couple fingers pushing down gently then gravity takes over and the soft-close motor can catch it at the bottom and gently and quietly close for you. makes a lot more sense.
It looks like to get “soft close” function, you only need a tailgate motor providing the power supply is already there. It’s possible to install it later when the part is available.


