MY26 Secure Diagnostics
Defender software activations.
Your Defender already has the hardware. We turn the features on through the car's own software: adaptive cruise, the D350 power upgrade, Pivi Pro MY25 and more.
One to two hours at our Durham workshop. Permanent, and they survive updates.
★★★★★ 1,000+ five-star reviews · Fits every 2020+ L663 90, 110 and 130
What we can unlock
Fourteen features, already in there.
Every one of these is hardware your Defender already carries, switched off in software at the factory. Pick what you want and the total updates as you go. Prices inc VAT with ex VAT alongside, supplied and fitted.
The full package
£899inc VAT£749.17 ex VAT
All fourteen activations. Bought one at a time they come to £3,250, so the package saves £2,351. Worth it from three activations upward.
How it works
Plug in. Activate. Drive away.
No parts, no wiring, nothing cut or spliced. Everything happens through the Defender's own software, which is why it is quick and why it stays put.
Send us your reg
We check your exact build date and spec before you commit, and confirm which activations your Defender will take. No guesswork, no wasted trip.
One workshop visit
Drop the car at Dragonville. Most jobs take one to two hours depending on how many activations you have picked. Bigger lists are still same day.
It stays done
Every activation is permanent and survives software updates. You drive away with the features live and a 12 month workmanship guarantee behind them.
The bit most independents cannot do.
From MY26, Land Rover requires Secure Diagnostics to talk to the car properly. A lot of independent workshops have not caught up with it, which is why owners travel to us from Newcastle, Sunderland, Middlesbrough, Darlington, Yorkshire and further.
Our diagnostic setup covers it. That means we can activate a Defender you collected last week just as easily as a 2020 car, and we will tell you honestly if something on your list is not possible on your build.
Activation FAQs
Before you book it in.
The questions owners ask before sending a reg over. Anything not covered, message Mitchell and he will come straight back.
What can you activate on a Defender L663?
Fourteen factory JLR features, every one running on hardware your Defender already carries: the D350 power upgrade, Dynamic Mode and Configurable Dynamics, adaptive cruise control, memory driver assist, memory stop/start, approach unlocking and walk-away locking, auto high beam assist, the advanced off-road capability pack, Tow Assist 2, the Pivi Pro MY25 interface, the 007 / SV welcome screen, Wi-Fi hotspot enablement, remote tailgate release and the seatbelt reminder chime disable.
Individually they run from £119 to £599, or all fourteen together are £899 inc VAT.
Which Defenders can you activate?
Every Land Rover Defender L663 from 2020 onwards, including the latest MY25 and MY26 models. That covers the 90, the 110 and the 130.
Send us your registration and we will confirm exactly which activations your build will take before you book anything.
Will the activations survive a software update?
Yes. Every activation is permanent and survives software updates. Once a feature is switched on it stays on.
How long does it take?
Around 1 to 2 hours at our Durham workshop, depending on how many activations you choose.
Even the full package is a same day job, so you can drop the car off in the morning and collect it the same afternoon.
Is the full package worth it?
It is from three activations upward. All fourteen bought one at a time come to £3,250. The full package is £899 inc VAT, so it saves £2,351.
If you only want one or two specific features, buy those individually. We will tell you which way round is cheaper for what you are after.
Do you activate brand new MY25 and MY26 Defenders?
Yes. Our diagnostic setup covers Land Rover's Secure Diagnostics requirement on MY26, which a lot of independent shops haven't caught up with yet.
If you've just collected your new Defender and want features switched on straight away, get in touch and we'll fit you in.
Will a software activation affect my Land Rover factory warranty?
Under UK Block Exemption rules, the manufacturer can only refuse a warranty claim if they can demonstrate a modification directly caused the specific fault.
If you're under factory warranty and not sure about a specific activation, a quick check with your Land Rover dealer first is worth doing. Our 12 month workmanship guarantee covers everything we do.
Do I need to declare software activations to my insurer?
Most modifications need declaring to your insurer. Some can affect your premium, others won't. We'd always recommend a quick call to your insurer before booking so you know exactly where you stand on cover and cost.
We supply itemised invoices that make it straightforward to declare what's been done.
Where is your workshop and do I need to come to Durham?
Unit 1, Dragonville Industrial Park, Dragon Lane, Durham, DH1 2XJ. We're five minutes from the A1 and easy reach of the A19.
Customers travel from Newcastle, Sunderland, Middlesbrough, Darlington, Yorkshire and beyond. Easy off-street parking on site.
What warranty do I get on the work?
12 month workmanship guarantee on every activation we carry out.
If anything we switched on stops behaving as it should within that time, bring the car back and we'll sort it.
Or call 0191 367 0011, Mon to Sat, 9:00am to 4:30pm.
Send your reg over
Find out what yours will take.
Send Mitchell your registration and the list you are after. He comes back with what your exact build supports, a firm price and a slot. Usually the same working day.
Having other work done at the same time? Software activations are included free in Utopia Stage 3, and we can do the lot in one visit.