I’ve just bought a 2017 SVAutobiography Dynamic and there are a couple of little things that I could use some help with.

It appears to have deployable sidesteps and there is a menu for them but when I touch the screen icon it triggered a message “deployable sidesteps not available”
Anybody got any ideas?

What is the SIM card slot in the top of the centre cubby for? I’ve got some active SIMs that I could put in if it makes anything work.

Why is there a hard button for the blind spot detection down by the display dimmer? Seems odd given all the other systems don’t have one

I’m sure I’ll have other questions for the hive mind!

Thanks In Advance!

Sidesteps: seems like they may have been locked out. Happens when you go into special programmes (rearmost rotary knob on the console) as they shouldn't be deployed when off road in case of uneven ground. If you raise the knob and push it down again they may come back to life. I say may because they are also known at deplorable steps - they have a mind of their own and crave attention so don't always play nice. You'll have seen there's an on/off switch for them in the menu - obvs that has to be on.

The sim thing is a bit of a b****r. The car is only 3g compatible and they are currently switching off all of the 3g networks. Even if you get it working it will be short lived. I've got one in mine ... and everything I want to work does (eg live traffic) ... but I have to admit I've no idea what will stop working when it shuts down.

Dont know about the blind spot button thing. There's various blind spot features - like it swtches off if you're towing and for some other reasons.

All this stuff is probably hidden away in the manual - have you not got one with the car?

Worth a read as there's some oddities. Enjoy it, they are fantastic beasts. Mike - MPx

2017 5.0 V8 Supercharged SVAutobigraphy Dynamic SVO Palette Grey (2021-...)
2012 5.0 V8 Supercharged Autoboigraphy Orkney Grey (2017-2021)
2007 4.2 V8 Supercharged Vogue SE Tonga Green (2012-2017)
2002 4.4 V8 Vogue Bonnatti Grey (2008-2012)

I’ve got a manual and also been reading the VIN specific online one from the QR tag in the book pack.

I don’t see an on/off for the steps. There’s a section in features but when popped it’s blank.
I’ll give the off road control pop up a go.

I might stick a SIM in and give it a go.

Thanks for your help.

@ MwestcrewRR:

Do you have an iiD tool? If you have a FFRR, it’s worth its weight in gold.
You need to scan for DTC’s related to the steps like “too many pulses” etc. and reset the steps, BUT first give them a good clean and lube. I use PlusGas, leave 24h, kick the sh*t out of them until they operate, then douse with ACF-50 on all pivots, 2 or 3 times a year. It’s a messy job, needs lots of cardboard to protect your driveway. Rinse & repeat (metaphorically, not literally).

These are a sh*t Chinese product made for JLR with both poor design and poor QC.
The pivots could EASILY have been designed with either graphite or PTFE type DU or DX thin wall bushings, or even just cross drilled with grease galleries & nipples, but f*ck no, a few cents was saved, and we pay the penalty.  “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” -where’s the fun in that?