Electronic Parking Brake Fault Problem

[doriclad]

Sorry if this has been discussed to death already. I have noticed a number of other posts but my Electronic Parking Brake problem doesn't seem to involve the brake motors.

I have a VW Passat B6 Sport 2007 which has the EPB but no auto hold function. To dis-engage the brake I put seatbelt on and drive away or hold down brake pedal and press EPB button. To re-engage brake I also hold down brake and press EPB button.

The problem happens when holding down the brake pedal and pressing the button. I get "Parking Brake Fault" on the dashboard and the orange light shows. Sometimes I have had the orange light and red parking brake light flashing with audible noise. At this point I need to switch off the engine, engage key half way until the "Parking Brake Fault" message flashes and fully disappears, start engine and try again. I can do this 2 or 3 times until the brake operates i.e. engages or disengages. The problem is intermittent but I have had it for a while and it seems to be getting worse i.e. happening more often.

Where my problem differs to others is that I have never had the brake stick on or off as such. After 2 or 3 restarts it has generally cleared - so I've never had the car stuck, unable to park or had to manually unwind the brakes, etc.

I'm convinced in my mind that it is possibly a problem with the EPB button or connectors in the button, although I have nothing to prove this. I was wondering if anyone else has had this particular problem or know of it. I'd really appreciate any advice of what the problem could be and how it can be remedied. I'd also like to know if the problem would show up on VAGcom. And if this is a known problem to VW. Like everyone else I don't want to be spending lots of money on diagnosing a fault and replacing electrical parts.

Appreciate any help / advice.

[martin1810]

Sounds like a faulty button. Fairly easy and cheap fix. Just buy a button and swap it.

[Quatrelle]

.....To re-engage brake I also hold down brake and press EPB button.....

As a matter of interest, why do you hold down the brake?

[doriclad]

I'm sure it says to press the brake down when operating the EPB button but I need to look at the manual to confirm. I also do it if sitting in traffic or parking on a slope to ensure the car doesn't roll.

I noticed that there is a new button (3C0 927 255C) which seems to replace the old button (3C0 927 255B) which is probably the one in my car. I was going to call VW to confirm. I was also wondering and going to ask whether a software update is required when installing the new button - this seemed to be mentioned on some sites.

[mercedeslimos]

I'm sure it says to press the brake down when operating the EPB button but I need to look at the manual to confirm. I also do it if sitting in traffic or parking on a slope to ensure the car doesn't roll.

I noticed that there is a new button (3C0 927 255C) which seems to replace the old button (3C0 927 255B) which is probably the one in my car. I was going to call VW to confirm. I was also wondering and going to ask whether a software update is required when installing the new button - this seemed to be mentioned on some sites.

I replaced my button yesterday with the C revision item over my old B, my VW tech friend said they don't do software upgrades normally in their garage, only if the car shows a fault again within a year.

[doriclad]

Thanks for the advice. When you replace the switch did you pop the plastic at the side off with a screwdriver and push the button out from behind? I assume it just pops in and out of place and has an electrical connector fixed to the back.

Where did you buy your switch? Was it VW parts? I've seen some being sold on ebay as genuine.

[mercedeslimos]

Thanks for the advice. When you replace the switch did you pop the plastic at the side off with a screwdriver and push the button out from behind? I assume it just pops in and out of place and has an electrical connector fixed to the back.

Where did you buy your switch? Was it VW parts? I've seen some being sold on ebay as genuine.

Just go in next to the fusebox and push the switch from behind, will just pop out. (Disconnect the battery first), unclip the plug, pop in the new switch, battery back on, Voila!

Mine was from a VW dealer, cost me €40 all told.

[Jim Paton]

My passat has recently started playing up worth the EHB, so after reading the many postings on the problem, I decided to start with the cheapest option of changing the switch, but to no avail, problem persisted. So as the sun was shining today it was off with the back wheels and it turns out the rear left caliper is not operating. Sounds like the motor is turning but not operating the caliper. what I would like to know is, can you change the motor or is it still a whole caliper job. I have just phoned the dealer looking for a price and the usual response of we need to put your car on test, if it is an electrical fault we may be able to change the motor or it will be a new caliper inc motor at circa £400. What I would like to know from anyone who has recently had the same problem is, can you or did you just have a new motor fitted ? Just another very expensive VW Passat fault. Thanks in advance.

[martin1810]

You need a VCDS scan or similar to find out what the epb controller thinks is happening. Motors are available as individual units only from VW. You can buy a complete TRW caliper with motor for about the same price, so lots of people go down that route, assuming they can get one. Eurocar parts and GFS sometimes have them in stock. Motors are not handed but caliper+motor assemblies are.
If you check my site you will see more info about the epb. So far, none of it is good news.

[robs7]

Just go in next to the fusebox and push the switch from behind, will just pop out. (Disconnect the battery first), unclip the plug, pop in the new switch, battery back on, Voila!

Mine was from a VW dealer, cost me €40 all told.

Will this clear the fault light too? My EPB has just failed and I'm thinking about just changing the button (they're only about £20) as a first step. (No access to VCDS).

[doriclad]

Will this clear the fault light too? My EPB has just failed and I'm thinking about just changing the button (they're only about £20) as a first step. (No access to VCDS).

I bought the button, replaced, and touch wood all is working fine. Haven't had the fault again. Asked at VW garage and was told that I didn't need to disconnect the battery either which saves time / hassle. With regard to fault light - for me the fault light / message was only coming up when parking brake button failed. If I were to switch off and switch on this would clear light / message. So didn't need Vagcom
to reset.

[robs7]

I bought the button, replaced, and touch wood all is working fine. Haven't had the fault again. Asked at VW garage and was told that I didn't need to disconnect the battery either which saves time / hassle. With regard to fault light - for me the fault light / message was only coming up when parking brake button failed. If I were to switch off and switch on this would clear light / message. So didn't need Vagcom
to reset.

Yes, all sorted here. Problem with the EPB button too. Fault cleared itself too. I guess the Reset Counter is low with this problem so it doesn't take many successful operations to clear the fault. Anyway, good to have the EPB back and I can put the brick I was using for parking back in the garage!

[gazzler6022]

Sorry if this has been discussed to death already. I have noticed a number of other posts but my Electronic Parking Brake problem doesn't seem to involve the brake motors.

I have a VW Passat B6 Sport 2007 which has the EPB but no auto hold function. To dis-engage the brake I put seatbelt on and drive away or hold down brake pedal and press EPB button. To re-engage brake I also hold down brake and press EPB button.

The problem happens when holding down the brake pedal and pressing the button. I get "Parking Brake Fault" on the dashboard and the orange light shows. Sometimes I have had the orange light and red parking brake light flashing with audible noise. At this point I need to switch off the engine, engage key half way until the "Parking Brake Fault" message flashes and fully disappears, start engine and try again. I can do this 2 or 3 times until the brake operates i.e. engages or disengages. The problem is intermittent but I have had it for a while and it seems to be getting worse i.e. happening more often.

Where my problem differs to others is that I have never had the brake stick on or off as such. After 2 or 3 restarts it has generally cleared - so I've never had the car stuck, unable to park or had to manually unwind the brakes, etc.

I'm convinced in my mind that it is possibly a problem with the EPB button or connectors in the button, although I have nothing to prove this. I was wondering if anyone else has had this particular problem or know of it. I'd really appreciate any advice of what the problem could be and how it can be remedied. I'd also like to know if the problem would show up on VAGcom. And if this is a known problem to VW. Like everyone else I don't want to be spending lots of money on diagnosing a fault and replacing electrical parts.

Appreciate any help / advice.

57 2.0 140bhp diesel passat,
Exactly the same problem, it gets worse over time and then the handbrake locks on refusing to release. The only way i have found to work is to disconnect the battery wait 10mins or so then reconnect, this resets the computer and then fingers crossed should release. I have paid for mine fixing 3x times £800 total sometimes it works for a few months then starts to play up. I have had 2 new switches and both motors replaced due to cracked housing units where moisture gets in or so i have been told. Now i don't use the handbrake just leave it in gear with the wheels pointing at the curb and use 2 bricks behind the backs wheels when parking on a hill.
Just what you would expect to do with a premium car of VW, next car will be a KIA with a 7 year warranty, my last one ran for 5 years before I sold it and never had to change as much as a light bulb !!!

[wacko]

hi guys
I have started to get the same problem with my passat over the last few days
I get the parking brake failure message and to check the users manual and the yellow waring light
this morning I got the bleeping and the flashing red parking light on the dash and it seamed like the drivers side rear caliper wasnt releasing
after turning off and on it did release but i havent used the parking brake since
could this be the switch or something more expensive?????

[richiemac]

Try a new switch first, small and inexpensive job......then go further if problem persists.

[martin1810]

hi guys
I have started to get the same problem with my passat over the last few days
I get the parking brake failure message and to check the users manual and the yellow waring light
this morning I got the bleeping and the flashing red parking light on the dash and it seamed like the drivers side rear caliper wasnt releasing
after turning off and on it did release but i havent used the parking brake since
could this be the switch or something more expensive?????

That will be a duff motor then.

[wacko]

how much is that going to rob me then

[RichardSEL]

It might be worth doing an re-adaptation of your brakes and Auto-hold EPB first in VCDS.
Felt (imagined?) the EPB in mine getting a bit hesitant and re-did the adaptation
Yesterday, driving into the City and home again in SE London, was working fine,
for stop-start every 100yds or so over nine miles

RichardSEL

... I'm not paranoid, they really are all out to get me

[RichardSEL]

hi guys
I get the parking brake failure message and to check the users manual and the yellow waring light
this morning I got the bleeping and the flashing red parking light on the dash and it seamed like the drivers side rear caliper wasnt releasing after turning off and on it did release but i havent used the parking brake since

Did you mean that you havn't used the AutoHold since?

[wacko]

Did you mean that you havn't used the AutoHold since?

The autohold wont work now the EPB is playing up

[martin1810]

Autohold and the epb are two different sytems. Autohold is via the ABS pump not the epb. They cross link because if the car is stationary too long with autohold on the epb will activate.

[RichardSEL]

Autohold and the epb are two different sytems. Autohold is via the ABS pump not the epb. They cross link because if the car is stationary too long with autohold on the epb will activate.
^wacko "but i havent used the parking brake (http://shop.ebay.co.uk/?_nkw=parking+brake) since"

Quite so, which is why I asked. Don't see how (short of switching off in VCDS) Wacko hasn't "used the parking brake since". I've got to manually disable mine if, for example, I'm in a chain-pully car wash...

Cheers
RichardSEL

[wacko]

I assumed the auto-hold would be disabled by the car if there was a problem with the parking brake
I know if the auto-hold is in use and you stop and turn the ignition off, the parking brake automatically comes on
Going to get the fault read on Thursday so I should know whats going on then

[RichardSEL]

Going to get the fault read on Thursday so I should know whats going on then
If it's VCDS get the Autoscan sent to you and then post here?

Hoping it's nothing serious
RichardSEL

[wacko]

I know I might sound a bit thick and you may all take the p*ss but whats a VCDS then

cheers

andy

[RichardSEL]

Not at all. Vag-Com Diagnosis System (I think)
Ross-Tech: Home (http://www.ross-tech.com)
Produces what's called an Autoscan which identifies all the modules in your car. Connected by a USB cable to the OBD (on board diagnostics) port underneath your steering wheel, right hand side. And connects that to a Laptop. And you can do lots more "things" with it too.
For your brakes' fault it'd produce (mine as example)
Address 03: ABS Brakes Labels: 3C0-614-095-C2.clb
Part No SW: 3C0 614 095 Q HW: 3C0 614 095 Q
Component: ESP 440 C2 H015 0003
Revision: H015 Serial number: 0667233697
Coding: 0013731
Shop #: WSC 05311 000 00000
VCID: 3041DD31A338729

No fault code found.

and

Address 53: Parking Brake Labels: 3C0-907-801-53.clb
Part No SW: 3C0 907 801 B HW: 3C0 907 801 B
Component: EPB VC8HC001 013 0001
Revision: 013
Coding: 0000012
Shop #: WSC 05311 000 00000
VCID: 21672875F8D2CB1

No fault code found.

There are procedures to "adapt" the brakes and EPB within the program.
Closest you can get to the dealers' diagnostics without spending mega euros (IMO)

If your scan tool is this then posting here (or in the VCDS forum) will get you a load of replies from others who use it, and are experienced with diagnosis, a lot. That initself is worth a lot. Certainly saved me some of the cost when in a dealer's clutches due to inlet manifold flap runner failure... (another thread ;-)

Instead of the "no fault found" bits, yours should have something about what's failed and possibly why. With a fault code
These fault codes are stored until cleared. And you've fixed the fault

RichardSEL

[wacko]

Hi guys and gals

Got the car scanned last week on the VCDS scanner at my cousins garage
It showed that the drivers side rear calliper had a mechanical failure which turned out to be seized and the motor had burnt out
The passanger side turned out to be knackers aswell
The motor retracted but the cylinder wouldnt wind in to allow the new pads to be fitted

All in all two callipers and new pads £820.00 all in including plug in and initial scan

I suppose i should be relieved that i didnt have to fork out for the injectors last month

The joys of owning a wonderfull passat

[Baron210]

Sorry if this has been discussed to death already. I have noticed a number of other posts but my Electronic Parking Brake problem doesn't seem to involve the brake motors.

I have a VW Passat B6 Sport 2007 which has the EPB but no auto hold function. To dis-engage the brake I put seatbelt on and drive away or hold down brake pedal and press EPB button. To re-engage brake I also hold down brake and press EPB button.

The problem happens when holding down the brake pedal and pressing the button. I get "Parking Brake Fault" on the dashboard and the orange light shows. Sometimes I have had the orange light and red parking brake light flashing with audible noise. At this point I need to switch off the engine, engage key half way until the "Parking Brake Fault" message flashes and fully disappears, start engine and try again. I can do this 2 or 3 times until the brake operates i.e. engages or disengages. The problem is intermittent but I have had it for a while and it seems to be getting worse i.e. happening more often.

Where my problem differs to others is that I have never had the brake stick on or off as such. After 2 or 3 restarts it has generally cleared - so I've never had the car stuck, unable to park or had to manually unwind the brakes, etc.

I'm convinced in my mind that it is possibly a problem with the EPB button or connectors in the button, although I have nothing to prove this. I was wondering if anyone else has had this particular problem or know of it. I'd really appreciate any advice of what the problem could be and how it can be remedied. I'd also like to know if the problem would show up on VAGcom. And if this is a known problem to VW. Like everyone else I don't want to be spending lots of money on diagnosing a fault and replacing electrical parts.

Appreciate any help / advice.


I just complained to VW and submitted my complaint to Which about the very same fault, I hope we get some response, and also we have the (they need to flash) the emissions readouts too, still haven't done that either.

best for now, I know its an old post, would like to know if you got your sorted finally,

Baron210 Portsmouth.

[martin1810]

what is to complain about? It is a complicated system and does go wrong sometimes just like anything else on any modern car. I would think carefully before getting the emissions reflash.

[Eviljojo]

https://scontent-ams3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/15027722_10158021800475508_659080152812846250_n.jp g?oh=545f81692ba52b9884f4bad42868db93&oe=58D02365

Anyone know what this means?

my head is spinning here.. :aargh4:

[RichardSEL]

It means your version of VCDS is too old.
You can update free of charge by connecting your laptop to the internet and going to the Ross-Tech site

02844 - Ross-Tech Wiki (http://wiki.ross-tech.com/wiki/index.php/02844)

[martin1810]

that code sometimes shows when the epb controller has a fault.
If it keeps coming back after clearing it, you may have a faulty epb controller.