Secondhand/Used EPB Control Module advice?

[watanabe43]

Hi all, I've run a search before posting but couldn't find specific problem and didn't want to necro an old thread!


A couple of months ago N/S handbrake motor seized on - RAC found (surprise!) housing cracked and rusted up inside. As temporary measure they removed motor and wound back calliper - leaving EPB working fine on N/S but with Xmas tree dash, constant alarming and disabled cruise control.


Car's been in shop (local VW specialist) having cam belt done - I sourced a new motor (£85 brand new from eBay) which they say is working fine but not receiving signal. Quoted £130 to remove centre console and £450+ for new module) so I've asked them to stop for now as I'm currently unemployed and have no money except what I have borrowed from family.


Does anyone have experience of fitting a secondhand control unit? They are knocking around on the Bay from 30 - 80 quid and I can whip the console out no problem. I understand you need coding at every step (I don't have VAGcom) so I would hope to find a garage to actually fit it. According to the Haynes manual the module is very sensitive to knocks so I have obvious concerns about mail order.


Can anyone offer me some friendly advice? Thanks in advance :wink:

EDIT: I've now seen the post below mine but can't delete this one...

EDIT 2: Passat B6/3C SE 2007 2.0TDI PD 140PS

[RichardSEL]

EPB modules do fail if they're operated for some time in a fault condition. Earlier ones had a flash upgrade to try and increase the threshold that this happens. Later ones do not, and appear to be more sensitive to failure.

You don't say what year car you have so it's impossible to gauge what module you've got. But generally from '08 the modules were a "J" revision. I've got an '06MY, with the older version, that was 3C0 907 801 B. After flash it became 3C0 907 801 GX

Irrespective of what module version you need (it'll have to be read in VCDS which is what your indie presumably has done) there's no guarantee that one sourced from eBait will be any good

The newer "J" revision modules change from a 3c0 part number to a 3aa number

[watanabe43]

Thanks Richard - I've edited the original post with the car details (doh!) it's a 2007 SE 2.0TDI PD 140PS

My local specialist have quoted £60 to fit and code a used module if I whip the centre console out which seems fair - guess I'll have to try my luck with eBay...

[RichardSEL]

With an '07MY you should only change like for like until you flash update.
The difference between a "B" and a "J" is first's a 23 byte module but second is a 30 byte one
Older cars may not accept a 30 byte module.

If your replacement's a "B" then get it flashed to "GX" ASAP --
This link for a US Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) is for the EPB controller flash update US recall. Had it installed in the UK, but you have to pay. A VAG-trained indi workshop with VAS computer that connects to VW’s mainframe will charge 1 hour +VAT — typically £60 +VAT (Volks Autos, Sutton). VW main agent (Beadles, Sevenoaks) wanted two hours. This software update is relevant only to specific versions of EPB controller:
http://nateronline.com/Technical_Bulletins/2007.05.15_update_program_Elc_park_brake.pdf

[watanabe43]

Well a Bay special's on its way - worth a punt at £20 'guaranteed working correctly' and seller with good feedback who will package it properly!

Again thanks for your help - much appreciated

[Quatrelle]

Let us know how you get on?

[martin1810]

Has the supply to the epb module been checked? The motors are fused.

[gresty]

Hi. Just gonna bomb into this thread. I have a 58 plate passat with error code 02845 (brake system warning lamp, short to ground) in Park brake module and have read that this is a software error. Now would a reprogram help or am I just as well going for replacement and if so what module would work in mine? Am I just as well getting like for like. Thanks

Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk

[DMitch16]

Does your EPB button illuminate still when you cycle the brakes on? If it does not, replace the button (for a C version) as the diode inside has blown.

[gresty]

Hi. Button works fine and illuminates when park brake is on. Was a new switch fitted last year. Thanks

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[DMitch16]

Gresty - The fault code relates to a potential software bug in certain brake module versions that invokes a fault code under certain conditions. The VW technical bulletin is TPI 2021874 and a software update by VW usually cures the issue.

[RichardSEL]

Gresty - The fault code relates to a potential software bug in certain brake module versions that invokes a fault code under certain conditions. The VW technical bulletin is TPI 2021874 and a software update by VW usually cures the issue.

Shussssh! That's supposed to be a State Secret :biglaugh:

[Segasucks]

“Quote Originally Posted by DMitch16 View Post
Gresty - The fault code relates to a potential software bug in certain brake module versions that invokes a fault code under certain conditions. The VW technical bulletin is TPI 2021874 and a software update by VW usually cures the issue.“

I have the same fault (VCDS Fault code 02845) on my 2008 Passat CC and have been told there is no software update for my handbrake module. They hooked it up to VW to check

[philipharmes]

Had the same problem with my old Passat which was also 2008.
I had to get a second-hand PB module off eBay which cured the problem.
This is the post I made at the time :-
Parking Brake Failure (vwaudiforum.co.uk) (http://www.vwaudiforum.co.uk/forum/showthread.php/168230-Parking-Brake-Failure?highlight=02485)

I also bought a new battery, as low voltages seem to be a trigger for the problem.