VW Passat Parking Brake Fault

[520735RIK]

My 2006 VW Passat with 18000 miles on the clock has just started reporting Parking Brake Fault when attempting to put it on. By stopping and starting the engine it becomes operable. This has occured about 4 times and once it occurred when attempting to take it off, most embarassing at traffic lights. I have been informed it is the the acual switch that requires replacing as they fail all the time. Anyone else had this problem:confused:

[Crasher]

This isn’t in a good section for you to get help, this is the section for anything to do with the diagnostic program VAG-COM/VCDS. Firstly I suggest you post this in the Passat section

http://www.vwaudiforum.co.uk/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=114 (http://www.vwaudiforum.co.uk/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=114)

and secondly, get the car to a garage for a fault code read. This problem is often down to a faulty dash button.

[onzarob]

I've moved your thread to the correct section.

[johnloaderuk]

My 2006 VW Passat with 18000 miles on the clock has just started reporting Parking Brake Fault when attempting to put it on. By stopping and starting the engine it becomes operable. This has occured about 4 times and once it occurred when attempting to take it off, most embarassing at traffic lights. I have been informed it is the the acual switch that requires replacing as they fail all the time. Anyone else had this problem:confused:

Sounds the same as the warning I get on mine. It seems to be when you don't give the button a firm push, it does put the handbrake on but also gives the alarm you mention, although it feels as if the handbrake is applied to only one side. I was in the VW garage this morning, and they suggest replacing the dashboard switch, as there was an issue with some of them, so I'll get it done at the next service. If I park the car up, lock it, leave it for a short time, then get back in it, it has usually reset itself, seems to work fine, and no alarm until the next time. After restarting it, I have to disengage the handbrake, then re-apply it to eliminate the alarm message.

[Pit Dweller]

There' an updated switch for the passat handbrake - Take the switch out of the dash and have a look at the parts number, something like 3C0 *** *** if it has a 'B' on the end of it then thats is the old type switch, new ones have a 'C' suffix - It will also require the software update for the handbrake ECU - HTH

[mhurer]

I had exactly the same problem. Old switch replaced with new one, and the software update you mention, and the switch has been fine ever since (9 months now).