Intermittent Electronic Parking Brake Malfunction

**Dino07** · 30-06-2012,02:36 AM

I have a 2006 A6 2.0 TDI which is manual. It has recently developed a fault whereby it would display 'Parking Brake Malfunction' in the central display. It also has a yellow P with a diagonal line through it. There is a red P which flashes in the Speedo as well as the EPB switch flashing red.

Other than the warnings, the car has been absolutely fine; until today that is. The parking brake would not release. I tried pressing the switch with my foot on the brake as well as setting off in first. Upon further inspection, I could hear the rear passenger side caliper operating but nothing from the rear driver side. After about an hour, it managed to release both and I was able to drive the car home where I have left it parked and in gear without the use of the parking brake.

I'm taking the car to a local Indy tomorrow but would like to go with a little knowledge as to what I could expect. I assumed the caliper had perhaps seized but with it releasing sometime later, could it be an intermittent fault with the connectors?

I know there's already a load of threads regarding the EPB, I just couldn't find one relevant to this problem so apologies if it has already been covered.

**martin1810** · 30-06-2012,09:39 AM

If only one epb motor works it usually means you need a new motor for the duff one. If both refuse to work it is sometimes the switch.

**Dino07** · 30-06-2012,01:55 PM

Could that still be the case even though it's intermittent? Would Audi be the only place for a replacement motor/caliper?

Also just noticed i've posted this in the B6 section for some reason. Would a mod be able to move it to the correct section.

**gupsterg** · 30-06-2012,04:34 PM

Your indie garage should be able to replace...
A local indie who I enquired about for my next repair on my car buys parts from Audi Parts to do repairs...
As some parts are dealer only plus then he gives 2 year warranty on parts and 1 year on labour...

**bloostar** · 01-07-2012,10:20 AM

The fault could just be intermittent or a 'one off' as this happened to me a few months ago. Came back to my car, drove off as normal and the fault appeared, staying on the whole journey home. I messed around for 10 minutes with on/off and a couple of emergency stops as .. Eventually heard a 'light' crunching noise before the fault went away.. Think it was something which had gotten lodged in the caliper or piston like dirt or a stone perhaps however it's been fine since and no fault codes appearing on vagcom. Can't see any damage and the motors seem to be working fine now. Brake pads/discs getting repaced in a few weeks so I'll report back if I do find anything when I'm under the car!

**batmobile** · 25-08-2012,10:55 PM

Hello there

I recently purchased my A6 Le Mans and after a week I encountered the same intermittent warning. The warning would clear down from the dash display. I have aused car warranty so phoned them and booked my car in to a local Bosch approved garage.

The diagnostic check revealed no logged faults?? Improbable message cleared from log?

As no fault found I had to pay £54 for the check!! The mechanic said he tested the brake system and said it appeared in working order.

The fault still appears sometimes once every few days, other times it hits me six times in as many minutes, annoying when you are in mid conversation!

Every time the warning display on the dash disappears. I have not felt anything wrong with the car and the brake works when I use it, so I am at a total loss as to what to do next other than go to Audi, but as its not logging a fault I fear I may get the run around!

Any ideas?

**bloostar** · 26-08-2012,08:30 AM

Well I've been under my car now and replaced the brakes and discs. Looking at the braking unit, it's got a motor attached to the caliper unit and is not 'overly' complex, so from a potential fault point of view it can only be electrical or something causing a restriction if the brake is still working generally. Someone on here may have a better idea on the actual workings of the motor, however if you take the wheels off, release the brake and unlock the motors with a vagcom, Taking them all off and cleaning them up might just do the trick. My pads looked ok (but dirty) but completely disintegrated when i released the pistons when replacing them in July. I cleaned it all up, replaced the lot and carried out a calibration to make sure no faults.. So far, its not reappeared. The vcds cable cost me 268 but has saved me twice that over garage fees in just two weeks since buying it. I'd highly recommend one.