Electronic Parking Brake Fault Problem

**doriclad** · 11-04-2012,02:33 PM

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** · 11-04-2012,03:26 PM

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

**Quatrelle** · 11-04-2012,07:04 PM

Originally Posted by doriclad

.....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** · 11-04-2012,11:49 PM

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** · 12-04-2012,12:58 AM

Originally Posted by 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.

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** · 12-04-2012,09:45 AM

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** · 12-04-2012,01:32 PM

Originally Posted by 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.

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** · 13-04-2012,04:54 PM

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** · 13-04-2012,08:15 PM

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** · 17-05-2012,02:08 PM

Originally Posted by mercedeslimos

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).