Electric handbrake OBD11 struggles

[Mr Pig]

Hi all,

I'm about to change the rear disks and pads on my wife's car but struggling with backing off the electric handbrake.

The instruction to go to control unit 53 doesn't seem to match up to what my OBD11 has, I can't find such a thing. Going into the brakes menu I can't find a servicing option.

In the apps menu there is an app for exactly this job, open and close the brake. Despite it saying that it has been successful, nothing is happening. The brakes do not move. Such a basic task but I'm struggling with it!

As an asside, the phone keeps disconecting from the OBD11 dongle. My last phone was fine but since getting a new one connecting is a pain every time.

Thank you for the help :0)

 

[cairus]

Control unit 03, basic setting, select what is needed

 

[DEAN0]

For my 2018 Cupra the following worked using VCDS


Turn ignition ON

Connect your computer to the OBD port using your VCDS cable.

[Select] 03 - ABS Brakes
[Select] 04 - Basic Settings
[Select] Start lining change mode
[Click ] Go to activate the Basic Setting.
The brake calipers will then open, allowing the pads to be changed.
You should hear the rear caliper motors operating.

Wait 30 seconds after it says Not Running or the noises have stopped before clicking [Stop]
[Select] Done, Go Back

[Select] Close Controller, Go Back - 06
Turn ignition off.

NOTE : The caliper pistons do not move back into the caliper, they must be pushed in using a hand tool.
Fault code 721152 - Brake pad replacement mode active will be stored, this is normal.



Close Rear Parking Brake

[Select] 03 - ABS Brakes
[Select] 04 - Basic Settings
[Select] End lining change mode
[Select] Go to activate the Basic Setting.
The brake calipers will then close.
Wait 30 seconds after it says Not Running or the noises have stopped before clicking [Stop]
[Select] Done, Go Back

[Select] Close Controller, Go Back - 06

Turn ignition off

The LED in the parking brake switch and the warning lamp in the instrument cluster will probably continue to blink rapidly in addition to Fault code C1011 - Brake pad replacement mode active. This should stop after cycling the Parking Brake ON, then OFF again using the switch in the vehicle while holding the brake pedal AFTER all rear brake components are reassembled.

 

[Mr Pig]

Control unit 03, basic setting, select what is needed

I've tried that. It said it worked but nothing happened. I assume you'll hear the noise of the motor winding back? No noise.

 

[RUM4MO]

Yes, you should hear the mechanism winding back.

Edit:- remember that the plan should be to start with a well charged battery and maybe even support it while performing this action, many people seem to be a bit "squeamish" about retracting these electric handbrake equipped rear callipers - based on tales of corrupting the S/W or otherwise ending up with a non working electric handbrake system.

So far, using only VCDS and supporting a well charged battery, I've not had any issues. I might be temped to try using Carista - or maybe not!

 

[Mr Pig]

Yes, you should hear the mechanism winding back.

I'll give it another go. Tried several times but didn't hear anything despite OBD11 saying that it was working. Pain as I want to get these brakes changed tomorrow as my wife is going away for a week on Tuesday.

 

[RUM4MO]

@Mr Pig I edited my posting after you responded, sorry! I just added these comments in case your wife's battery was a "bit low".

 

[Mr Pig]

If I run lining change mode, nothing happens. There is a box under routine control option which says 00-FF. Is that right?

If I run the parking brake test the motor runs in and out as expected. No idea why lining change mode is not working.

 

[Mr Pig]

@Mr Pig I edited my posting after you responded, sorry! I just added these comments in case your wife's battery was a "bit low".

I don't know how healthy the battery is. 2017 car, original battery but no signs of misbehavior yet. I assume if the battery dies mid process you're in trouble? Can you switch the ignition off once the motors is wound back and switch it back on later to reset them?

 

[RUM4MO]

Oh yes I always switch the ignition off after putting the handbrake mech into "linings change".

Sorry for the delay, I can't answer your other question on using OBD11, as you can actually move the handbrake using OBD11's other features/selected functions, it sounds a lot like there is a bug/error in OBD11's programming for demanding that function.

 

[Mr Pig]

Oh yes I always switch the ignition off after putting the handbrake mech into "linings change".

Sorry for the delay, I can't answer your other question on using OBD11, as you can actually move the handbrake using OBD11's other features/selected functions, it sounds a lot like there is a bug/error in OBD11's programming for demanding that function.

Googling, it looks like you can remove the motors and wind the piston back manually. If I don't have any joy with OBD11 I'll try that. Like to get this done today. Thank you.

 

[cairus]

Don't do that, or you'll break something. It's better to unplug the motor and power it directly with 12V. If it's in the wrong direction, simply reverse the polarity.

 

[Mr Pig]

Don't do that, or you'll break something.

Thanks for the tip. I know a guy who had to wind back the piston on his dad's fat Volkswagen, sorry, Bentley, because the motor housing broke.

 

[DEAN0]

Just a thought - are you starting the process with the handbrake on or off ?

I started with it OFF but not sure if it makes any difference.

 

[Mr Pig]

Just a thought - are you starting the process with the handbrake on or off ?

Yip, that's what it was. Tried it with the handbrake off this morning and it worked. OBD11 is such a useful tool, it's paid for itself many times over, but a bit more in the way of instructions would be nice.

Still stuck though. The caliper carrier uses big, fine splined bolts I don't have the tool for. Why do they keep changing things? Hex bolts, splines, finer splines. No sooner to you buy one tool and they change to another. Plus they're so rusty if I do get them off I wouldn't want to put them back on so I'll order new bolts and the spline bits and try again next week.

Thanks everyone.

 

[DEAN0]

Still stuck though. The caliper carrier uses big, fine splined bolts I don't have the tool for. Why do they keep changing things?

Most manufacturers have moved to spline bolts now ( more reliable with the automated assembly tools used )
You will see them in many places on VAG cars now.

I got this set - https://www.eurocarparts.com/p/lase...uOaeyaKVnu-MYF7W4RsUtGrGQeqHbDBMaAl8EEALw_wcB

 

[Mr Pig]

Most manufacturers have moved to spline bolts now ( more reliable with the automated assembly tools used )
You will see them in many places on VAG cars now.

Bit concerned. Just off the phone to the dealer to order new bolts and he said they are M12. The ones on the car are not M12 as I have an M12 bit and it's too small. Hopefully they've just changed it but it's a bit concerning in case it's the wrong bolts.

My set only goes up to M12 so I'll order bigger bits. Just hope the splines are not too rusty, if the thing rounds off I'm in trouble.

 

[DEAN0]

The manual says to use VW Socket insert - T10035

According to the web - Socket insert - T10035 is an M14 spline bit

 

[Mr Pig]

The manual says to use VW Socket insert - T10035

According to the web - Socket insert - T10035 is an M14 spline bit

View attachment 47803

Yeah, he's looking at the wrong bolts. I phoned and spoke to him again, saying the bolt was definitely not T12 but was T14, but he's adamant. I need the bolts numbered 6 but I don't know what he's looking at. There are no part numbers.

 

[SuperV8]

Thanks for the tip. I know a guy who had to wind back the piston on his dad's fat Volkswagen, sorry, Bentley, because the motor housing broke.

Agreed - I wouldn't do it manually

Bit concerned. Just off the phone to the dealer to order new bolts and he said they are M12. The ones on the car are not M12 as I have an M12 bit and it's too small. Hopefully they've just changed it but it's a bit concerning in case it's the wrong bolts.

My set only goes up to M12 so I'll order bigger bits. Just hope the splines are not too rusty, if the thing rounds off I'm in trouble.

The caliper carrier bolt thread is M12x1.5 - the tool is M14 triple square - they not referring to the same thing.

There are two different length bolts listed 65mm or 35mm long:
N91168901 Socket head bolt with inner multipoint head (Kombi) M12X1,5X65
N91194501 Socket head bolt with inner multipoint head (Kombi) M12X1,5X35

Definitely get a triple square set for maintaining your VAG...