Opening and closing the electronic parking brake (EPB) for rear brake pad replacement requires specific procedures using VCDS. Incorrect execution can lead to system errors. This guide outlines the correct steps for retracting and resetting the EPB with VCDS.
Opening the Rear Parking Brake with VCDS
Before starting, ensure all rear brake components are fully assembled and a battery charger is connected according to your vehicle’s repair manual. Critically, cycle the parking brake ON and then OFF. This preliminary step is essential.
Using VCDS, navigate to [Select] [53 – Parking Brake] [Basic Settings – 04]. Choose “Start lining change mode” and click [Go!]. This initiates the basic setting and opens the brake calipers, enabling pad replacement. Once “Finished Correctly” appears, select [Stop], then [Done, Go Back], and finally [Close Controller, Go Back – 06].
Turn off the ignition but leave the battery charger connected. Manually retract the caliper pistons using a suitable tool. A flashing parking brake light is normal, indicating the brake is in service mode. Do not operate the EPB switch or proceed until the rear brakes are fully reassembled.
Closing the Rear Parking Brake with VCDS
With all rear brake components reassembled and the battery charger still connected, return to [Select] [53 – Parking Brake] [Basic Settings – 04] in VCDS. This time, select “End lining change mode” and click [Go!]. The brake calipers will now close. After “Not Running” (or “Finished Correctly”) is displayed, select [Stop], followed by [Done, Go Back] and [Close Controller, Go Back – 06].
Finally, cycle the parking brake ON and OFF using the vehicle’s switch while depressing the brake pedal. Before a test drive, perform a fault code scan with VCDS to ensure no errors are present.
