Release Handbrake VCDS: A Guide to Changing Rear Brake Pads

Opening and closing the electronic parking brake (EPB) with VCDS is a crucial step when servicing rear brakes on many Volkswagen, Audi, Seat, and Skoda vehicles. This guide provides a step-by-step procedure for using VCDS to release and engage the EPB during a rear brake pad change. Incorrectly performing this procedure can lead to system errors and potential brake failure.

Releasing the EPB for Brake Pad Replacement

Important Safety Precautions:

• Fully Assembled Brakes: Ensure all rear brake components, including pads and calipers, are correctly installed on the rotors before starting this procedure. Working on the EPB with disassembled brakes can cause significant damage.
• Battery Charger: Connect a battery charger as specified in your vehicle’s repair manual to maintain a stable voltage during the process.
• Initial Cycle: Cycle the parking brake ON and then OFF using the vehicle’s switch before connecting to VCDS.

VCDS Procedure:

1. Access Parking Brake Module: Connect your VCDS interface and select [53 – Parking Brake].
2. Enter Basic Settings: Navigate to [Basic Settings – 04].
3. Activate Service Mode: Choose “Start lining change mode” and click [Go!]. This command instructs the EPB actuators to retract, allowing for pad replacement.
4. Confirmation: Wait for the “Finished Correctly” message to appear on the VCDS screen. Then, click [Stop] followed by [Done, Go Back] and [Close Controller, Go Back – 06].
5. Manual Piston Reset: Turn the ignition off, but keep the battery charger connected. Important: The EPB pistons will not automatically retract fully. Use a suitable brake caliper piston tool to push the pistons back into the calipers.
6. Flashing Parking Brake Light: Expect the parking brake warning light to flash. This is normal and indicates the EPB is in service mode. Do not operate the EPB switch or attempt to close the system until the rear brakes are fully reassembled.

Engaging the EPB after Brake Pad Replacement

Prerequisites:

• Complete Reassembly: Confirm all rear brake components are correctly installed and torqued to specification.
• Battery Charger: Maintain the battery charger connection throughout this process.

VCDS Procedure:

1. Access Parking Brake Module: Connect VCDS and select [53 – Parking Brake].
2. Enter Basic Settings: Navigate to [Basic Settings – 04].
3. Deactivate Service Mode: Select “End lining change mode” and click [Go!]. This will instruct the EPB to close and engage the brake pads.
4. Confirmation: Wait for “Not Running” or “Finished Correctly” to appear in VCDS. Click [Stop], [Done, Go Back], and [Close Controller, Go Back – 06].
5. Final Cycle: Press and hold the brake pedal while cycling the parking brake ON and then OFF using the vehicle’s switch.
6. Fault Code Check: Before test driving, perform a fault code scan with VCDS to ensure no errors were generated during the process.

Following these instructions precisely will ensure a safe and successful rear brake pad replacement using VCDS to control the electronic parking brake. Always consult your vehicle’s repair manual for specific torque specifications and safety procedures. Ignoring these steps can result in EPB malfunction and potential brake failure.