HELP! How to release Handbrake. No ignition, no power.

[pompeius]

Hey guys,

I drive a Audi A4 b8. Just over three weeks ago I tried to start car and got the following error : Do not drive vehicle, steering defective. There is no power, no ignition.
Since then it has been at the only Audi Dealer here in Trinidad and no one seems to know how to fix the problem. I would like to move the car from the dealer to my home where a Technician will come to look at the vehicle, however I cannot release the handbrake normally.

Is there any manual release of the electromechanical parking brake?

Any feedback will greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

[jbooser]

I've been wondering the same thing. There has to be some kind of manual override. I'll see what I can find if somebody doesn't respond before me.

[pompeius]

I've been wondering the same thing. There has to be some kind of manual override. I'll see what I can find if somebody doesn't respond before me.

Thank bro!

[jbooser]

These are the procedures that are performed for the A6. I can't see the A4 being any different.

1. Open the trunk and on the right hand side, their should be a side pocket with a cargo net attached to it. You need to open the side pocket. The side pocket opens from the top and it's hinged at the bottom.
2. When you open, you'll see a cluster of fuses and in front of the fuses, there's 2 modules; a smaller one on top and a larger one on the bottom.
3. You need to disconnect the bottom one, which you'll see a cluster of wires going to it. These wires are bundled into a single, large plug that's connected to the module.

Hopefully, this will override the parking brake and you'll be able to disengage it.

I've included a link to what the parking brake module looks like for the A4.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/AUDI-A4-A5-Q5-RS5-PARKING-BRAKE-MODULE-8K0907801D-/110912852652

[pompeius]

These are the procedures that are performed for the A6. I can't see the A4 being any different.

1. Open the trunk and on the right hand side, their should be a side pocket with a cargo net attached to it. You need to open the side pocket. The side pocket opens from the top and it's hinged at the bottom.
2. When you open, you'll see a cluster of fuses and in front of the fuses, there's 2 modules; a smaller one on top and a larger one on the bottom.
3. You need to disconnect the bottom one, which you'll see a cluster of wires going to it. These wires are bundled into a single, large plug that's connected to the module.

Hopefully, this will override the parking brake and you'll be able to disengage it.

I've included a link to what the parking brake module looks like for the A4.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/AUDI-A4-A5-Q5-RS5-PARKING-BRAKE-MODULE-8K0907801D-/110912852652

Im gonna try this shortly. Will let you know how it goes...

[jbooser]

Just hope it works. The link I've included with the picture is how it's situated when you're looking at it, so I don't think you're going to be able to unplug it without pulling the module out so you can twist it around because it's very tight between the plug and the body panel.
Im gonna try this shortly. Will let you know how it goes...

[Calbee]

your audi dealership doesnt know how to fix your car?

[rippin'av]

Would this be some sort of security lock out or something? Seems very odd. These cars are built pretty well and have all sort of security settings. It does sound like its immobilized some how. Was the car involved in an accident or is there signs of somebody trying to mess with it (steal it)??

[C6Q]

Not sure if removing the electromechanical parking brake module will help. That actually controls the two servo motors at the rear wheels. The servos need to function to retract the calipers.

If the car doesn't start, I would try to hook up a battery booster and try the brake again. You need to hook it up at the connectors in the engine compartment and NOT to the battery. The slightest drop in battery voltage will make the parking brake fail (especially if engine is not running). If nothing works, report back - there is another (tried and tested) solution...

[pompeius]

Just hope it works. The link I've included with the picture is how it's situated when you're looking at it, so I don't think you're going to be able to unplug it without pulling the module out so you can twist it around because it's very tight between the plug and the body panel.

Well i didn't get to try this. However, I consulted a private Audi Technician, who apparently has a good relationship with the Service Manager at the dealer. While there, he called him(Manager) and asked to inquire on my vehicle. One hour later, I got a call from the dealer saying the EPB was down and ready to move. for

I am thankful for the speedy replies and feedback from you guys. It was disappointing, yet comforting that I got assistance from members who reside outside my country and don't know me.
And here I get a lot of BS and "run arounds".

Now I need the Tech to fix the Steering Column Lock Module fault.

Will keep u all posted.

[pompeius]

Im gonna try this shortly. Will let you know how it goes...

FYI guys, this actually Worked!
The Technician who released the EPB said he used this method.

[bwoy1981]

Its good to see there are mechanics in T&T that know what they are doing. Is your car a B8 or a B8.5? Im from Barataria and i go home about three times a year. I know home you guys get the E-Codes and other euro parts. Im always looking for parts when im there so now i have a 2013 ill start looking for this one... Lol

[jaylyon]

FYI - I tried this on a 2008 A6 Avant and it did not work. I disconnected each of the connectors one by one, including the one to what was described above as the EPB module, and nothing happened. I called my dealer and said there is no manual release on that car. $250 worth of towing later the car has been extracted from our garage and is at the dealership.