A faulty handbrake module or Parking Brake mechanism may fail to trigger Mercedes-Benz Parking Brake Inoperative. See the Owner’s Manual Warning on the dashboard. Show In most cases, Mercedes-Benz Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) See Owner’s Manual comes on because the parking brake actuator at one of the rear wheels is sticking. Mercedes-Benz Parking Brake Inoperative – See Operator’s Manual comes on during heavy rain or driving through water puddles or mud. Parking brake inoperative messages may appear after a car wash. Mercedes-Benz parking brake warnings may also appear when the vehicle is in motion and the driver’s door is opened. The parking brake may automatically apply and then release. Symptoms
Temporary FixPull over and set the transmission in Park. Please turn off the ignition, then turn it back on. Pull the parking brake switch and keep it for 10 seconds, then release. Start the engine, and the light, in most cases, will turn off. Here is a list of common problems that cause the Parking Brake See Owner’s Manual warning to stay on. The Mercedes-Benz parking brake warning comes on when one of the rear electronic brake actuators sticks due to corrosion. Removing both rear wheels and lubricating the parking brake using lithium-based spray penetrating lubricant will, in most cases, fix the problem. Common CausesThe parking brake inoperative problem is common on Mercedes-Benz models with electronic parking brakes, such as the S-Class, GL-Class, and most 2015 or newer models. The problem can also be the motor inside the electronic parking brake (behind the rear brake caliper) which can also break and trigger the Parking Brake. See Owner’s Manual. Electric parking brake module /actuatorIf you have applied the parking brakes a few times, you should be familiar with the sound of parking brakes being applied. If you don’t hear the parking brakes engage when you press the Park button, the electronic parking brake module or actuator/motor. Another symptom of a faulty parking brake motor is a loud, screeching noise when you try to apply or release the brake. For example, this is a common problem in S-Class CL-Class, known as W221 and W216, respectively. You can replace the parking brake module or remove your faulty module and send it for repair to any companies that offer this repair service on eBay. ABS ModuleCorrosion or loss of connection at the ABS unit (in the engine bay) can also trigger this problem. If the ABS module is faulty, you will also notice the ABS light, traction control, and brake light (staying on) and the parking brake malfunction. While not a very common problem, this issue needs to be diagnosed with a Mercedes-Benz scanner. Faulty Parking Brake SwitchParking brake switches may stick and not release fully. The parking brake switch is located under the headlight switch on the dashboard. Pay attention to the switch position. It should pull out when released. The switch can trigger an electronic parking brake warning if the switch stays pressed. Make sure it doesn’t stay pressed every time you release the parking brake button. Weak BatteryA weak main battery can also cause the parking brake to be inoperative on a Mercedes-Benz. Most auto parts stores can test your car battery free of charge, or you can perform a battery test yourself using the 12 Volt Battery Test Tool. Less Likely ProblemsOther possible issues that can trigger Parking brakes See Owner’s Manual.
TroubleshootingOne quick test you can perform is to press the Parking button on the dashboard and have a friend listen to the rear wheels. You should hear the electric motor engage. Check both rear wheels. If you do not hear the noise in one of them, you know which one is faulty. The parking actuators can get stuck over time if you rarely use the parking brakes. One possible solution is to use a Mercedes-Benz scanner and manually engage and disable the parking brakes at least fifteen times repetitively. Before replacing any parts, it is important to read the fault codes from the Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) module. If the parking brake malfunction shows on the dashboard, there is an incorrect code in the EPB module. Go to Parking Module (EPB) > Actuations > Activate Parking Brakes. Use a Mercedes-Benz scanner to read fault codes from the EPB module. The principles stored in the EPB module will guide you in the right direction. For example, you will get fault codes such as:
Continue the troubleshooting based on the fault codes showing as CURRENT or PRESENT. Stored codes can be an indication of an intermittent issue. Once you read the fault codes with a Mercedes-Benz scanner, you will have a better idea of what’s wrong with the car and the cause of the Parking Brake being Inoperative. See the Owner’s Manual Warning. With a good scanner, you can check the operation of the parking brake motors and the parking brake switch without removing them. External References
We hope you find the Mercedes-Benz Parking Brake Inoperative See Owner’s Manual Warning guide helpful. Check these troubleshooting and repair guides for more help on your Mercedes-Benz. How do you reset the electronic parking brake on a Mercedes?Here's how to reset it;
Switch the ignition to the ON position and shift the gear lever in PARK. ... Pull and release the EPB button to activate the electric parking brake. Pull and hold the EPB button until you hear a mechanical sound, then release the button.
Why does my Mercedes say parking brake?the parking brake warning light should come on whenever the parking brake is applied or not fully released. but if the brake itself fails to totally disengage, no matter what you do, you'll need to get either the brake or the switch repaired.
How do I reset my parking brake light?The parking brake lever or handle must be completely lowered to disengage the braking system, so the light indicator goes away.
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