Hi, new on here with a few questions

[Johnbull]

Hi, as a reasonably new c4 Picasso owner I need a bit of guidance , I have an issue with the electric park brake giving loads of faults , but firstly I would like to ask, when park brake is applied there is an abnormal noise seeming to come from the actuator , would this possibly be the cables causing this. I think this needs sorted first as it's been doing this for a while. Thanks in advance, ps I'm interested in guidance on what soft ware to purchase for ease of use and reasonable cost

[RichardW]

Hi John, welcome along! Can you confirm if we are talking a Mk1 C4 Pic (up to 2013/4) or a MK 2 - very different handbrake systems!

You need Diagbox really, Easydiagnostics generally accepted as good kit with back up, and there's a discount for forum members.

[Johnbull]

Thanks for the reply it's a 2008 exclusive semi automatic

[Hell Razor5543]

I agree with Richard re Easy Diagnostics. They do provide a 'full chipset' Lexia clone (and the software) that can handle almost every PSA vehicle. You will need a suitable laptop computer, but they can also help there. The price will not be the cheapest available, but you can be certain it will work (and if you were to use it a lot it will save you money, as you will not need to pay a dealership each time you run a diagnostics).

[Johnbull]

Hi, think the laptop I have might be ok it's a lenova v14-11L 11th gen. Intel core i7 processor on windows 11. Would that be ok. How much is it and where from thanks

[Hell Razor5543]

I cannot say whether that laptop would work. I know that the kit I have (which is a REV B unit) is working on a netbook running Windows 7 Starter. When I got the Lexia it was (at that time) recommended not to upgrade Windows.

Here is a link to the Easy Diagnostics website. Be aware that they sell out their Lexia equipment regularly, which should say a lot about the quality of their equipment;

https://www.easydiagnostics.co.uk/

[Johnbull]

Thanks il check it out

[Hell Razor5543]

If you go elsewhere please make sure the equipment can handle all of the PSA range of vehicles. Some of the 'cheaper' Lexia clones have a reduced opto-coupler set, which means that it cannot handle some of the more recent PSA vehicles.

[Johnbull]

Thanks for that think il try your recommendation

[Johnbull]

I have emailed easy diagnostics to see what they say, thanks

[GiveMeABreak]

There is a procedure for member discount - if you go direct you won't receive it on any purchase....

Procedure here:

viewtopic.php?t=60112

[Johnbull]

Thanks but too late I've just purchased from them, they have discount on at the minute, I just want to get this sorted. Probably gonna need plenty of help.

[Johnbull]

Hi, guys got the diagnostics from your suggested source and fitted new cables that really needed changing new rear pads, ran into a couple of problems with the diagnostics, but just me being stupid, eventually got my way round it sort of, I've done the cable tention, calibration and that seems ok now the handbrake will operate if I hold it on but wont stay on , also I'm getting a communication error between handbrake and gearbox, abs, ESR fault on dash have checked the wiring at wheels but seems ok, any ideas would be much appreciated

[Johnbull]

No ideas ?

[RichardW]

You'll need to re-scan it, and see what faults are coming up, to understand what it's upset about now. You've got the gear, might as well exploit it!!