back brakes on x7

[KennyW]

Well, did as suggested ignition on press footbrake, release handbrake heard a noise switched off ignition but I waited about 15 mins and raised one side and rear wheel would not turn, Checked N/S/R and same.

Did I wait too long or did not release correctly ?

Kenny

[Paul-R]

You shouldn't need to wait any time at all. The release should be immediate and you get a warning message that the parking brake isn't on. I think you get warning noises as well if you then take the key out.

Just confirming - the ignition was on but the engine wasn't running? And you also kept your foot on the brake while you turned the key to off?

Was the noise you heard like a short whirring sound? This is normally the parking brake releasing itself.

CONFESSION

It's not the easiest thing in the world to do right. I took my wife's car to a drive-in car wash (first time for me ever would you believe) a couple of weeks ago and I couldn't get the brake to release so that the car could be pulled through. I ended up going through with the engine running just to be sure that the parking brake was off. It wasn't until I read this thread properly that, for the first time, I was able to get the brake to release. This works on both the C5 and the 308.

[GiveMeABreak]

It sounds like it did the normal thing and engaged itself when you switch the engine off Kenny. As said you should get the warning on the dash and some alarm, then you know it is in the release state. This is another reason why they suggest you turn it off via Lexia, to stop it activating just in case.

[KennyW]

Thanks Paul, I didn't keep my foot on the pedal when I switched the ignition off. I must admit I didn't see the hand brake released message also but I did hear the whirring sound.

Thanks for your reply as well Marc.

I must admit that's why I got the lexia. I'm going to speak a IT specialist who lives nearby to try and improve the old laptop I have for the Lexia. It was bought for this purpose only. The good thing it is xp pro sp3.

Kenny

PS I'm now determined to get it done

[Paul-R]

I've checked on the 308 this evening when I came home. When I stopped the engine you can hear the noise as the brake comes on. To disengage the handbrake I did the following:

• Insert the key and turn the ignition to on (do not start the engine).
  Press the brake pedal and push the parking brake switch down to disengage the parking brake. You can hear the mechanism whir.
  Switch the ignition off.

And that's it. I can confirm that it doesn't matter whether you keep the brake pedal pressed down or not when you switch the ignition off - which is not what I originally thought. I tried it both ways and it worked regardless.

Try it again and listen out for the mechanism operating, especially when disengaging the parking brake.

[KennyW]

Thanks Paul,

Will check tomorrow

[KennyW]

Well back brakes sorted. The rear brake calipers are the same as the ford focus so I new what to do. All done in hour and a bit.

[Paul-R]

Did you get them to unlock using the technique or a Lexia?

[KennyW]

As per handback and described by your good self Paul, I'm getting my old laptop looked at and possibly upgrade with extras, so Diagbox works well.

Kenny