electronic handbrake C5 x7

[KennyW]

Once lexia is connected to X7 and recognising the car. Where do I go to disengage the handbrake ?

Kenny

[GiveMeABreak]

Hi Kenny - I think that is called 'Electronic Secondary Brake'. When you've done the global test, check through the ECU list and near the top you should see this one. Hopefully the procedure will be there when you've clicked on this - it should provide some more options.

If doing the rear Pads, here's the link to the procedure in case you haven't already got it:
X7 Rear Brake Pad Replacement

[KennyW]

Thanks Marc, so much more simple with the Xantia !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[GiveMeABreak]

I know, treat that electronic parking brake with kid gloves - about £1000 ex. Fitting to replace Kenny!

[Richard_C]

Can you not disengage without Lexia? If I leave my Picasso in the garage for any length of time I disengage handbrake as per handbook instructions: stop engine, parking brake engages by itself, press ignition but don't turn over engine (so in the Pic that means don't put foot on clutch), foot on brake pedal, press parking brake control, disengages, turn off ignition and then it stays disengaged until you next use it. Only downside is the air raid siren warning you get when you open drivers door with brake disengaged.

I would be surprised if the X7 doesn't have a similar arrangement. Mine had manual handbrake - which now I have experienced both, I much prefer to the electronic one.

Random OT thought - with EPBs turning up on small cars now, what about driving tests? Can you get your pink ticket without having to master a hill start with an old fashioned handbrake?

[GiveMeABreak]

Yes it can be switched off on the X7, but the Lexia method should ensure it is fully deactivated so it cannot accidentally come on in the middle of working on the system. There is also a procedure for tensioning and recalibrating the unit.

[Richard_C]

There is also a procedure for tensioning and recalibrating the unit.

Fair point on "off means off" with Lexia.

I wish there was a system for un-tensioning and recalibrating the driver - I still don't really trust mine in hilly terrain.

[GiveMeABreak]

Very understandable Richard - when I first started using them I kept grabbing at the non-existent handbrake lever - reluctant to take my foot off the brake when on a hill - until you realise you aren't going anywhere until you do! My only reluctance now on using the auto release on acceleration is that I do not want to put any additional wear on the clutch or the DMF - after taking a lot of care to engage gears smoothly to prolong life. Increasing the revs and releasing the clutch always generated a bit of delay and resistance - so I almost completely use the manual application and release now.

[GiveMeABreak]

I should of added that I had the Clutch and DMF replaced at about 45k miles (the car had a towbar when I bought it, that the dealer removed for me), and the clutch replaced again shortly afterwards due to the crank case oil leak that contaminated the new clutch. So she only has about 69k on her now and I don't want to be replacing that DMF again anytime soon!

[KennyW]

Marc,

Had a look with lexia on found handbrake on the ecu menu list but drained battery slightly due to slow computer. Weather not so good so had to delay fixing rear offside caliper problem.

Kenny

[GiveMeABreak]

I had the same problem on my laptop that I bought to dedicate to Lexia Kenny - it was probably the original, so capacity was greatly diminished - I bough a new high capacity one on line and now it last forever!