Citroen C4 EPB only engages when0 computer shuts down

[Kaahren]

So, so, so desperate.

6 weeks ago, car wouldn't start. Push button: click-click and nothing. Go for an hour walk. Try again: she starts. Go for a 1.5 hour ?if all is 'cured'.

3 weeks later, electronic park brake will not engage. However ... if you turn off ignition and wait for the computer to shutdown, THEN hit park brake, it DOE engage. So, we guess it's a battery issue. Take it be checked and it's low so we replace it. No fix.

So, we do the magical reset (detach negative, side lights, etc.). No fix. Now, it won't engage when computer shuts down. However: SOMETIMES, if we wait for it to shutdown and then press start and KEEP holding that button down, all the fault lights go off and the park brake engages. The naughty lights come back on a few minutes into driving.

My husband never had anybody to teach him about cars, so all I do is direct and he does and between the two of us ... we try. But, we know nobody here (recently immigrated), so are using basic tools you'd use in the home. We did buy a MotorEasy warranty, but we still have to pay in a big whack of money, because the car is so old (2014) and we just started working so can't even afford that. Hoping for some magical suggestions. Sorry ... I know it's a VERY long shot, but worth a try. Thank you!

[RichardW]

Welcome along

What warning lights are on? It really needs to go on a diagnostic computer to see what it is upset about; the EPB might be a symptom of something else (or it might not...!)

[Hagrid]

Fixing this is going to cost you money however it is done. Maybe you can find another car for a few hundred pounds, to keep you on the road while this one is investigated.

Join a breakdown service such as Start Rescue or AA or RAC, check first that they will come and look at your car if it is already broken, some will if you pay the membership fee. But if the problem is complex, and I think it is, then all they will do is take your car to a garage, then you have to pay the garage to fix your car. If the problem is simple, the breakdown service might be able to repair your car.

Option 2: buy an OBD code reader (search Amazon or eBay for "code reader citroen" - prices are maybe £30+) and use it to read the fault codes stored in your car. Then post those codes with your car's VIN number (in one corner of the windscreen or stamped into a metal plate under the bonnet) onto this forum. Then other people here can maybe offer exact advice. Look at YouTube videos for where to plug the code reader into in your car. But this only tells you whatt is wrong, You still have to get it fixed.

Option 3: find a small independent garage which specialises in Citroen and Peugeot and says that they carry out "diagnostics". This should mean that they have the specialist Citroen diagnostic equipment and can find out what is wrong and hopefully fix it. For a cost of course.

I return to the start of my post - if you can find an old car which runs for maybe £300-500, it might give you the fast solution which none of the others above can do.

[Kaahren]

Thank you so much - the reality check is helpful, and the detailed advice is very much appreciated!

[Kaahren]

Welcome along

What warning lights are on? It really needs to go on a diagnostic computer to see what it is upset about; the EPB might be a symptom of something else (or it might not...!)

Thank you, Richard. I'm going to look into some of the suggestions Hagrid gave and come back here with the information. In the meantime, the SERVICE light is on (left side of screen), but it's also saying a service is due in "x" weeks, so not sure if that's a red herring.

Then it flashes up a sign that says: PARKING BRAKE FAULT. HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED.

The amber "AUTO P OFF" light is also illuminated.

When slowing down to a stop, the green ECO light flashes but won't engage. It is permanently turned off in the settings and won't turn back on (although, this I don't mind!).

[RichardW]

Will the brake engage if you pull the button?

[Kaahren]

Will the brake engage if you pull the button?

It will not. However, if we turn the ignition off and wait for the computer to shut down ... then we can pull the button, and it turns on.

Also, if we start the car, holding the start button down continuously, the warning lights disappear, and we can then turn the brake on using the button. The warning lights come back on a few minutes into the drive.

[GiveMeABreak]

Re some of the advice above - note that the cheaper generic code readers will NOT be able to read the more advanced constructor codes on these vehicles and some of the bespoke systems. For this you really need a Lexia with Diagbox.


If you can get your fault codes, post them up here with your VIN.

[Kaahren]

Oh - good to know! I appreciate the advice and will definitely post those results up here if I can get them. Fingers crossed.

[Donners29]

Hi kaahren I know it's been a while since this post but don't suppose you ended up fixing you EPB I'm having the same issue with mine after rear shock absorbers and springs changed