Peugeot 5008 Won’t Start – Parking Brake Fault, Hard Brake Pedal, Dash in Economy Mode

[Bottes]

Hi everyone, I’m having a serious issue with my Peugeot 5008 (66,700 miles) and would appreciate any advice.

10 days ago, the car wouldn’t start — brake pedal was very hard, and dash didn’t stay on. I suspected the battery, charged it, and it worked. But now the same issue is back.

Symptoms:

• Car won't start.
  Brake pedal is rock hard.
  "Parking brake fault – Have the vehicle repaired" warning on the dash.
  Economy mode active – dash lights up briefly then goes blank.
  Car is stuck in Park, electric handbrake on, steering locked straight.
  Battery reads 12.1V; I fully charged it and even tried jump-starting — no change.

RAC came out today and:

• Confirmed battery is charged.
  Tried resetting economy mode – failed.
  Swapped to new 096 AGM battery – no change.
  Checked all fuses – OK.
  Tried anti-theft reset – no change.
  Dash lights briefly with door open/close, then shuts down.
  Tried spare key – same issue.

Their conclusion: possible issue with the BCM (Body Control Module), immobiliser, or electronic parking brake system. They advised I contact Peugeot for diagnostic and recovery.
Before I get it towed to Peugeot, I’m posting here in case anyone has had a similar issue or found a DIY workaround. Any advice welcome!

Thanks!

[RichardW]

What year is it? Push button start, or old school key?

[Bottes]

Hi Richard.

It's a 2018. Push button start.

[RichardW]

Is this intermittent, do you get no response at all from the screen when you press the button?

[Bottes]

The dashboard turns on for a short moment when I unlock the car with the message "Economy mode activated". But only for a new seconds. Then nothing happens when I press the START button.

[Paul-R]

Where are you putting your key fob when you press the start button?

[Bottes]

Where are you putting your key fob when you press the start button?

I tried to place it next to the steering wheel, where there’s a spot shaped like the fob. Didn't work.

[RichardW]

Often this is a fault with the BPGA unit, but generally these were discontinued by 2018. Can you post a picture of the front of the battery?