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simontaylor1

Audi S3 E-Brake Failure: Warning Light Stays On

Having trouble with my 2013 Audi S3 (1.8L gas, 79843km). The electronic parking brake stopped working completely and throws an error message on the dash. Warning light stays on in the speedometer cluster. Already had a bad experience with my last mechanic visit, so looking for advice from others who dealt with similar electronic brake issues. Has anyone encountered this brake fault and can recommend what to check or fix? Would really appreciate hearing about repair costs and experiences.

4 comment(s)

christianlorenz81

Your electronic brake issue sounds similar to what I experienced with my 2016 Audi A3 2.0T. The parking brake failure typically points to either a faulty brake caliper motor or a system glitch in the control module. When my electronic parking brake failed, brake diagnostics revealed a seized caliper motor on the rear brake assembly. The brake sensor was still functional, but the motor itself had corroded internally. This is actually a known weak point in these electronic brake systems. The repair required replacing the entire brake caliper unit since the electronic motor is integrated into the assembly. While this is a serious repair that requires specialized tools and programming, its not something that affects the main braking system, just the parking brake function. Key checks before repair: Run a proper diagnostic scan, Test voltage at the parking brake module, Inspect wiring harness for damage, Check brake caliper movement manually The electronic parking brake needs to be properly calibrated after repair using manufacturer-specific diagnostic equipment. This isnt a DIY job due to the programming requirements and safety implications of brake system work. Given your mileage, this type of parking brake failure is relatively common on these models. Would recommend having it checked at an Audi specialist who can properly diagnose and repair the electronic brake components.

simontaylor1 (Author)

Thanks for sharing your experience with the electronic brake issue. This matches exactly what happened to my S3 a few months back, complete parking brake failure with warning lights and all. The brake diagnostics revealed it was indeed the caliper motor, just as you described. Did you get it fixed at an Audi dealer or independent shop? Curious about the final repair cost in your case. After my repair, the electronic parking brake has worked flawlessly, but vehicle safety is crucial so I keep monitoring for any warning signs. Has everything stayed working properly since your repair?

christianlorenz81

Great to hear back about your S3s parking brake issue. After taking my A3 to the shop, the electronic parking brake malfunction was completely resolved. The brake fault turned out to be exactly what was suspected, the electric motor in the brake caliper was defective and needed replacement. The total repair came to 505 Euro, which covered both parts and labor. The brake diagnostics confirmed it was just the caliper motor, with no other underlying issues in the parking brake system. Its been working perfectly since the repair, with no warning lights or error messages. Regular brake sensor checks show everything is functioning as intended. Its definitely worth getting these vehicle safety issues addressed promptly, the peace of mind knowing the parking brake system is fully operational is worth the investment. A properly working electronic parking brake is crucial for vehicle safety, so its good to hear yours is also performing well after the fix. Keep an eye on those brake diagnostics during regular service intervals to catch any potential issues early.

simontaylor1 (Author)

Thanks for the input. Wanted to share how my repair experience turned out. Took the car to a certified shop specializing in German vehicles. The brake diagnostics confirmed a faulty caliper motor on the passenger side rear. Total repair cost came to 580 Euro including parts, labor and programming. The shop had to order the specific electronic brake assembly which took 2 days to arrive. They completed the repair and calibration in about 4 hours. The parking brake now engages smoothly with no warning lights or error messages. Been about 3 weeks since the fix and everything works perfectly. The brake control system shows all clear during system checks. Happy I got this sorted properly instead of trying cheap fixes. Vehicle safety isnt something to compromise on, especially with critical systems like brakes. Worth every cent for the peace of mind knowing the parking brake works reliably again.

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