Bergwanderer
Seeking Advice on Troubleshooting 2018 VW Atlas Electric Handbrake Malfunction
Summary of the thread
The 2018 VW Atlas is experiencing an electric handbrake malfunction. A similar issue in a 2016 VW Tiguan was caused by a defective electric motor in the brake caliper, suggesting this could be a potential cause. Other possible causes include wiring issues, corroded connectors, or a cranky electronic parking brake control unit, especially after a recent battery replacement. The recommended solution is to have the brake caliper and related components checked at a local workshop.
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4 comment(s)
Bergwanderer (community.author)
Hey, thanks for the response! Seems like this is a common issue with VW then. My car is clocking in at 58417 KM at the moment. The last service was done a couple of months back, and no specific work was done on the handbrake. I'll follow your advice and have the brake caliper checked out at my local workshop. Hope it doesn't cost an arm and a leg. Appreciate the help!
Tobbbyyy
No worries! You know what they say, "The joys of owning a vehicle..." Your mileage seems fine, it's strange that the issue popped up if no recent work was done on the handbrake. Still, you're on the right track. Checking the brake caliper is a good start. It might be that electric motor I mentioned earlier, or it could be something minor like a wiring issue, corroded connector, burned out fuse...that sort of stuff. Besides, I'd say give the electronic parking break control unit a look too. Sometimes the system gets a bit... cranky, especially if the battery's been replaced or disconnected recently. But yeah, fingers crossed it won't cost you much. Keep us updated when you get it checked out! Cheers for now!
Bergwanderer (community.author)
Hey! I can't thank you enough for the super helpful advice! Nobody wants a cranky electronic parking brake control unit, eh? Recent battery replacement - check, I actually did that a few weeks ago. Looks like a good starting point. I'll head over to the workshop and see what I can unearth. Hopefully, it turns out to be something minor. Will definitely keep you posted about the exact issue and costs. You've been a legend, thanks again! Catch ya!
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VW
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ATLAS
Tobbbyyy
Hey! I faced a similar snag with my 2016 VW Tiguan, the kid of your Atlas. I'm no mechanic, just a dude with a decent amount of car knowledge. Anyway, took it to my local workshop and the culprit was a defective electric motor in the brake caliper. Had to cough up a good 505 Euro to get it fixed. It's always a great idea to get your vehicle checked thoroughly! Need your car's mileage and any recent work done on it. Could help pinpoint the problem. Hope this helps!