Smart Fortwo Electronic Handbrake Failure Fix Guide

I dealt with a very similar electronic brake issue on my Smart ForFour 2019 gasoline model last year. With some experience working on basic car maintenance, I knew this needed professional diagnostics. The brake diagnostics revealed a faulty electric motor in the brake caliper, which was causing the electronic brake system failure. The warning light appeared exactly as you described, and the handbrake stopped engaging properly. The repair involved: Full brake system diagnostic scan, Replacement of the electronic brake motor unit, Calibration of the new brake components, Testing of the entire brake system Total cost was 505€ including parts and labor. The repair took about 3 hours to complete. Before proceeding with repairs, could you share: Current mileage on your vehicle, Whether you hear any unusual sounds when engaging the brake, If the brake warning light is constant or intermittent, Any other electrical issues youve noticed These details would help determine if youre facing the same brake sensor and motor issues I experienced. Electronic brake failures often stem from either the motor unit or brake switch malfunction, but proper diagnosis is essential.

Thanks for providing those details. Had my last service done at 149908 KM where they actually checked the brake system but found no issues at that time. When engaging the brake, there is a clicking sound followed by a complete system glitch where the parking brake fails to engage. The brake fault warning stays constantly lit, unlike some intermittent issues others have reported. The only other electrical problem Ive noticed is that the brake sensor indicator sometimes flashes before the complete failure occurs. Based on your experience with similar symptoms and repair costs, I think Ill need to get it checked professionally. Your input about the electronic brake motor being the likely culprit is really helpful for my situation.

Since you described the same symptoms I experienced, especially that clicking sound followed by complete system failure, it definitely points to the same electronic brake motor issue I had. The constant warning light, rather than intermittent, matches my experience exactly. The flashing brake sensor indicator before complete failure is textbook for a failing electronic brake motor unit. That gradual deterioration pattern is how mine failed too. Good that you caught it relatively early, as ignoring these parking brake system glitches can lead to more expensive repairs. Just to follow up on costs, I paid 505€, but prices for parts have increased slightly since my repair last year. Given your mileage is a bit higher than mine was, they might recommend servicing other brake components while the system is apart. The repair resolved all the brake fault warnings and restored full electronic handbrake function. The brake diagnostics process was thorough and caught a slightly worn brake switch that could have caused problems later, so they replaced that preventively too. For peace of mind, make sure they perform a complete calibration after replacing any components. Mine needed several test cycles to properly reset all the brake system parameters.

Thanks everyone for the detailed responses. I went ahead and had the car checked today. Just as predicted, my electronic brake motor was failing and causing all these issues. The diagnostic scan confirmed what you mentioned about the brake fault pattern. The total repair ended up costing 590€, slightly more than expected due to a worn brake switch they found during inspection. But considering the thorough brake diagnostics and complete system calibration they performed, the cost seems reasonable. The clicking noise is gone and the brake control system is working perfectly now. Really appreciate the guidance on what to expect, especially about the motor unit being the common failure point in these electronic brake systems. Having this information helped me make an informed decision about the repairs needed to restore proper vehicle safety function. The shop confirmed that catching it early before complete failure likely prevented additional damage to the brake system. The entire repair process took about 4 hours, just slightly longer than mentioned due to the extra brake switch replacement. But now everything is working as it should with no more warning lights or system glitches.