VW Touran E-Brake Failure: Warning Light Won't Clear

Having experienced a similar electronic brake failure on my 2009 VW Golf 1.4 TSI, I understand the concern. The parking brake warning light and error code often indicate either a defective brake switch or a faulty electronic brake motor in the caliper. In my case, the problem was traced to a seized caliper motor unit. The vehicle safety inspection revealed corrosion had damaged the electronic brake actuator. The repair involved replacing both rear brake calipers since the electronic motors were integrated into the units. This is a known issue that requires specialized diagnostic equipment to properly assess. The parking brake failure symptoms you describe match what I encountered, complete system shutdown with constant warning lights. This is actually a safety feature, as the system defaults to a locked position if it detects potential brake failure. The repair is not a simple DIY job as it requires dealer-level diagnostic tools to reset the parking brake system after component replacement. While serious, it is a fully repairable issue when handled by a qualified technician with the right equipment. Remember to avoid driving with a malfunctioning electronic parking brake, as it compromises overall vehicle safety and could lead to bigger problems if left unaddressed.

Thanks for sharing your experience with the electronic brake failure. Your Golf had very similar symptoms to my Touran. Did you remember roughly how much the repair ended up costing? Also curious if youve had any other brake-related problems since getting it fixed? My local shop quoted quite a high price for the brake diagnostics and potential caliper replacement, so Im trying to get a sense of reasonable costs before proceeding.

Happy to report back on the repair costs and outcome. Got my electronic parking brake fixed last week and the total came to 505€ for replacing the defective electric motor in the brake caliper. The brake diagnostics confirmed it was the same issue you are suspecting, a seized caliper motor unit. Since the repair, the parking brake system has worked flawlessly with no warning lights or error codes. The vehicle safety inspection also showed everything is now functioning as intended. No other brake-related problems have surfaced in the time since. The specialized diagnostic equipment needed for proper brake failure analysis does add to the cost, but its essential for correctly resetting the electronic parking brake system after repairs. While the price may seem high, getting it fixed by qualified technicians with proper tools is crucial for ensuring reliable brake operation. If your quote is similar to what I paid, its likely in the normal range for this type of electronic brake repair. The parking brake is a critical safety component, so its worth investing in a proper fix rather than looking for cheaper alternatives that might not fully resolve the issue.

After reading these helpful responses, I finally got my Touran fixed last week. The mechanic diagnosed a faulty brake sensor and worn actuator in the caliper assembly. Total repair cost came to 480€ including the brake diagnostics, parts, and labor. The system glitch turned out to be exactly what was described, the electronic motor in the caliper had seized up. The repair shop had the right diagnostic equipment to properly reset the parking brake system after replacing the components. Been driving for a few days now and everything works perfectly, no more warning lights or error codes. The electronic parking brake engages smoothly and the vehicle safety features are all functioning normally again. Definitely worth getting it properly fixed by qualified techs despite the cost. Really glad I checked here first since it helped me understand the likely issue and typical repair costs. Saved me from getting overcharged or having incomplete repairs done.