Parking brake malfunction

[titanle]

So I got the dreaded yellow light, had to manually release the brakes from the trunk. I tried doing the reset with the brake pedal pushed and then pushing the parking brake button for 5 seconds and then pulling it for 5.

I noticed that when I pushed the button, there was a loud screeching noise coming from the rear of the vehicle.

The light is still there after attempting the reset. I checked the fuse and it wasn’t blown. I tried doing the reset and the second time I heard that loud screeching again when I pushed the button down.

I read that I should check the emf connector but where is it located?

[Nkponder]

Did you try clearing the error codes via OBD II? I've had parking brake malfunctions, but it starts working immediately when I reset through Bummer Geeks Pro Tool.

[Thecastle]

The electronic parking brakes fail all the time on these vehicles. You can replace the whole brake module and cables for around $300 its fairly easy but time consuming diy. The gears inside the actuator fails.

But do the basics, reset codes and check fuses and hope it goes away for a little bit, but this is a very common failure on E70s/.

[pearlpower]

Thinking I swap out the gear as a preventative. I only had one time where it stuck, months back. No issues since.

[titanle]

Originally Posted by Nkponder

Did you try clearing the error codes via OBD II? I've had parking brake malfunctions, but it starts working immediately when I reset through Bummer Geeks Pro Tool.

I don't have any software to check or clear codes. Is there one you would suggest?

[titanle]

Originally Posted by Thecastle

The electronic parking brakes fail all the time on these vehicles. You can replace the whole brake module and cables for around $300 its fairly easy but time consuming diy. The gears inside the actuator fails.

But do the basics, reset codes and check fuses and hope it goes away for a little bit, but this is a very common failure on E70s/.

I checked fuse 129 and 94, they were both okay. I noticed that if I removed fuse 94 the BRAKE light would go away but then my wipers would stay on and the keyfob didn't work. Removing just fuse 129 didn't change anything either.

A local indy shop said they can read and clear the codes for me for a small fee, I will have to go that route most likely.

[Nkponder]

Originally Posted by titanle

I don't have any software to check or clear codes. Is there one you would suggest?

How small of a fee? BimmerGeeks Protool App is free, only have to pay in App for coding and/or diagnostics tools, plus DCAN cable or Bluetooth adapter. Then you'll have an awesome tool that you can register batteries, clear errors, and customize your ride. It's a must for BMW enthusiasts!

[titanle]

Originally Posted by Nkponder

How small of a fee? BimmerGeeks Protool App is free, only have to pay in App for coding and/or diagnostics tools, plus DCAN cable or Bluetooth adapter. Then you'll have an awesome tool that you can register batteries, clear errors, and customize your ride. It's a must for BMW enthusiasts!

$60, so like $45 USD. I have a DCAN cable that came with my ESS tuning software, is that the same thing?

Does the bimmergeeks tool work on PC or just android phones? I ask since the other end of my tuner cable has a usb plug and its not going to fit any phones or tablets.

[Nkponder]

It works on Android devices. You'll need a USB to whatever type connector is on your Android device adapter.

[pearlpower]

Originally Posted by titanle

I don't have any software to check or clear codes. Is there one you would suggest?

I recommend this to every pre-owned BMW owner. Bulletproof easy, no messing around with cables, bluetooth, adapters, compatibility, etc. I have INPA, INSTA, Bimmergeeks, and Bimmercode. None of them compare to a simple plug and play unit for reading and clearing codes.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Autophix-...-OBD/724237126

[titanle]

Originally Posted by pearlpower

I recommend this to every pre-owned BMW owner. Bulletproof easy, no messing around with cables, bluetooth, adapters, compatibility, etc. I have INPA, INSTA, Bimmergeeks, and Bimmercode. None of them compare to a simple plug and play unit for reading and clearing codes.

https://amzn.to/3aSIabK

Thanks!!

[mechatony11]

I apologize for bringing up this old thread. I had a similar issue with my vehicle recently; it turns out that I had a software issue that causes the yellow PARK light illuminates. So, I go to the nearest dealer in my place to update the software. I did a lot of searches on this issue and came across an in-depth article that may be worth reading. Search for "BMW Electronic Parking Brake Malfunction on YOUCANIC" and you will see an article that goes over common causes and possible fixes. You can read about it yourself. I hope this information can assist someone else with a similar issue.

[werdn]

Originally Posted by mechatony11

I apologize for bringing up this old thread. I had a similar issue with my vehicle recently; it turns out that I had a software issue that causes the yellow PARK light illuminates. So, I go to the nearest dealer in my place to update the software. I did a lot of searches on this issue and came across an in-depth article that may be worth reading. Search for "BMW Electronic Parking Brake Malfunction on YOUCANIC" (https://www.youcanic.com/bmw-electro...e-malfunction/ )and you will see an article that goes over common causes and possible fixes. You can read about it yourself. I hope this information can assist someone else with a similar issue.

Thank you, this was a good read (https://www.youcanic.com/bmw-electro...e-malfunction/). Did you replace your unit or gears?

[jbash87]

Gears are not always the issue. I have had mine fail twice and the gears are perfectly fine. The leads for the electric motor inside the module have failed on mine. I was able to reattach the lead with a crap ton of heat and solder. Might be worth opening yours up and seeing what is what.

[rswnekX5]

I had the parking brake lock about a year ago and I couldn't move the car, then I reset it by removing the fuse. The parking brake malfunction light came on this month and I replaced the switch, but it didn't fix the light. I just bought the parking brake module from FPC Euro, and can I replace that unit without replacing the 3 cables? Any advise would be helpful-thanks.

[rswnekX5]

With the new switch installed, I tried the parking brake while driving slowly and it stopped the car.

[rswnekX5]

I am getting the Parking Brake Malfunction light on the dash. The scan showed fault codes 600E and 6011 for it. If I change the parking brake accuator control assembly (part number 34436850289), I believe this will solve the problem as I have already replaced the switch on the console. With this replaced, I read somewhere that the reset for these codes has to be with a BMW scanner-is this correct?

[jbash87]

You should be able to clear the fault on the dash with the reset procedure using the button. The codes which your scanner read probably will not go away w/o BMW software but if the unit is operating properly you shouldn't have any lights on the dash.

Now BMW TIS does state that you have to program the new actuator. You will need BMW software for that.

A lot of people are using protools now. I'd highly suggest a laptop and the bimmergeeks software suite, however, to get you started.

[rswnekX5]

There was a malfunction internally in the parking brake assembly. I bought an after-market one and it solved my problem-thanks for your help.

[cornflakes8]

Originally Posted by rswnekX5

There was a malfunction internally in the parking brake assembly. I bought an after-market one and it solved my problem-thanks for your help.

Did you have to reset anything after installing the aftermarket one? Or pretty much just direct replacement and the fault code went away?