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matthias_ice9

Audi Q3 E-Brake Failure: Control Unit Malfunction Fix

Fault stored

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Electical handbrake is not working

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Warning light in the speedometer of the vehicle

My Audi Q3 (2013, gas, 31827km) has been giving me trouble with its electronic handbrake. The system glitch shows up as a warning light on the dash, and the handbrake wont engage at all. Previous brake diagnostics at my mechanic didnt solve the issue and Im wondering if anyone else experienced similar brake failure symptoms? Looking for suggestions on what could be wrong and tips for getting it properly fixed. The car is storing error codes related to the brake control unit.

4 comment(s)


helmuteagle37

Had a similar electronic brake issue with an Audi A4 (2016, 2.0 TFSI). The brake control unit stored multiple error codes, leading to complete handbrake failure. Vehicle safety was compromised since the electronic parking brake stopped engaging entirely. The root cause turned out to be a defective electric motor in the brake caliper, which required complete replacement along with the control module. This is a known issue affecting several models from that generation. The brake diagnostics revealed the electric motor had seized due to moisture infiltration. The repair involved: Full electronic brake system scan, Removing both rear brake calipers, Installing new electronic brake motors, Replacing the main control module, System recalibration, Final diagnostic check This was classified as a serious safety concern requiring immediate attention. The electronic parking brake is a critical system that prevents vehicle rollaway. When the motor fails, the entire braking mechanism becomes inoperable. Based on your symptoms, particularly the warning light and complete non-engagement, its likely you are facing the same electric motor failure. Recommend having a specialized workshop perform detailed brake diagnostics focusing on the caliper motors and control unit.

matthias_ice9 (Author)

Thanks for sharing those details. Your brake fault symptoms match exactly what I dealt with last year. My electronic brake completely stopped working and triggered constant warning lights. The brake sensor readings also showed multiple errors. The fix definitely worked as I havent had any brake control issues since then. Quick question, do you remember roughly what you paid for the full repair? Just wondering if the costs were similar. Did any other related problems come up after getting it fixed? Good to compare notes on these brake failures since they seem pretty common in our model years.

helmuteagle37

Following up on the repair costs, the electronic parking brake malfunction was completely resolved after paying 505 Euro for replacing the defective electric motor in the brake caliper. The brake diagnostics confirmed it was the exact issue suspected. No additional brake faults or system glitches have occurred in the 8 months since the repair. The fix included a full recalibration of the brake control unit which ensured proper vehicle safety and function. The repair costs were worth it considering the essential role of the electronic parking brake system. Having a specialized workshop handle this type of brake fault is crucial for a lasting solution. No related problems have emerged since the repair. The warning lights cleared immediately and the brake system has performed flawlessly. Regular brake diagnostics during maintenance checks show everything working as designed.

matthias_ice9 (Author)

After receiving some great advice here, I went ahead and had my Q3 checked at a specialized Audi workshop last week. The brake diagnostics confirmed what others suggested, a faulty electric motor in the brake caliper was causing the system glitch. The total repair came to 580 Euro, which included replacing both the motor and brake control unit. The mechanic also performed a complete system recalibration to ensure proper brake function. They showed me the old parts, and the electric motor was clearly damaged from moisture. Since the repair, all warning lights have cleared and the electronic handbrake works perfectly. The vehicle safety systems are all green now, with no more error codes showing up. Really glad to have this brake failure issue resolved properly. The shop mentioned they see this problem quite often in models from that era. For anyone else facing similar brake sensor issues, definitely worth getting it properly diagnosed at a specialist rather than trying quick fixes. The parking brake is too important for vehicle safety to risk an incomplete repair.

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