S Type Handbrake - 'Won't release'
Discussion
Hi
Had the problem a little while, pull the 2 x plugs from the unit, put them back in, apply foot and handbrake, and the problem goes away for a while.
Have read on a few forums that its probably not a fault of the handbrake, but a battery problem. To remove this issue, I have installed a new battery, but still, probably once a week, the problem comes back.
When you go to start the car, you almost know from the reduced speed of the engine turn over, that the handbrake alarm is going to appear.
So, I am assuming that I have another electrical problem, in that something pulls the battery voltage down when you turn the ignition key on (I have even got into the habit of turning the ignition key, putting my seat belt on, and then starting the engine to let what ever it might be draining the voltage finish its stuff)
In addition, this has happened twice in the same car park after a 3 hour drive. I have never failed to start the car, so I believe that it is charging correctly
Also, I feel it happens more after re-starting the car say 10 min after a run, more so than when it has been stood overnight for a few hours.
Any help is appreciated.
Had the problem a little while, pull the 2 x plugs from the unit, put them back in, apply foot and handbrake, and the problem goes away for a while.
Have read on a few forums that its probably not a fault of the handbrake, but a battery problem. To remove this issue, I have installed a new battery, but still, probably once a week, the problem comes back.
When you go to start the car, you almost know from the reduced speed of the engine turn over, that the handbrake alarm is going to appear.
So, I am assuming that I have another electrical problem, in that something pulls the battery voltage down when you turn the ignition key on (I have even got into the habit of turning the ignition key, putting my seat belt on, and then starting the engine to let what ever it might be draining the voltage finish its stuff)
In addition, this has happened twice in the same car park after a 3 hour drive. I have never failed to start the car, so I believe that it is charging correctly
Also, I feel it happens more after re-starting the car say 10 min after a run, more so than when it has been stood overnight for a few hours.
Any help is appreciated.
Very difficult to say. Ideally you need a good electrician with current clap to measure leak off ( check see what's draining ).
Check boot spare wheel well for water ingress would be one thing to look at.
Current drains can sometimes be very difficult to trace as ideally you need to leave to car unlocked, doors open and latched then pull each fuse to see what's causing the drain.
If you are a competent DIY mechanic and have a decent garage or safe place if might be worth having a look. Snap on current clamp/ multi meter about £75.
Let us know.
Check boot spare wheel well for water ingress would be one thing to look at.
Current drains can sometimes be very difficult to trace as ideally you need to leave to car unlocked, doors open and latched then pull each fuse to see what's causing the drain.
If you are a competent DIY mechanic and have a decent garage or safe place if might be worth having a look. Snap on current clamp/ multi meter about £75.
Let us know.
You can try removing and cleaning (with abrasive paper) the battery connections, and the earth strap from the battery to the body.
Also the battery power post and engine to body earth under the bonnet. Corroision here can cause enough resistant to slow the starter and reduce how much charge the alternator can put back in the battery.
10 mins with heated screen, seats, blower, Head lights etc can be taking more out than the alternator is putting in.
ETA.....
It would also help to know what fault code is generated by the module when you get the alarm. It might not have anything to do with the battery at all. My dad's S type has a sticking cable causing an intermitant warning. Fault code is somthing like "Motor current level / position conflict – release" C1801 or C1803 I think
Means it senses the motor is no longer pulling the cable, but it hasnt traveled enough to be a legit release
Also the battery power post and engine to body earth under the bonnet. Corroision here can cause enough resistant to slow the starter and reduce how much charge the alternator can put back in the battery.
10 mins with heated screen, seats, blower, Head lights etc can be taking more out than the alternator is putting in.
ETA.....
It would also help to know what fault code is generated by the module when you get the alarm. It might not have anything to do with the battery at all. My dad's S type has a sticking cable causing an intermitant warning. Fault code is somthing like "Motor current level / position conflict – release" C1801 or C1803 I think
Means it senses the motor is no longer pulling the cable, but it hasnt traveled enough to be a legit release
Edited by Tame Technician on Tuesday 10th February 23:13
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