[davefs]

onc a week the electric handbrake does not disengage for half a dozen tries, then it releases. this is usually when sat at traffic lifgtys.
would replacing the switch put this right & if so how much of a job is it?

regards

dave

 

[mjshort79]

HI Dave

. I think e.p.b is a real pain when it goes wrong. I have had a few problems with it. I had the same problem that when I pressed the button the handbrake would not come off. I have had to havethe following replaced on my car and it now works fine ( TOUCH WOOD ).I have had to have wiring repaired , a new module , and somethink whitch I am sure was called an actuater. I have also had 3 software updates. I think with the E.P.B it is wise to either take it to a ford dealer or a ford specialist as every garage I have being to concerning this will not touch my car.

 

[Richard G]

The actuator is probably what converts the electrical impulse into the mechanical force to hold the brake on which could very well be what is sticking

I don't know where it actually is on the vehicle but if it's anywhere under the back end that you can see a dose of WD40 may not go amiss just in case it's getting grubby and not moving

 

[mjshort79]

I have had to change my driving style now I have epb. I dont put it on unless I really have to. I when at traffic lights if the ground is flat I leave it off and take the car out of gear and just sit there. I when going in a multi story car park leave a massive gap to the carin front soI dont get stuck of the ramp going up. If I am waiting for the wife at the shopsI leave it off as if you turn the car off butdont take the key out it wont come on. I have just told myself the less I use it the less likely it is to break.

 

[lazyb]

yep i`m the same just dont use it until i stop the engine and park. The actual actuator is in a sealed box bolted to the bottom of the spare wheel trough right in the path of all the crap not even a cover for it. I was thinking of wrapping a piece of rubber around mine to keep the worst of the salt off it this winter

 

[Richard G]

Wrapping anything round it might cause temperature problems given that it will probab;y get hot in operation

It might be better to try to see if there is anyway of having something like mud flaps between the moving parts and both rear wheels which would probably be where the muck would come from I don't know what mounting bolys there are round there

 

[MetalMicky08]

I`m so glad I have a proper handbrake.This new type may look & sound impressive,but it does seem to be more trouble than it`s worth.It is just as bad on th S-Max & Galaxy too.

 

[lazyb]

Hi again had a quick look under the car and its just a box electric wires in and cables comes out no working parts exposed or anything, hope mine dont go bang wouldnt fancy taking it apart. However what happens when cables stretch is beyond me cant see any scope for adjustment must be inside the thing