Automatic Parking Brake not releasing when reversing

[sirkitbraker]

I have a new model A3 2.0 TDI SE Sportback first registered end March 2013. Since delivery I have had problems with the automatic parking brake sometimes not releasing when reversing. It works perfectly every time when going forwards. I realise that the doors must be closed and you must have your seat belt on before it will work.

When reversing and the brake does not release I either press the brake button to release it or depress the clutch and try again. When trying again releasing the clutch the brake usually releases on the second or third attempt. I lived with this situation until a few scary occasions when the car was facing down a hill and I had to do a reverse hill start. Pressing the brake button in these cases causes the brake to release immediately and depending on the position of the clutch the car either lurches backwards or rolls forward. In view of this I took the car back to the dealer. After three days of investigation the dealer said they had reported their findings to Audi and that there was a problem with the 2.0 TDI parking brake software of which Audi were aware. They said they would call me back when new software is available. This was nearly 3 months ago since when I have heard nothing. Has anyone else experienced this problem with the new model A3???

 

[snakehips]

Sorry to hear about this issue. I can imagine it is a real pain in certain situations.
Did your dealer happen to mention if this could affect both 2.0 TDI variants?

 

[cuke2u]

I don't think I'd allow the dealership three months before ringing them myself as I would find the wait for a fix unsatisfactory and would consider leaving the car with them and taking a loan car. I'd certainty be on the phone to them at least once a month...

 

[sirkitbraker]

They just said that it was a problem with the 2.0 TDI software. Not sure if other models are affected. If it is a software problem as they say I assume other owners must have the same problem, hence the reason for me posting this thread.

 

[cemerson]

I have occasional issues, but normally just give it a bit more on the accelerator and it comes off.

 

[cuke2u]

Can't say I remember reading about any other...

 

[Anarch]

Surely any problems with the Parking Brake should be taken extremely seriously - what if it gets released while parked and damages another car or injures somebody ?

After 3 months I would go straight to the manager.

 

[cemerson]

Surely any problems with the Parking Brake should be taken extremely seriously - what if it gets released while parked and damages another car or injures somebody ?

After 3 months I would go straight to the manager.

I think you are confusing 'There is a specific problem with the handbrake' with 'There is a problem with the handbrake therefore anything could happen' - one just doesn't follow from the other. If there is an issue with the sensors in that sometimes they don't release the brake soon enough, it doesn't follow that the handbrake is going to suddenly disengage itself on a whim.

 

[Anarch]

I think you are confusing 'There is a specific problem with the handbrake' with 'There is a problem with the handbrake therefore anything could happen' - one just doesn't follow from the other. If there is an issue with the sensors in that sometimes they don't release the brake soon enough, it doesn't follow that the handbrake is going to suddenly disengage itself on a whim.

You are probably right - but if one element / function of the system fails and Audi is unable to fix it in 3 months I just don't have trust in it.

 

[cemerson]

It hasn't failed, it just doesn't have some threshold somewhere tweaked quite right.

 

[Psyman79]

I have a similar issue with my car (1.4TFSI COD) although i never realised it was a problem until i read this as i've never had an elec handbrake before.
I think i might have to phone Audi now and see whats going on.

 

[steeve]

That's interesting, I have the same issue. I was thinking it might be me.....

 

[cemerson]

I only get it very rarely where it's just a bit reluctant to disengage, and have never had it where it won't disengage at all - it always lets go!

 

[sirkitbraker]

Just called the dealer and they said they were still waiting for new software.

 

[Flugel Hound]

I made a mental note to self the other day.
I was reversing into a slot slight down hill. Without Hill Hold one would have just let it free wheel into the space and frequently dab the brake. But doing this with HH means it stops the car dead and one needs to give some revs n clutch to get it moving again (annoying and slightly dodgy in a short space).
My note to self was to disengage parking brake in these situations.

I realise this is not exactly what OP is reporting and that OP issue has been acknowledged by Audi. But could it be what others above are experiencing?

 

[First Ever Audi]

I have a new model A3 2.0 TDI SE Sportback first registered end March 2013. Since delivery I have had problems with the automatic parking brake sometimes not releasing when reversing. It works perfectly every time when going forwards. I realise that the doors must be closed and you must have your seat belt on before it will work.

When reversing and the brake does not release I either press the brake button to release it or depress the clutch and try again. When trying again releasing the clutch the brake usually releases on the second or third attempt. I lived with this situation until a few scary occasions when the car was facing down a hill and I had to do a reverse hill start. Pressing the brake button in these cases causes the brake to release immediately and depending on the position of the clutch the car either lurches backwards or rolls forward. In view of this I took the car back to the dealer. After three days of investigation the dealer said they had reported their findings to Audi and that there was a problem with the 2.0 TDI parking brake software of which Audi were aware. They said they would call me back when new software is available. This was nearly 3 months ago since when I have heard nothing. Has anyone else experienced this problem with the new model A3???

I had similar problems recently, seems the clutch wasn't depressed far enough to release the handbrake....

 

[Anarch]

Have you guys heard back from your dealers regarding the update ?

I've collected the car today and I've already noticed the same issue - will see whether it happens again.

 

[Rexus]

The only problem I had with the brake not releasing on reverse, was when I take my seat belt off to get a better view of where I'm reversing into and the brake then won't release until I press the brake pedal.

 

[yetirider]

I have this issue now and then, never actually worked out if it's me or the car......

 

[veeeight]

On a manual

Clutch needs depressing ALL the way down, before bringing back up to release parking brake.