Renault espace 2004 electronic handbrake

[geordieonline]

Hi All,

Wondered if anyone could advise me if there is a cheap way to fix the automatic electronic handbrake on a Renault espace 2004.

Had ongoing problems with it not releasing one of the rear calipers, been told by the garage to replace the handbrake unit - cost of ?600 (inc lab).

The vehicle must only be worth only around ?1500, so would rather not spend that sort of money.

Have been tempted to purchase used one from ebay, however there's no guarantee that they are fully working.

Any advice would be much appreciated.


Thanks

[Dunker]

If the handbrake is mechanically ok then all you need to do is either swap the relay or swap the PCB inside the unit. There are 3 wires to cut to the motor and the tension sensor just unplugs. The diagnostic usually says the motor is faulty but it rarely is. Usually the little blue relay is faulty.

The relays aren't available anymore (unless someone knows different) so get one from another unit (from any Renault handbrake unit - they are all the same).

Easiest way is to go to the scrappers and strip the handbrake unit there while still on the car - the PCB is small enough and the scrapyard lads ain't got a clue what they are or what they are worth.