www.jec.org.uk

My S type is a 4.2 V8 2002 with 47000 miles.
On 3 occassions in the past 2 months the message centre has suddenly shown whilst driving ' Parkbrake Fault ' , with the red brake warning light
flashing. The brake then does not work. Each time I have reset by sitching the engine off and on.
Should I be concerned or is this just likely to be a temporary electrical
hiccup ( and annoyance ! ) .

Mike,

The best thing is to have the car interogated by a garage with an Autologic or similar diagnostic unit. This should itemise a fault code, after which you will be in a better position to know what the best and most cost effective way is of approaching the problem.

The software for the later cars fitted with an electronic handbreak, has had a few problems in the past. Several software re flash updates were made available to get over some problems which for instance caused the rear brakes to drag their pads and overheat.

It is not unknown for computor software to lose its`s memory and need a refresh. Let`s hope this may be all that is required.

Perhaps you could be kind enough to post a reply on this site, telling us all how you eventually solve your problem.

Kind regards,

Mike Kennedy. S-type Forum Co-ordinator

Having checked fault code and confirming parkbrake system is operating ok, main dealer advises, based on the fault code, that a new parkbrake motor is required to avoid fault recurrance. Work still to be carried out. Will this cure the problem ? Will report outcome in due course.

New parkbrake motor duly fitted by main dealer. Fault reoccurred later that day ! Back to dealer who this time suggested battery was low on output and it could be this ( original battery nearly 8 years old ) . Battery replaced and no problem since. Fingers crossed !

Low battery terminal voltage causes all sorts of electrical gremlins.

The ones I know about are cycling door locks, poor window operation, flashing headlights and indicators, erratic alarm operation/horn sounding, and bonkers wipers!

We will add the parking brake to the list of known horrors.

I work on the maxim that a battery is usually reliable for about 5 years given regular use which ensures that a reasonable charging regime occurs. Less if the car has only occasional use. After year five, in my experience battery performance and reliability issues start to occur. The usual first sign of deterioration is slow cranking and a marked reluctance to fire up and start the engine.

Best to regard a battery as a consumable item like brake pads, oil and fuel. None of them last for ever and a battery is no different.

What you describe as the fault and the cure is a classic example of eventual battery degradation. Thanks for letting us all know about the scenario.

Kind regards,

Mike

Is there any ajustment on this system.

Jeff.

I can`t recall anything to adjust on the last motor unit and cable I saw. The callipers are simple ramp and ball and the across car cable, I think just has fork and clevis pin ends. Have to say all this is from my rusty memory bank. Nothing in the good book about it.

Check out to be certain.

Mike

Hi all. reading with interest - as you know Mike I have had the Park Brake Fault with a yellow warning light for the last 12 months. It has refused all attempts to diagnose fault or switch off with all sorts of diagnostics - including the very latest machines apparently - with thne exception of Jag main dealer. Went for its MOT last week - failed because of the warning light. (and also, interestingly, because of two rear light bulbs of the wrong colour!! Interesting because the car has passed at least two previous tests with the same bulbs!!) So bullet bit, changed park brake motor at local garage - still unable to reset - car to Jaguar for reprogramming and at long last the warning light has gone off. Still get occasional ABS fault warning light but it is not consistent so fingers crossed. Cost of MOT with new motor and reprogramming - almost 400 quid. (Out of which only 65 was for labour!!). Am still hopelessly in love with car and seem unable to consider getting a life elsewhere!! Best wishes, Clive Lewis.

Glad to hear you have a result.

These electronic hand brake units certainly cost when they play up. Have to say I`m glad to have a good old manual lever in J44.

I fail to understand the logic or point of an electronic brake. All good stuff until it goes wrong.....which it will eventually. Makes me wonder are we really too lazy just to yank on a hand brake lever from time to time. Must get out in the yard and see if the car is still there! I don`t use the hand brake unless the car is on a hill. On the flat, parking with the transmission in P would seem good enough. I don`t like the idea of rear callipers sticking if the car is left unused for several days. We always used to leave aircraft brakes off in the hanger for similar reasons. Old habits die hard.

As regards other odd flashing warning lights, it is not unknown, particularly in very cold weather for odd ball warnings to appear and then just disappear again. I have it in mind that low voltage and a slight instability of circuitry components contribute to so many gremlins that are features of S-type, X308 and XK models. Later generation cars I hope may be less prone to these irritations but being a cynic, I doubt it.

Mike

Hi again Mike....and Mike....!! I have lived in a few places quite close to the sea and because of the effects of salty air on the handbrake we also always used to leave them off as much as possible to avoid temporary seizing. Like you, the neccessity or desirability of electric handbrakes is not exactly clear to me........in fact I do not like them as a driver and would much prefer to have a good old ratchet handle. However. as my current 4 wheel bride has one.....and divorce is not an option at the moment.....maybe counselling would help improve the relationship. No doubt be in touch again soon.
Clive Lewis.

I tried that twenty one years ago. It didn`t work. Just me and the Jag now. Much easier life.

Current issue is as previously predicted a couple of months ago, J44`s battery has totally failed. Locked out of the car with the exception of the boot via the key facility. Given up the fight for tonight consoling myself that a Wetherspoons curry and a beer seemed the best option. Good value at £8.03 and easier to handle than a 110amp hour battery in the dark. At least I understand a duff battery.

Mike

Hi all.

I to don't understand the reason for this Elec Park Brake especially on the Auto, as it will only work when rear wheels are stationary. It's ok when stoped at traffic lights but any other time you could use Park.But if you were to use it for an emergency you get a message saying (unable to apply park brake) This is as I said before because the rear wheels are moving.

So what intrigues me is how do they test the handbrake on the MOT test on thr Auto. The only way I think might work is by opperating the footbrake at the same time to stop the rollers then apply the park brake (Maybe iv'e answerd my own question here )

Jeff.

Just thinking outside the box here.

Obtuse logic maybe, but perhaps the idea is that it is undesirable to use rear brake application alone for fear of upsetting brake balance and causing the car to skid.

Perhaps rear braking by itself might confuse the DSC system and cause other control difficulties.

I`ll talk to my MOT man shortly and see if I can gain an opinion.

Mike

Park on an automatic is classed as a transmission brake, not a parking brake. Your hand/park brake must operate on the wheels (either front or rear, but usually rear). So, you have to have one and it has to work, I'm afraid.

Regards

Hi again all, Am now (again) occasionally and intermittently experiencing warning lights coming on for ABS fault and DSC not available. Will normally reset itself after switching off for several minutes - although the ABS warning light will stay on for about 100 yards of forward motion when restarting!! Reversing seems to have no effect. Battery checked and OK - does not seem to be weather affected - but now occurs most often when winding it up a bit on country roads. Also have suspicion that mouse has been living between soundproofing felt and bonnet whilst car has been parked in garage for a couple of days. Have tried to explain my concerns to cat - (4 legged furry)- but she does not like being locked under bonnet to wait for small rodent to come home. Hey ho. Clive.