Vehicle Applications:

2004 A8 Quattro 4.2
2005-’06 A6 Quattro 4.2
2005-’07 A6 Quattro 3.2
2005 A8 Quattro 4.2 and 6.0
2006 Passat 3.6
2006-’07 Passat 2.0
2009 Q5 3.2

Customer Concern: When replacing the rear brake pads, the technician cannot get the calipers to retract.

Tests/Procedures:

1. With a factory-compatible scan tool, read and erase any stored fault codes.
2. To retract calipers:
   – Enter address word “53 – Parking brake.”
   – Enter function “04 – Basic setting.”
   – Request display group 007.
3. The caliper motors should now retract. If they do not, but the motor runs, the calipers will have to be manually pushed back in.
4. Replace the brake pads.
5. To extend the calipers:
   – Enter address word “53 – Parking brake.”
   – Enter function “04 – Basic setting.”
   – Request display group 006.
   – The calipers will now extend.
6. Cycle the parking brake switch on and then off.
7. To perform parking brake basic setting:
   – Enter address word “53 – Parking brake.”
   – Enter function “04 – Basic setting.”
   – Request display group 010.

This performs a function test of the parking brake system. The calipers should open and close three times. Wait 30 seconds after this is done.

– Enter function “06 – Stop communication.”

Note: It is normal for the parking brake LED in the instrument cluster to blink rapidly or be on solid while performing this procedure. This should stop after cycling the parking brake on, then off again.

Courtesy of Identifix.