What to Do When the Electronic Parking Brake Gets Wet?
2 Answers
The electronic parking brake of a Volkswagen Passat may fail or damage electronic components when wet. Immediate action should be taken upon discovering water ingress. First, turn off the circuit, then pry off the plastic cover of the electronic parking brake and auto-hold system. Remove the internal circuit board, dry it with a hair dryer, or replace it if necessary.
After my last car wash, the electronic parking brake got wet, which really worried me. At first, I didn't dare to touch it randomly, so I quickly found a place to park, locked the car to prevent accidental starting. I used a dry towel to wipe around the button, then dried it with a hair dryer for a few minutes—avoid using hot air to prevent damaging the circuits. Water ingress can cause short circuits and burn out fuses, so it's necessary to check the fuse box under the car; if a fuse is blown, try replacing it. However, this isn't a complete solution. The electronic parking brake relies on sensors and circuits, and residual moisture can lead to rust or permanent damage. If it still responds sluggishly after a few days, you must take it to a repair shop. They usually need to disassemble the components, clean them, and check for short circuits, which might cost a few hundred yuan, but don't skimp on this expense for safety's sake. When washing the car, remember to cover the electronic buttons to prevent rain and splashes, avoiding such troubles. I think all car owners should regularly check the body seals to reduce this risk, after all, the braking system is a matter of life and death.
