C-Class (W204) 2008 - 2014: C180K, C200K, C230, C280, C300, C350, C200CDI, C220CDI, C320CDI

Unexpected Parking Brake Warning?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rate Thread
 
Old 11-30-2015, 12:14 PM
  #1  
MBWorld Fanatic!
Thread Starter
 
michail71's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2015
Posts: 1,282
Received 55 Likes on 51 Posts
2013 C250 Sport
Unexpected Parking Brake Warning?

Every so often I'll get a warning my parking brakes are on when they are not. It usually happens after backing up from somewhere.

At first I figured it was me being forgetful but I've been paying attention now. If I pull the release it goes away there isn't even a click or release (as it would if had been on).

Has this happened to anyone else?

Also, it's odd that this car does not warn when the brake is on while in reverse.
The following users liked this post:
Claire R. (01-18-2024)
Old 11-30-2015, 02:25 PM
  #2  
Out Of Control!!

 
Plutoe's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Shepardstown, WV
Posts: 14,761
Received 1,052 Likes on 973 Posts
1999 E300TD
Sounds like you have issues with the expansion lock which is apart of the parking brake system---may need a new one!!
Old 11-30-2015, 04:36 PM
  #3  
Junior Member
 
Dynotrick's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2015
Location: Albany NY
Posts: 69
Likes: 0
Received 7 Likes on 6 Posts
2012 C350 Sedan
I used to get this quite often, I concluded that I was accidentally brushing the parking brake pedal when getting into the car. Now that I'm careful not to do this I very rarely see the warning message, and every time I do I realize that I hit the pedal slightly.
Old 11-30-2015, 04:49 PM
  #4  
MBWorld Fanatic!
Thread Starter
 
michail71's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2015
Posts: 1,282
Received 55 Likes on 51 Posts
2013 C250 Sport
Thanks, I guess either one of those is most likely the problem.

I thought it could be me kicking it but that thing must be awfully sensitive, lol. When I hit the release it doesn't even move. But it's enough to clear the warning.

I'm even careful as I don't like to kick the door panels on the way in or out as that gets cars all scuffed up over time.

I have set the brake twice so far and forgot. That can be felt in the car's motion and makes a pop when released.
Old 11-30-2015, 10:57 PM
  #5  
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
ghlkal's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Fredonia, WI
Posts: 1,045
Received 326 Likes on 250 Posts
2012 E550 v8-Biturbo
Originally Posted by michail71
Has this happened to anyone else?
Yes, this has happened to me several times also.

I'm fairly certainly I'm not "brushing" the parking brake either. Like you, when I pull the parking brake handle, there's nothing to indicate it was set, but the light goes off.
The following users liked this post:
Claire R. (01-18-2024)
Old 12-01-2015, 09:24 PM
  #6  
Senior Member
 
stratman1954's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: New Jersey
Posts: 288
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
2012 C300 sport
Originally Posted by Plutoe
Sounds like you have issues with the expansion lock which is apart of the parking brake system---may need a new one!!






I had this also, fixed under warrantee. I could hear a very, very faint "grinding" sound from the rear brakes at slow speed without having foot on brake pedal. Sound went away after repair.

Last edited by stratman1954; 12-01-2015 at 09:26 PM.
Old 12-01-2015, 10:07 PM
  #7  
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
ghlkal's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Fredonia, WI
Posts: 1,045
Received 326 Likes on 250 Posts
2012 E550 v8-Biturbo
Originally Posted by Plutoe
Sounds like you have issues with the expansion lock which is apart of the parking brake system---may need a new one!!
How can I diagnosis if this is an issue or not? (stratman1954 indicates a grinding noise from rear brakes.)
Old 12-02-2015, 08:07 AM
  #8  
MBWorld Fanatic!
Thread Starter
 
michail71's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2015
Posts: 1,282
Received 55 Likes on 51 Posts
2013 C250 Sport
Just about every Mercedes I've seen has what looks like this parking brake pedal design. I'd call it a slight design flaw given how easy it is to gently touch on the way in or out of the car.

I should really get into the habit of using the parking brake all the time anyway. It's my first automatic transmission, so I'm used to having to do it anyway.
Old 12-02-2015, 11:58 AM
  #9  
Member
 
Antique-Ace's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: Central Kentucky
Posts: 143
Received 7 Likes on 5 Posts
2014 CLS550-4M, 2013 C350-4M Coupe
I've experienced this parking brake warning light problem too. Sometimes when I start my car the parking brake warning light is lit even though the parking brake is not engaged.
I took it to the dealership for this problem and I was told there was nothing wrong with the parking brake system. I was told by the MB service rep that this is a "known issue" with several MB models in that the parking brake warning light switch is overly sensitive, and there is no fix for it at this time.
Old 12-02-2015, 03:02 PM
  #10  
Junior Member
 
DuckySaysQuack's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2015
Posts: 54
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
2009 C300 4Matic Sport
I do the same thing with mine. I think the parking brake is very sensitive and it's protruded out and in the way of your foot when you get in to the car. The slightest tap will set the sensor off but technically I dont think the parking brake is actually on.
Old 12-02-2015, 09:21 PM
  #11  
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
ghlkal's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Fredonia, WI
Posts: 1,045
Received 326 Likes on 250 Posts
2012 E550 v8-Biturbo
Originally Posted by Antique-Ace
I was told by the MB service rep that this is a "known issue" with several MB models in that the parking brake warning light switch is overly sensitive, and there is no fix for it at this time.
Originally Posted by DuckySaysQuack
The slightest tap will set the sensor off but technically I dont think the parking brake is actually on.

OK, I'm going to try and tap the parking brake the next few times I get in and out and see if I can set off the warning.
Old 06-21-2022, 12:12 AM
  #12  
Newbie
 
Blancobenzlover's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2022
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
E300
Unexpected braking!

I own 2018 E300 with 23,450 miles. I have had the startling experience twice of driving 22-25mph, and my car suddenly hard breaking, a beep, and seat belt retraction. Each occurrence happened within my development. I Iove the car however, I am very concerned. I will be contacting the dealership in the AM.
Old 06-21-2022, 11:39 PM
  #13  
Super Member
 
cvx5832's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Walnut Creek, CA
Posts: 606
Received 122 Likes on 95 Posts
325Ci, 325Cic, C300
That sounds like something else entirely. Good job seeing the doctor.
Old 10-19-2022, 05:13 PM
  #14  
Newbie
 
TheJungleTroll's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2022
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
C180 w204 facelift
I own a 2013 cEdition c180 facelift.
mine flashes the headlights turns of the servo steering and blinks "release handbrake"

Below freezing(-c°) maximum once a trip, every trip
Above freesing(+c°)Maybe once in half a year

not shure if its because of slippery ground or temprature

The MB workshop tells me they don't see a problem..
Old 04-18-2023, 11:52 AM
  #15  
Newbie
 
bluetracer's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2023
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
2013 GLK 250 Bluetrac
Driving on interstate and warning came on!

Originally Posted by Blancobenzlover
I own 2018 E300 with 23,450 miles. I have had the startling experience twice of driving 22-25mph, and my car suddenly hard breaking, a beep, and seat belt retraction. Each occurrence happened within my development. I Iove the car however, I am very concerned. I will be contacting the dealership in the AM.
Did you ever get resolution?
I was just driving down the interstate going 75 when something started dinging, it was pretty frightening.

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 


You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.

Quick Reply: Unexpected Parking Brake Warning?



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 10:47 AM.