Are you sure that's what you meant to say? 'Cuz if so, then I must disagree. Given a choice between a working engine and properly shifted transmission slowing down my drive wheels vs. a manually operated (not solenoid operated, like on many new cars) e-brake, I'll take the e-brake.

A solenoid operated e-brake (either ON or OFF) isn't really an e-brake. It's a parking brake.

Agreed on the electronics of a modern transmission "protecting" the drive train. If the TCM thinks the car will over rev by shifting into the requested gear, it ain't gonna do it.

 

I did use ebrake once at over 40 mph and could not tell it did anything. Downshifting sure gave good slow down.
Each experience is different, but using really good ebrake at high speeds might end in locking both rear wheels and that is not going to be pretty.
I made it my life policy to test each vehicle with no power.
Take it to empty parking lot, switch to neutral at 20 mph, (higher on 2nd try) switch engine off and try to maneuver it.
It is very doable, but first impression is scary.
Simulating SBC going to emergency mode is a bit harder to figure out and I am still working on it.

 

I wonder if disconnecting the SBC pedal value sensor on the brake pedal hydraulic unit would be enough to trigger the emergency mode...

Back in the day, a manual E-brake lever (worked the rear wheels) on a front wheel drive 5 speedToyota was GANGS of fun on ice covered roads. Yes, yes it was.

I like your "life policy". Makes good sense to know how the car will react to bad situations well before you find yourself unwillingly in a bad situation.

 

The E brake has to be properly adjusted as well. My BMW has 2 adjustments. One at the base of the brake handle and on the wheel.

 

I used to drive a Toyota MR2. The mid engine design combined with the 5 speed was a great combo for spin outs on icy roads and gravel roads. So much fun.

 

Have you tried SBC unit connector plug disconnected? I remember someone said trying that...

 

No. My understanding is that pulling the plug will also disable emergency solenoids, meaning disconnecting back up as well.
On the other hand, the plug was subject to recall as was giving originally big headaches, so I am not touching it till I am sure this is what I need.

 

If I recall right, emergency solenoids are energized during normal operation (makes sense if total blackout system is emergency mode)... I am sure I have SBC document saved somewhere but watching sport right now

 

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Was it $985 total including the $675 SBC part?

 

I DRIVE A 2006 MERCEDES E350 4MATIC AND JUST EXPERIENCED A CATASTROPHIC BRAKE FAILURE WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE FREEWAY. BRAKES WORKING FINE ALL DAY AND THEN WITH NO WARNING MESSAGES OR NOTICEABLE CHANGES IN CAR THE BRAKES FAILED WHEN I APPLIED THE PEDAL. TRUCKS IN FRONT OF ME, CARS BEHIND, ROAD CONSTRUCTION ON THE RIGHT, CLIFF ON THE LEFT, GOING 65 MPH, THEN NO BRAKES WHEN NEEDED TO AVOID SLOWING TRUCK IN FRONT OF ME. LUCKY ME TO SLIP INTO NEXT LANE, MISS THE TRUCKS AND WENT ANOTHER MILE BEFORE FINDING A PLACE TO PULL OVER. WAS ABLE TO COAST TO SLOW SPEED THEN BY PUMPING BRAKE PEDAL GOT MINIMAL BRAKING UNTIL SLOWED TO A STOP. AFTER THE BRAKES FAILED A "STOP NOW" BRAKE SYSTEM WARNING LIGHT APPEARED IN SPEEDOMETER DISPLAY. YOU MOTHER WAS LUCKY NOT TO GET KILLED.

 

I was driving dawn the hiway and my brake whent out and I all most rear-ended the car in front of me wat if i dide

 

If you dide you'd be doing the world a favor. Please don't breed.