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[Crazycarzowner]

Well, today I went to sort out that bloody Renault Grand Scenic's electronic handbrake! The lady who owns it had been told that it had failed due to the near-side rear wheel brake not working when the switch was pulled. They said that it could not be repaired as one of the cables had frayed and was broken. Renault will not sell just the cables on their own and that it would cost £630 + vat for a new unit + £80 +vat to program the new unit in!!!!!!!!!!

So I got it on the ramps, choc'd the wheels, set the handbrake to off, disconnected the battery and dis-assembled the whole unit from the chassis along with both cables. What was apparent,  was that neither cable had snapped and neither was frayed 

After removing both cables from the unit I stripped the whole thing down and found the cause of the problem - a seized part not allowing the left cable to move. Half a tin of penetrating fluid later and 'Hey Presto' it works  So, I carry on (and do a proper job) and lubricate the whole thing. Then put it back together connect it up to the calipers, connect the electrics up to it and then reconnect the battery. With crossed fingers I then turn the ignition on, then await all the lights to go out. Then, press the switch for the handbrake and................................after a bit of whirring (to recalibrate itself) IT WORKS!!!!!! 

Jason 1 - Garage 0

[Sir Tigger KC]

Good work! 

[05omegav6]

Now take it back to the same testing station in uniform and ask them to explain their fraudulent diagnosis

[Webby the Bear]

Well done mate. A lot of garages just make rubbish up sadly. Prob cause they don't want to do the hard work and just want gravy train service work 

[Crazycarzowner]

Hahaha!!!! 

She's just been on the phone & its passed its MOT! The so-called mechanic said to her 'Who fixed this???' as it was obviously the same unit. She said to him 'Oh one of the traffic cops at work'. He went a funny colour and then said 'Tell him we'll pass him any of these cars to fix in future, as we haven't got a clue how they work!'

what a complete joke! they hadn't even looked at it properly from the start! 

[Shackeng]

Sadly a common story, why most of us on OOF do our own, plus it will be done properly, or at least in a manner which is known.

[Stemo]

Well done for giving it a go, Jason. 710 fickin pounds. Cheeky, incompetent bastards.

[Crazycarzowner]

Thing is when I'd opened up the 'black box' to look at the internal workings, (muttering what have I got myself into  ) it was really a simple set-up. In the middle a motor one side left hand threaded cable attaches. right hand side threaded housing to which the other cable attaches. Both sides slide into or away from each other when handbrake turned on or off. Small circuit board underneath with some electricery. Couldn't be simpler really and I hate electrics 

The only 'Bad' design part is that a) one cable goes right over the exhaust so it gets heated up and cooled constantly. b) its not protected very well from the elements, which is why it seized up 

[plym ian]

Why couldn't you do that with the BMW then

[Crazycarzowner]

Why couldn't you do that with the BMW then

You may jest, but I got a good telling off for changing a light bulb in one of them!!!!! I WAS trying to save em money because every time we get duty garage to do it, it costs £60 

[plym ian]

Why couldn't you do that with the BMW then

You may jest, but I got a good telling off for changing a light bulb in one of them!!!!! I WAS trying to save em money because every time we get duty garage to do it, it costs £60 

£60 to change a light bulb

Blimey no wonder the police have no money then

[Vamps]

Hahaha!!!! 

She's just been on the phone & its passed its MOT! The so-called mechanic said to her 'Who fixed this???' as it was obviously the same unit. She said to him 'Oh one of the traffic cops at work'. He went a funny colour and then said 'Tell him we'll pass him any of these cars to fix in future, as we haven't got a clue how they work!'

what a complete joke! they hadn't even looked at it properly from the start! 

Got to love that phrase.........