When Should You Replace a BMW Parking Brake Actuator?
BMWs have long been praised for their performance and intelligent design that incorporates features such as the electronic parking brake. An integral aspect of this feature is the BMW parking brake actuator or EMF module. It's a replacement for the standard handbrake lever and operates by using an electric motor to lock and release the rear brakes.
Convenient though it may be, it's a component that will wear out. Being aware of when a replacement is called for will help your vehicle perform its purpose while keeping you safe. If you own a BMW in Peoria, Arizona, or beyond, reliability matters. So, keep reading this guide from Arrowhead Imports!
Signs of a Malfunctioning Parking Brake Actuator
Determining the early warning signs of a faulty actuator will save you a bigger headache later. A most common indication is the dashboard warning light. You might get a "Parking Brake Malfunction" reading or a brake light that remains illuminated. This is your car's way of telling you that the system has detected something wrong.
You may also find that the parking brake itself acts unpredictably. It may not engage when you flip the switch, or your vehicle will remain insecure. On the other hand, it may become stuck in the engaged position so that you cannot move your vehicle.
In a few instances, you may also experience strange noises, such as grinding or whirring sounds heard coming from the vehicle's rear when you attempt to access the parking brake. This is most likely a sign of a mechanical defect in the actuator unit. Overlooking these signs may result in a total breakdown of the parking brake actuator for a BMW, a serious safety hazard.
The Professional Replacement Procedure
Replacing a BMW parking brake actuator is a tricky operation that's better handled by a skilled technician from Arrowhead Imports. It's a lot more than merely putting in a new piece for the old piece. Initially, our technicians will employ proprietary diagnostic equipment to be sure that the actuator is the trouble.
Once diagnosed, our technicians will raise the vehicle safely so that the actuator may be reached, most often by the rear axle. With the battery accessible, the old unit will be removed by loosening electrical connectors and mount bolts. Placing the new actuator in is a very precise operation that must be fastened securely so that it operates properly.
The last and most important step is programming the new module. The new actuator needs to be programmed to your own BMW's vehicle identification number (VIN) so it will have the ability to talk to the vehicle's onboard computer system. If it's not properly programmed, the parking brake will be inoperable. This is the step that needs a particular software and knowledge, that's why service by our team is needed for this repair as part of a proper BMW parking brake actuator replacement.
Keep Your Car in Prime Condition
The parking brake actuator is a critical safety element in your BMW. Prompt replacement isn't merely a matter of convenience; it's about having your vehicle safe and dependable. Should you observe any of the warning signs outlined above, it's imperative that you have your vehicle checked by a competent technician familiar with the details of BMW technology. Getting the problem corrected early will guarantee your parking brake functioning properly whenever you pull into a parking space!