Hello All!

I have a reoccuring issue with the emergency/parking brake on my 2005 T5 AWD. It seems that what ever the mechanism that holds the cable to the ratcheting system of the pedal keeps coming loose and renders the brake useless. The first time it happened I took it to my dealership and after 3 hours or so they "fixed" it. About 2 months later, same thing happened again. I have called the dealership and talked at length with their service manager and asked him to please call Volvo and find out whats up. There have been no service bulletins regarding this problem. After 2 weeks of so of calling, they still don't have a word from Volvo what to do. Ideally, I want all new parts installed and tested by a competant mechanic. I don't think it is too much to ask.

Has anyone else experienced this problem? Whatever the mechanical issue with the parking brake system is one thing. Not getting good service is another. Can anyone be of some help? Does anyone have some information that can show me how their parking brake cables are attached to the pedal so I can educate myself for the next time I talk to their service manager?

Thanks in advance

Best

Jonathan

It is a pain of a setup.
I have seen this before and had to replace the pedal setup.

If you can try to unbolt the pedal assembly from inside and look at it. This way you can figure out how it works. That would be the best way so you know exactly how it works.

Thanks! I'll give it a try and post the results.

Best

Jonathan

If you remove the 2 hex screws that hold the base of the parking brake cable in, you can remove the latch and look at the cable assembly and where it is routed under the dash. See if it is binding anywhere there. If no visible problems are there, follow the cable back and look for any problem areas. If I remember correctly, the spring mechanism that attatches to the hand release, dosen't have many parts to it.

I'll be taking my XC90 to the dealership on Monday for work in the emergency/parking brake. I will have a loaner for a few days while they look into the problem. I'll post the results when I find out.

Best

Jonathan

Update of the parking/emergency brake issues!

On Monday 5/8 I took my XC 90 to my dealership in GLenwood Springs Colorado, about 120 miles, a bit over 2 hour drive for me. They provided a loaner no problem. I thought this would be a simple overnite or one day repair. They also did my 15000 mile service, abit earlier then scheduled, no problem.
Then their top mechanic needed to go to Volvo school for some type of extra training, and they couldn't get to it. They called their regional rep as this is the first time they have encountered this type of issue withe the parking/emergency brake. They then got a brand new XC 90 off the lot and took the parking/ emergency brake pedal system apart to see what a new one would be like. (huh?difference between mine,2005, and a 2006?) They ordered new parts that of course did not come in overnite, as they scheduled. So The parts came in Friday 5/12 and then then proceeded to start rebuilding the system and of course did not finish on Friday. I hope it will be ready on Monday 5/15. So the question is should I look for a new Volvo dealership? Should they have known how to do this from the get go? What are Volvo trained mechanics trained with and for? Do I have unreal expectations for service? The loaner is a 2006 V50 and while a speedy fun vehicle, is sure does not seem like a Volvo, but that's a bit OT.
Maybe I just have unrealistic expectations from this dealership and their service. Although the service manager is very professional and has called every step of the way, but should I have to wait a week for this type of repair?

Best

Jonathan

Sometimes it just ends up like that.
The reason I can say that is because I had been through the same thing working on a Customers car.

I have been through the same thing as well. Sometimes the parts guys order the wrong thing. Sometimes you run into unexpected problems when you start on something like this. This sounds like a bit of an unusual problem, I'd be a little patient with them. I'm sure they'll get it right :)

I'm off to Glenwood Springs tomorrow early to pick up my XC90 witht the repaired parking/emergency brake. The service manaager called today and said they are satisfied with the work. Replaced a bunch of parts with new parts, rebuilt the entire foot pedal unit with the newer "updated" parts. He said it had to do with a spring. I'll see what's up tomorrow and post what's up.

Best

Jonathan

I picked up my XC90 today from the dealership.

They replaced/rebuilt the entire unit with newer parts. The only part that was reused was the foot pedal itself. It works fine! Finally I thihnk I have received a good repair.

Jonathan

Congrats glad all is good.