Mercedes-Benz W203: handbrake does not hold or warning light stays on
W203: how is the handbrake adjusted?
The adjustment hatch is under the rear seat cushion. 1. Loosen the cables. 2. Adjust the shoes close through the bolt hole. 3. Tighten the cables from under the seat last. In the bolt hole, tighten until it starts to drag and loosen until the dragging stops. The brake is safety-critical, so have a workshop check the result.
Why does the handbrake warning light stay on or the pedal not return?
The most common cause is a rusted or seized fork lever or equaliser link under the rear seat. The return spring can also be weak or broken, or the linkages inside the drums can be seized. Cleaning, working the parts free and heat-resistant grease often help.
Why does the handbrake not hold and the pedal goes to the floor?
The cable may have come off the lever inside the drum, or the cable adjustment may not be enough. If adjustment does not help, the shoes, discs and mountings are replaced. A rusted adjuster nut should be soaked with rust penetrant before adjusting. If the brake drags after new parts, the linkage inside the disc may be seized.