These instructions apply to the Renault Arkana Mk1 (XJL) 2021-Present. For other models, please choose your vehicle here.
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The Renault Arkana (2021–present) uses an electronic parking brake (EPB) across the range, operated by a switch on the centre console — there is no handbrake lever. Before changing the rear pads or discs you must put the rear calipers into service mode so the motors retract the parking-brake pistons clear of the disc. The Arkana has an owner-operated service-mode sequence built into the car, so on most examples you can do this with the pedals and the EPB switch alone — no Renault CLIP diagnostic tool required, although a locked module may still refuse the manual entry (see the note below).
Because the Arkana came with EPB as standard, you will not find a cable handbrake lever in any version, so this procedure applies to every Arkana with rear disc brakes.
Putting the EPB into service mode
Service mode drives the rear parking-brake motors fully open and keeps them there, giving the clearance to compress the piston for thicker new pads. Carry this out with the car chocked on level ground, before jacking up or taking off a wheel.
- Switch the ignition on without starting the engine — press Start/Stop once without touching either pedal.
- Make sure the lever is in P (automatic) or a gear is engaged (manual/E-Tech).
- Press and hold the brake pedal and wait about one second.
- Keeping the brake pedal down, also press and hold the accelerator pedal for at least one second.
- With both pedals held, press the EPB switch — the red parking-brake light flashes.
- Within five seconds, while the light is still flashing, press the EPB switch once more. The rear calipers wind open and service mode is active.
If the warning light goes solid rather than flashing, the timing was missed — switch off, wait, and start again from step one. As an honest caveat: some locked Arkana EPB modules will not accept the manual sequence and need an up-to-date Renault CLIP (or compatible) diagnostic tool to retract the calipers. If three careful attempts fail, treat your car as tool-only rather than forcing anything.
Critical warning — never force the pistons back
The Arkana’s rear pistons are driven by an electric motor through a fine internal screw. Never push or wind the rear pistons back by hand, and never compress them with a G-clamp. Forcing a piston the wrong way strips the spindle or burns out the EPB motor, and a replacement caliper costs far more than a set of pads. Always let service mode retract the piston electronically; once it is open you wind the spindle back only with the correct triangular three-pin Renault rewind tool — never by brute force.
Exiting service mode and bedding in
With the new pads and discs fitted and both wheels back on, exit service mode in the same order but pull the EPB switch instead of pressing: ignition on, lever in P (or in gear), hold the brake pedal, hold the accelerator, pull the EPB switch, then pull it again within five seconds. The motors clamp the calipers back onto the discs. Cycle the parking brake on and off twice and confirm the warning light behaves normally with no EPB fault message.
Then bed in the new pads: drive gently and make ten to fifteen moderate stops from about 30–40 mph with a cooling gap between each, and avoid hard or sustained braking for the first 200 miles so the friction material transfers an even layer onto the discs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does every Arkana have an electronic parking brake?
Yes. The Arkana was sold with EPB as standard, so there is no cable-handbrake version — the (P) rocker switch is on the centre console.
Can I retract the Arkana EPB without a scan tool?
On most cars yes, using the pedal-and-switch sequence above. Some locked modules need a Renault CLIP-type tool instead, so be prepared for that possibility.
The sequence won’t engage — what now?
Either the five-second timing was missed (start again) or you have a locked module that only a CLIP tool can command. Three clean failed attempts point to the latter.
Do both rear calipers release together?
Yes. Service mode retracts both rear motors at once, so you only run the sequence one time.
What caliper tool does the Arkana need?
A triangular three-pin Renault rewind tool that engages the spindle — the older two-pin wind-back cube will not fit.
If a brake or EPB warning light or fault code appears afterwards, you can check what it means at autodtcs.com.
Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided for general guidance only. Always follow your official service manual and safety precautions when working on your vehicle. We are not responsible for errors, omissions, or any damage resulting from the use of this information.
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