These instructions apply to the Skoda Kodiaq Mk1 (NS) 2016-2024.
For other models, please choose your vehicle here.
The Škoda Kodiaq (Mk1, type NS, 2016–2024) uses an electromechanical electronic parking brake (EPB) as standard, controlled by a small “P” switch below the gear selector next to the Auto Hold button. To change the rear brake pads the screw-driven caliper pistons must be wound fully back, and on this MQB SUV that is an electronic-only job. There is no owner button trick that opens the calipers — you need a diagnostic tool that can command EPB service mode.
What service mode does and why you need a tool
Each rear caliper on the Kodiaq has a motor and spindle that drive the piston onto the disc. Because the piston is screw-actuated rather than purely hydraulic, it will not push back by hand. Service mode commands both motors to wind the spindles fully back, parking the pistons clear of the disc and locking the EPB so it cannot re-clamp while the car is raised. The dealer route is VCDS or ODIS, but a generic OBD EPB tool (OBDeleven, Carista, Foxwell and similar) does the same job on the Kodiaq.
Retracting the calipers
- Park on level ground, chock the front wheels and select P, engine off.
- Connect a battery charger/maintainer — this larger SUV’s EPB module will abort the routine if voltage drops.
- Switch the ignition ON without starting the engine, and turn Auto Hold off.
- Plug the OBD tool into the port under the dash and open the EPB service function (VCDS: address 53 – Parking Brake, Basic Settings; app tools: the “Brake pad replacement” / “Open caliper” routine).
- Run the routine. Both rear motors wind back for around 20 seconds — wait for the tool to confirm completion.
- Switch off and unplug. With the calipers retracted, lift the car, remove the wheels and fit the new pads.
Critical: never force the pistons back by hand
The piston in an EPB caliper is driven by its internal spindle motor. Never push or wind it back with a G-clamp or piston tool. Forcing it against the motor strips the spindle, wrecks the actuator gearbox or shears the motor — turning a pad change into a caliper replacement. Always retract electronically using the service-mode routine.
Exiting service mode and bedding in
With the new pads fitted and wheels back on, reconnect the tool, ignition ON, and run the close/reset step so the motors drive the pistons back out to clamp. Start the engine, then apply and release the EPB two or three times and confirm the warning lamp clears. Bed the pads in with 8–10 gentle stops from about 30–40 mph, leaving cooling gaps, and avoid hard braking for the first 100–200 miles — especially important on a heavy seven-seat SUV.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does every Kodiaq have an electronic parking brake? Yes — the Mk1 Kodiaq uses the EPB across the range, with the “P” switch below the gear selector rather than a handbrake lever.
Can I do the rear pads with no tool? No. The Kodiaq has no owner button-only service mode, so you need VCDS, ODIS or a generic OBD EPB tool to retract and reset the calipers.
Will a cheap OBD tool work, or do I need VCDS? A budget OBD tool with an EPB / brake-pad-replacement function works on the Kodiaq. VCDS and ODIS give the full dealer menu but run the same retract-and-reset cycle.
Do I need to switch Auto Hold off first? Yes, turn Auto Hold off and keep the ignition on with the engine stopped while the routine runs so the system does not interfere.
Should I use a different bed-in for this heavy SUV? Stick to the 8–10 gentle stops, but give a fully loaded Kodiaq a little longer to cool between them and avoid towing or hard stops for the first 200 miles.
If a warning light or stored fault code appears during the job, you can look up what it means on autodtcs.com.
Independent guide — not affiliated with Skoda. Always follow your official service manual and safety precautions. Read our full disclaimer.