These instructions apply to the Maserati Quattroporte Mk6 (M156) 2013-2024.
For other models, please choose your vehicle here.
The Maserati Quattroporte (M156, 2013–2024) uses a true motor-on-caliper electronic parking brake: an electric actuator on each rear caliper drives a spindle onto the piston to clamp the pads. A rear-pad change therefore begins by putting the EPB into maintenance (service) mode so the motors wind the spindles back. There is no owner button routine that retracts the calipers, and forcing the pistons damages an expensive part.
What maintenance mode is and why the Quattroporte needs it
Each rear caliper actuator screws a spindle onto the piston for parking. New, thicker pads need that spindle fully retracted first. Maintenance mode commands both rear motors to wind the spindles back and locks the EPB out while your hands are at the caliper. On the Quattroporte this is a scan-tool function — the Maserati MDVCI/SD3 factory tool, or a capable aftermarket unit (OBDSTAR, Foxwell, Autel, iCarsoft for FCA) that lists a Maserati brake-pad-change routine.
Retracting the rear calipers on the Quattroporte
Park level, chock the fronts and connect a battery charger — the EPB will abort on low voltage.
- Release the EPB. In the tool, open the parking-brake module and run brake-pad replacement / maintenance mode; both rear motors retract the spindles.
- Unbolt the caliper and press the piston straight in with a flat spreader — with the spindle wound back it does not need rotating.
- Fit the new pads and refit the caliper.
Without a scan tool, the rear caliper can be released mechanically: disconnect and unbolt each actuator, then turn the exposed spline to free the piston — the same access the boot emergency-release tool uses. Refit the actuators afterwards; a tool is still needed to exit maintenance mode cleanly.
Never force the EPB pistons back by hand
Never push or clamp the Quattroporte’s rear piston back while the actuator is still applied. The piston rides on the motor’s spindle; forcing it strips the actuator gearbox or spindle thread and writes off the caliper. The motor must retract the spindle in maintenance mode — or you must wind it clear with the actuator off — before the piston moves. A solid-feeling piston means the EPB is not in maintenance mode; stop and fix that first.
Exit and bed-in
With the pads in and the caliper torqued, use the tool to end maintenance mode so the motors re-clamp and set the running clearance. Cycle the ignition, apply and release the EPB a couple of times, and check the parking-brake warning has gone out. Bed the pads in with several moderate slowdowns from about 30–40 mph, cooling between, and confirm the parking brake holds on a slope. A Quattroporte fitted with the optional carbon-ceramic brakes needs no pad grind-in, but the ceramic discs are fragile and costly, so handle them with care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Quattroporte piston screw in or push straight? Push straight — once the actuator winds the spindle back in maintenance mode, the piston compresses straight in; you don’t rotate it.
Can I change rear pads without a scanner? It’s possible by unbolting each actuator and winding the spindle back, but a tool is needed to exit maintenance mode and clear any EPB code.
What’s the boot tool for? It’s the emergency parking-brake release for the rear calipers, accessing the same caliper spline — not a full pad-change procedure on its own.
Anything different with carbon-ceramic brakes? The ceramic pads skip the grind-in and the discs need gentle handling; the EPB maintenance-mode steps are the same.
Why did maintenance mode quit? Low 12 V supply, almost always. Keep a charger on and retry.
If a parking-brake or ABS code remains after the job, decode it on our sister site autodtcs.com.
Independent guide — not affiliated with Maserati. Always follow your official service manual and safety precautions. Read our full disclaimer.