Got in my car to leave, it's been sitting maybe 2 or 3 days, went to back up and the rear passenger tire won't budge. It's been mid 20's and icey (TN area), so I went and got some de-icer but didn't seem to help. Also took the wheel off to see if I could see anything, didn't see much out of the ordinary. Any ideas? My car is a sitting duck in my apartments parking lot until I get this figured out

 

you must have a sticky brake caliper. need to take it apart and re grease the slides. its a problem that the rears get stuck

 

went back out today, it was about 37 degrees out, started the car and ABS and traction control light still on, but I pulled forward and the wheel moves like normal now, and after driving about 30 feet the lights went off. So...
I'm really happy it's working now, but I'm scared that it may happen again somewhere not at home and I'll end up stranded, so if anyone else has this problem I'd be very interested in hearing it, since I DID use de-icer last night on it...

 

Parking brake froze.

When you drove it set the light due to the lack of rotation on one of rear wheels.

After it thawed out, both wheels rotated, code self cleared after self test.

 

I'm hoping this is it and I won't be replacing calipers. Is there a remedy for a freezing parking brake? I'm sure I'll be seeing more weather like the other night at some point in the near future, I'd hate to not be able to drive every time we get freezing rain and 20~ degree weather

 

On a stick, park the car in-gear...if it will be below 32 and was wet when you parked...slush, freezing rain, etc, avoid using the parking brake. If your clutch sucks or you are on a hill or have very low compression, turn the steering wheel, and maybe chock it.
Freezing parking brakes are an issue on EVERY car...not just a mini...you can check the cables, and lube where the pass obstructions.... Basic mantaince.
One thing to look out for...if you get a rear brakepad bonding failure...results are similar, but above freezing too!!

 

Awesome, thanks for the tips

 

^^ This. Was a HUGE issue on my past VWs with rear disk brakes.

 

+1 on the cables for the ice. Also make sure they are not stuck from the rust, the cables in the back can get salt in there past the little flexible rubber, then the inner cable sticks and will not retract which lets the re brake retract a bit. Some people use spray lubricant under the boot to free it up but it works for a while then they will need replaced. Check the dragging rear brake threads or sticking rear brakes.



If they are rusted bad its best to replace in pairs.

Here is the set we carry.

http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/34406777400KT/ES2581670/






Here is the front insert tool.

http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/83300494835/ES199707/




Thanks and good luck.