As technology advances, auto manufacturers introduce new features in their vehicles, including the electric parking brake, also known as the electronic parking brake (EPB). Many modern cars now have EPB.
The EPB is an improved, safer, and more convenient braking system integrated into the onboard electronic computer for a better braking experience and easier emergency braking under various conditions.
In this article, we’ll discuss in detail the functions of the electric parking brake, how it works, the advantages of having it on your baby ride, the most common electric parking brake problems, and more. Sit back and enjoy the reading.
What is an Electric parking brake?
Electric parking brake (EPB), a North American term for the electronic parking brake, is an electronically controlled emergency brake. It is typically activated by depressing the brake pedal and pressing the EPB button, and deactivated by pressing the EPB button with just a fingertip.
This braking system works in harmony with an actuator mechanism and electronic control unit (ECU). Two EPB mechanisms are presently in production: caliper-integrated systems and cable puller systems. Electric parking brakes can be considered a subset of brake-by-wire technology.
Electric parking brakes were first introduced on the 2001 BMW 7 Series (E65) and have since appeared on several vehicles.
Electric parking brake applications
As explained earlier, an electric parking brake is a more convenient and effective way to apply the emergency brake in various situations.
To engage the electric parking brake, locate the EPB button and pull it up while pressing the brake pedal. The button is typically located close to your gear stick, with a ‘P’ inscription.
If you pull it up, you’ll hear a mechanical click that indicates it has been activated. Once the EPB is activated, the emergency brake light will illuminate your instrument cluster.
To release or disengage the electric parking brake, step on the brake pedal, then press the EPB button. The emergency light on the instrument cluster will turn off to indicate the EPB is deactivated.
There’s another way to disengage the electric parking brake without touching the EPB button. It works with most vehicle brands, like Honda, but I can’t say it works with all cars.
To do this, all you have to do is go ahead and buckle up your seat belt and engage your emergency brake. Release the brake pedal and press the accelerator; the parking brake will automatically disengage. This is a concise tutorial on how the parking brake works and EPB applications.
Most common Electric parking brake problems
Like every electronic system and component in a vehicle, problems can occur on the EPB if switches or wires between the actuator and module are opened, shortened, broken, or develop high resistance. Common issues, such as low system voltage or an open fuse, can cause the electric parking brake system to malfunction.
Some of these faults will register a trouble code on the onboard computer, indicating an EPB fault, or display a ‘Service parking brake’ message if a fault is reported. A scan tool will help track down the cause of the failure.
In any case, if the issue is a result of a failed module or actuator, you will have to order a new one from your dealer. These components are relatively new, and they have not saturated the market. However, as time goes on, these components will be available in many auto spare part stores.
If your electric parking brake fails to release manually or automatically, it could fail due to one of the following reasons.
- The brake pedal switch or gear stick selector switch is bad
- There is a miscommunication between the EPB module and either of the switches
- The EPB module or actuator has an electrical fault
- The electronic parking brake motor has jammed or failed
- You have corroded parking brake cables. This is a common brake system problem in the Honda Civic.
Suppose you own a Lincoln LS and see a ‘service parking brake‘ warning message on your dashboard; it could indicate a false signal or an actual fault with the system.
The Lincoln LS is designed with a susceptible EPB module in the electrical system. In some cases, these messages can be triggered by an electronic coolant flow valve or a lousy ignition coil. Faults within the electrical harness can cause similar issues.
Advantages of electronic parking brakes
Automation
Electric parking brakes vs. handbrakes are quite different. The electronic parking brake uses an electronic system that brings your car to a stop when you press the EPB button.
Thanks to the automated brake system, the efficiency and accuracy of the EPB is greater than that of the conventional emergency brake system. The electric park brake performs optimally on both the front and rear wheels.
In addition to EPB effectiveness, most modern electric parking brakes come with the Hill Start Assist feature. A hill start assist automatically applies the brakes on the rear wheels on sloppy roads to prevent rollbacks.
Emergency brakes
One of the primary benefits of electric parking brakes is their ability to apply the brakes quickly in emergencies. It features a safer braking mechanism: you can accelerate the vehicle while still engaging the electric parking brake.
The EPB mechanism functions by opening and closing the rear axle several times until the vehicle comes to a halt.
If you want to know when to use an electric parking brake, you can use it at low or high speeds. The system is safer and more reliable than conventional brakes, especially at high speeds.
Several issues can come up with manual brakes when applying them at high speed. Sudden friction can disrupt the smooth movement of your tires on the road, which could lead to a crash. However, this is not true with the electric parking brake.
Better control
Electric parking brakes provide better control than the cable-operated brake system. The electronic parking brake offers a significant advantage over conventional brakes. They are smoother and more reliable.
Occupies less space
Since there are no brake cables, wires, or handbrake levers, it occupies less space in the car. This also makes it better than conventional brakes.
Child lock system
It offers a child lock feature to prevent accidents. With this feature enabled, you won’t be able to deactivate the brake once the ignition is off.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do you reset the electric parking brake on a Honda Civic?
The Honda Civic’s electric parking brake engages when you switch off the ignition. Here’s how to reset it;
- Switch the ignition to the ON position and shift the gear lever to PARK. Do not depress the brake pedal.
- Pull and release the EPB button to activate the electric parking brake.
- Press and hold the EPB button until you hear a mechanical sound, then release it.
- Press and hold the EPB button for 3 seconds, then release it when you hear two mechanical beeps.
The electric parking brake is fully reset to activate whenever you turn off the ignition.
To deactivate this feature, repeat the above process; the system will make a single click to confirm that you have successfully deactivated it.
Why won’t my parking brake be released?
One common issue with stuck parking brakes is corrosion. Corrosion in brake systems is typically caused by water and dirt. Corrosion can cause the brake cable to snap, parking brakes to fail, and brake pads to stick to the brake disc. If you are fond of pulling your brake lever too hard, it will cause your brakes to stick against the drum brake walls over time.
How do you release an electric parking brake with a dead battery
Electric parking brakes are not designed to work with dead batteries. If your car battery is discharged and you need to disengage the electric park brake, you have two options. Either jump-start your car with another vehicle, use a portable jump starter, or release the brake manually.
And to release it manually, you need a unique tool along with a jack tool. Install the proper bit on the tool, remove the plug from the tire well, insert the jack tool, and turn it counterclockwise to release.
Should you use the e-brake when parking?
Emergency brakes are designed to be applied when parking vehicles. Regardless of the transmission you’re driving (automatic or manual), whether you want to park on a slope or a level parking lot, or whether the weather is inclement or unpleasant, you should always park with the emergency brake. And as the name implies, you should always use it in emergencies.
How do you manually release a parking brake?
It is almost impossible to release an electric parking brake without switching on the ignition. The invention of electric parking brakes comes with many challenges, from diagnostics to servicing the system. It also means that when there is a failure in another system, such as the electrical system, the parking brakes may not come up or release.
So, I will highlight the steps that might help you release your parking brake manually. It requires getting to the back of the wheel and gaining access to the caliper. Follow the steps below.
- Raise your back wheels and support with jack stands.
- Slide under the vehicle and locate the rear brake caliper.
- Look at how the EPB motor is mounted. Some are serviceable; some are not. If they are serviceable, they will have bolts holding them on the caliper housing. If they are not serviceable, you’ll not be able to perform this procedure.
- Locate and remove the bolts holding the EPB motor, but don’t unplug the electric brake motor. This will cause the system to lose base settings. In some cases, it may require replacing the brake caliper and the electric parking brake motor.
- After removing the bolts, carefully move the EPB motor out of the way.
- Using the correct socket that fits the back of the caliper piston, turn the caliper piston adjustment to release the caliper piston.
- After doing this, you can remove the EPB motor from the suspension systems while lowering the vehicle.
- Once on the ground, you’re ready to fix the customer’s concern.
- After resolving a customer’s concern, you will need to reverse the procedure for the electromechanical parking brake to fix it.
If you have an electric parking brake problem on a Honda Accord or on any vehicle and want to know how to release the brake manually, watch this video.
Final word:
The electronic parking brake is a welcome innovation in modern cars, offering improved convenience and better braking performance than conventional brakes, especially at high speeds and when parking.
However, you’ll encounter common electric parking brake problems as the system wears out. Knowing how to fix these problems will save you stress, time, and energy.
Hello, I’m Jay. I have a 2019 Ford Escape. An electrical E-brake malfunction. I have no power to the right side E-brake so it won’t release. I was able to dismantle it and by using a nine volt battery I released the e-brake pressure cylinder. Problem must be electrical. Where should I check?