As technology keeps advancing, auto manufacturers introduce new features in their vehicles, one of which is the electric parking brake, also known as the electronic parking brake (EPB). Many modern cars have advanced to EPB.
The EPB is an improved, safer, and better braking system integrated into the onboard electronic computer for a better braking experience and a more convenient means of applying emergency brakes under various situations.
In this article, we’ll discuss at length the functions of the electric parking brake, how it works, the advantages of having it on your baby ride, most common electric parking brake problems, amongst others. Sit back and enjoy the reading.
What is an Electric parking brake?
Electric parking brake (EPB), a North American accent for the electronic parking brake, is an electronically controlled emergency brake. It is typically activated by depressing the brake pedal and pulling up the EPB button and deactivated by pressing a 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 seen on the 2001 BMW 7 Series (E65), and ever since then, it has appeared on several vehicles.
How an Electric Parking Brake Works
An electric parking brake (EPB) operates by replacing the traditional mechanical handbrake lever or foot pedal with an electronically controlled system.
When the driver activates the EPB, usually by pressing a button, an electronic control unit (ECU) sends a signal to electric actuators located at the rear wheels. These actuators then engage the brake pads or shoes to hold the vehicle stationary.
The key components of an electric parking brake system include:
- Electronic Control Unit (ECU): Processes the driver’s input and controls the actuation.
- Actuators: Electric motors that apply the braking force to the rear wheels.
- Sensors: Monitor the brake system status, wheel speed, and vehicle inclination.
- Switch/Button: The user interface for activating or releasing the parking brake.
The system can operate in two main modes:
- Cable Puller Type: Uses electric motors to pull the traditional parking brake cables.
- Caliper Integrated Type: Incorporates actuators directly within the brake caliper, eliminating the need for cables.
The EPB ensures precise and consistent brake application and can automatically adjust the brake force to compensate for brake pad wear or changes in road conditions.
Additionally, it integrates with other vehicle systems such as anti-lock braking system (ABS) and electronic stability control (ESC) to enhance safety and performance.
Electric parking brake applications
As explained earlier, an electric parking brake is an improved and more convenient means of applying the emergency brake in various situations.
When you want to engage the electric parking brake, all you have to do is; locate the EPB button and pull it up while depressing the brake pedal. The button is typically located close to your gear stick with a ‘P’ inscription on it.
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, you have to step on the brake pedal and then push the EPB button down. 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 in most vehicle brands like Honda vehicles; I can’t say it works in 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 depress the accelerator pedal; 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
The risk of electronic parking brake failure is less than with mechanical hand brakes, but it can still happen. Below are the most common issues:
1. Electrical errors.
We think it’s the most common issue with using electric parking brakes. Electrical malfunctions can occur due to issues with the wiring, connectors, or a blown fuse. If there is a problem with the electrical components, the parking brake may not engage or release as intended, and it may require inspection and repair by a qualified mechanic.
2. Sensor problems.
There is a great many of sensors incorporated to monitor the braking status and ensure proper operation of the electronic parking brake system. If there is a problem with the sensor, such as a faulty or misaligned sensor, it may submit incorrect feedback to the system, causing the parking brake to malfunction.
3. Mechanical issues.
The EPB system consists of mechanical components such as cables, calipers, or actuators. Over time, these components can wear out, become misaligned, or get stuck, leading to issues with engagement or release.
We can see that the main cause of the parking brake malfunction is a short circuit or open circuit of the wires or circuits between the switch, controller, and actuator. When the brake system fails, the brake light on the dashboard will activate so the driver can detect the problem to repair it.
Additionally, you can notice the burning smell due to the vehicle’s electronic handbrake being stuck and not working. And, it is possible that the brakes are wearing out because the handbrake is still working while the vehicle is running.
How To Fix the Electric Parking Brake Problem?
If you’re experiencing issues with your electric parking brake, this guide is here to help. We’ll walk you through some common problems and their solutions, so you can get back on the road with confidence.
1. Check electrical connections.
One of the most crucial steps in troubleshooting electric parking brake issues is to inspect the electrical connections.
This includes the wiring harnesses, connectors, and fuses. It’s important to ensure they are secure and free from corrosion or damage. If you notice any loose or damaged connections, it’s essential to repair or replace them as necessary.
2. Clean the brake mechanism.
If the parking brake is not engaging or releasing smoothly, dirt, debris, or corrosion may be affecting its operation. Thoroughly clean the brake mechanism, including the cables, calipers, and actuators. And don’t forget to clean the brake switch button because this part can easily accumulate dirt.
Use a suitable cleaning agent and a brush or toothpick to remove any buildup or contaminants. Lubricate the moving parts with appropriate lubricants recommended by the vehicle manufacturer.
3. Resetting system.
In some cases, a system reset can resolve minor software or programming glitches. Consult your vehicle’s manual to identify the procedure for performing a system reset on the electric parking brake.
Examine the parking brake sensors and switches for any damage or loose wires that could give incorrect readings and trigger the warning light. If possible, use a diagnostic scan tool to check for trouble codes related to the parking brake system. These codes can point you to a specific problem.
If you have tried the above steps and the electric parking brake problem persists or if you are uncertain about performing further troubleshooting, it is recommended to seek assistance from a qualified mechanic or authorized service centre.
Advantages of electronic parking brakes
Automation
Electric parking brakes vs. handbrakes are pretty different from each other. The electronic parking brake incorporates an electronic system that makes your car come to a stop when you pull the EPB button.
Thanks to the automated brake system, the efficiency and accuracy of the EPB 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 conveniently apply brakes in emergencies. It features a safer braking mechanism; you can accelerate the vehicle and still engage 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 when driving at low or even high speeds. The system is safer and more reliable than regular brakes, especially when cruising at high speed.
Several issues can come up with manual brakes when applying them at high speed. The sudden friction may disrupt the smooth movement of your tires on the road, and that 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 gives more edge over conventional brakes. They are smoother and more reliable.
Occupies less space
Since there are no brake cables, wires, or hand brake levers involved, 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 in place, you won’t be able to deactivate the brake once the ignition is turned off.
What are the disadvantages?
Aside from taking away the temptation and childish pleasure of a quick ‘Juha Kankkunen’ in an empty snow-covered car park, EPBs still aren’t perfect, useful though they are.
For one, manufacturers haven’t settled on the ideal location for their parking brake buttons yet, nor even a consistent shape, so if you spend any time switching between cars as a family, or use a rental car, or buy a new model, you’ll probably spend the first few drives forgetting where the switch is when you need it.
Perhaps more frustratingly, there’s not a consistent standard for how they operate either – some require a press to engage, others a pull. Some can also be quite picky about how they release – if you’ve not met whatever criteria it needs for you to pull away from a stop, the systems can be prone to just staying on, making the car squat embarrassingly on its haunches as you try and pull away with the brakes still stuck on.
And while the systems aren’t prone to failure, it’s not quite the cheap and simple fix to replace when they do. While a regular handbrake might cost £100 to replace, figures of £500, and in some cases upwards of £800, aren’t unusual when replacing actuators and pads for electric parking brakes.
FAQs.
How do you reset the electric parking brake on a Honda Civic?
The Honda Civic’s electric parking brake is designed to engage once you switch off the ignition. Here’s how to reset it;
- Switch the ignition to the ON position and shift the gear lever in PARK. Do not depress the brake pedal.
- Pull and release the EPB button to activate the electric parking brake.
- Pull and hold the EPB button until you hear a mechanical sound, then release the button.
- Pull up and hold the EPB button for 3 seconds, and 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 show you have successfully deactivated this feature.
Why won’t my parking brake be released?
One common issue with stuck parking brakes is corrosion. The corrosion on 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 you jump-start your car with another vehicle or with a portable jump starter, or you release the brake manually.
And to release it manually, you need a unique tool along with a jack tool. Fix the proper bit on the tool, take off the plug on the tire well, insert the jack tool, and turn it counterclockwise to release.
Should you use 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 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 release a parking brake manually?
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 when there is a failure in another system, such as the electrical system, parking brakes may not be coming up and may not release.
So, I will highlight the steps that might just allow you to release your parking brake manually. It requires getting to the back of the wheel and getting access to the back of 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 you to replace the brake caliper and the electric parking brake motor.
- After removing the bolts, carefully remove the EPB motor out of the way.
- Using the correct socket that will fit in the back of the caliper piston, turn the caliper piston adjustment to release the caliper piston.
- After doing this, you can take the EPB motor out from the suspension systems while lowering the vehicle.
- Once on the ground, you’re ready to fix the customer’s concern.
- After fixing a customer’s concern, you will need the reverse procedure on the electromechanical parking brake to fix things together.
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 invention in modern cars for better and improved convenience braking over conventional brakes, especially at high speeds and when parking.
However, you’ll experience some common electric parking brake problems as the system begins to wear out. Knowing how to fix these problems will save you stress, time, and energy.