How To Fix Electric Parking Brake Problems

If you’re getting pops up on your car dashboard and it says electric parking brake problem, you might wonder what happened to your car. Don’t worry! we’re here to help. From faulty brake switches to electrical issues, we’ll cover it all in this article. Stay tuned to find out the common problems of electric parking brakes and how to fix them. 

What Is An Electric Parking Brake?

Electronic parking brake systems (or electronic handbrake) are increasingly widely applied on both popular and high-end vehicles. This type of brake sets the driver with greater safety in stopping and parking situations.

The electric parking brake is identified by the letter P located in a circle near the gear lever or dashboard. The brake is controlled completely automatically, the driver does not need to use traction but only needs to press the electronic handbrake switch on the vehicle. At this time, the electronic brake will immediately intervene in the vehicle’s braking system, thereby eliminating the situation of forgetting to apply the brake or not pulling it within the driver’s reach.

Using the electronic handbrake is very simple, the driver only needs to push the P button to activate and then switch to P to lock the brake to keep the car stable in the parking position. To release the electronic handbrake, the driver steps on the brake pedal and then pushes the P button. At this time, the handbrake warning light will turn off, signaling that the handbrake has been released.

Let’s go through some pros and cons of using the electronic parking brake in your car: 

Advantages 

• The electronic parking brake (EPB) was developed with the aim of optimizing the safety braking function in cars, minimizing the dashboard and interior space. Thanks to that, the vehicle using this type of handbrake is considered more luxurious and modern.
• The electronic handbrake has the feature of automatically deactivating when the vehicle is running and the ability to automatically hold the brake when the vehicle stops on a slope which will ensure safety while driving a car. 
• The electronic brake system may not encounter problems like mechanical parking brake errors or brake stuck if the vehicle owner does not maintain the vehicle regularly. This is possible thanks to advanced design and operation principles. And it will help to save the maintenance costs for drivers. 

Disadvantages 

• Due to modern technology and more complex operations, electronic handbrakes cost more to produce and maintain than conventional mechanical brakes. Electronic parking brakes have a shorter lifespan than normal mechanical parking brakes if they are not periodically inspected and maintained.
• Additionally, when the battery runs out, the electronic parking brake may not work. Besides, when using electronic brakes, drivers may sometimes notice a slight vibration in the vehicle.

Despite having some superior features compared to the mechanical brake system, the electric parking brake still has issues with the driving process that you can experience when using this type of brake. If you notice the following problems, the car owner needs to take the vehicle to a trusted mechanic immediately to have the electronic parking brake checked

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 with using electronic handbrakes probably happening: 

• Electrical errors

We think it’s the most common issue with using electric parking brakes. Electric parking brakes rely on an electrical system to activate and release the brake mechanism. Electrical malfunctions can occur due to issues with the wiring, connectors, or blown fuse. If there is a problem with the electrical components, the parking brake may not engage or release as intended.  If the parking brake does not engage or release when activated, it may require inspection and repair by a qualified mechanic.

• Sensor problems

There are a lot 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 provide incorrect feedback to the system, causing the parking brake to malfunction.

• Mechanical issues 

The electric parking brake system consists of mechanical components such as cables, calipers, or actuators. Over time, these components can wear out, become misaligned, or get stuck. Mechanical failures can prevent the parking brake from functioning correctly, leading to issues with engagement or release.

We can see that the main cause of parking brake malfunction is to 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. 

Watch more:

>> Read more: 5 Signs Warning You About An Unsafe Brake System

How To Fix Electric Parking Brake Problem?

If you’ve encountered one of the problems we refer to in the above part, following the solutions below may help you handle these problems:  

Check electrical connections

Inspect the electrical connections, including wiring harnesses, connectors, and fuses, to ensure they are secure and free from corrosion or damage. If you notice any loose or damaged connections, repair or replace them as necessary.

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.

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. This may involve pressing specific buttons in a certain sequence or using diagnostic tools. Follow the instructions carefully to reset the system.

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 center.

To improve the lifespan of electric parking brakes. Do not drive the vehicle while the brake warning light is still on. Although the electronic handbrake can automatically turn off when the vehicle is running, if it happens many times it will affect the brake system, causing them to quickly fail.