Electric Parking Brake Issues - Everything You Need to Know

 As technology progresses, car manufacturers incorporate new features into their vehicles, one of which is the electric parking brake, also known as the electronic parking brake (EPB). EPB is currently included as standard equipment on a vast percentage of modern automobiles.

The EPB is a better, safer, and more effective braking system that works in conjunction with the onboard electronic computer to improve braking performance and make emergency stops easier in a range of situations.

In this post, we'll go over the functions of the electric parking brake, how it works, the advantages of having one, and the most common electric parking brake difficulties. If you see or experience any of the symptoms described below, you should go online for a car repair near me garage and make an appointment to get your vehicle serviced by a qualified technician.

What Are the Differences Between an Electric and a Mechanical Parking Brake?

The EPB is a type of emergency brake that is controlled electrically. It's generally activated by pressing the brake pedal and raising the EPB button, and it's turned off by pressing a fingertip button.

This braking system is controlled by an actuator mechanism and an electronic control unit (ECU). EPB mechanisms such as calliper integrated systems and cable puller systems are presently in production. These are a subtype of brake-by-wire technology.

EPB first appeared on the BMW 7 Series (E65) in 2001 and have since been featured on a wide range of vehicles.

Electric Parking Brakes Have a Wide Range of Uses

An EPB, as previously said, is a more advanced and easy technique to apply the emergency brake in a range of situations.

To use the electronic parking brake, just locate the EPB button and pull it up while pressing the brake pedal. The button generally has a 'P' inscription on it and is located near your gear stick.

As you draw it up, you'll hear a mechanical click, signalling that it's been activated. After the EPB has been activated, the emergency brake light will illuminate your instrument cluster.

To remove or detach the electronic parking brake, step on the brake pedal and then press the EPB button down. When the emergency light on the instrument cluster turns off, the EPB is turned off.

If your EPB fails to activate, search online for repair garages near me and schedule an appointment with a vehicle mechanic to fix the problem. You don't want to put your own or others' safety in jeopardy.

The Most Common Electric Parking Brake Issues

Issues on the EPB, like any other electrical system or component in a car, might develop if switches or cables connecting the actuator and module are opened, shortened, damaged, or acquire excessive resistance. Common problems, such as low system power or an open fuse, might cause the EPB system to fail.

Some of these faults may register a trouble code on the onboard computer, indicating a problem with the EPB, or display a 'Service parking brake' warning if there is a documented issue. A scan tool can help you figure out where the problem is coming from.

If the problem is caused by a damaged module or actuator, you'll need to get a replacement. Make an appointment with a car mechanic by looking online for car garages near me that do servicing, repair, and maintenance. These parts are relatively new, and the market for them has not yet reached saturation. However, as time goes on, these components will become more readily available.

Your EPB may fail to release manually or automatically due to one of the following factors:

• There is a problem with the brake pedal or the gear stick selector switch.
• One of the switches and the EPB module aren't interacting correctly.
• The EPB module or actuator has an electrical issue.
• The electronic parking brake motor is stuck or has failed.
• The cables on your parking brake are corroded.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

What's the deal with my parking brake not disengaging?

With locked parking brakes, corrosion is a common issue. The most prevalent causes of brake system corrosion are water and dirt. Brake cables may break, parking brakes may fail, and brake pads may stick to the brake disc as a result of rust. Your brakes will ultimately seize on the drum brake walls if you have a tendency of pressing down too hard on the brake lever.

How do you disengage an electronic parking brake with a dead battery?

With flat batteries, electric parking brakes aren't designed to be utilised. If your vehicle battery dies and you need to disengage the brake, you have two options. You may either use another vehicle or a portable jump starter to jumpstart your car, or you can manually remove the brake.

You'll need a specific tool as well as a jack tool to manually release it. Remove the tyre well stopper, insert the jack tool, and spin it clockwise to release it.