Electronic parking brakes are just as prone to malfunctioning as any other part of your vehicle. When this happens, you need to diagnose and resolve the issue before it causes more damage to your parking system and other car components.
Common Causes of Electronic Parking Brake Problems
The main cause of a malfunctioning electronic brake is a faulty motor. It can also malfunction due to a faulty actuator, ECU module, wiring, worn-out brake pads, weak battery, software issues, stuck parking brake button, and blown fuse.
Faulty brake motor
A faulty motor will cause the electronic parking brake not to hold. This typically results in vehicles moving or rolling away when parked, especially on a slope. A display ‘parking brake failure’ message appears on the dashboard. And the usual brake motor sound is absent when the parking brake is applied.
Solution:
Visit an authorized auto shop to get the motor checked and replaced since electric motors require calibration after installation. Additionally, you may damage the brake wiring while attempting to replace the motor. And you may also lack the tools to test and replace your motor.
Faulty actuator
If your electronic parking brake is not releasing, it could indicate a problem with the brake actuator. This issue can be a serious safety hazard, as driving with the parking brake engaged can damage the braking system.
You will know the actuator is damaged when the vehicle struggles to move or accelerates slower than usual. You may smell burning or notice smoke from the wheel area due to excessive brake heat generation.
Solution:
- If you can inspect the actuators. Some disassembly is required.
- If the actuators are worn out, replace them.
- If you cannot handle the process, contact a professional.
Faulty ECU module
Modern vehicles have various sensors that monitor the electronic parking brake system. These sensors communicate with the ECU, triggering a warning light or message on the dashboard if there’s a problem.
You cannot engage or disengage the parking brake if the ECU module is broken. If the ECU is malfunctioning, a brake warning light will appear on the dashboard and remain on even after you’ve attempted to release the brake.
The warning light is typically depicted as a red or yellow circle with an exclamation mark or a ‘P’ symbol. Also, the dashboard will display error messages such as ‘parking brake error,’ ‘parking brake failure,’ or ‘check parking brake.’
Solution:
- Resetting the ECU system.
- If this does not work, take your car to an auto shop for ECU repair and replacement.
Worn-out brake pads or discs
Wear and tear will affect the functions of the electronic parking brake system, which is no exception. If the brake pads or discs are worn out, they cannot make the vehicle stationary, which can be detrimental.
Solution:
- If you can inspect the brake pads or discs. Some disassembly is required.
- If the brake pads are worn out, replace them.
- If you cannot handle the process, contact a professional.
How to replace brake pads
- Locate the brake caliper that holds the pad in place.
- Use a wrench to remove the two bolts holding the brake caliper in place.
- Then, carefully remove the old brake pad and clean the area.
- And then insert the new brake pad.
- Line up the holes in the new brake pad with the bolts in the caliper.
- Then replace the brake caliper bolts and tighten them.
Note: Also check if the brake calipers are damaged while you are replacing the brake pads and replace them as well. If they are okay, clean them as you clean the brake pads.
Faulty, Frayed, Or Disconnected Wiring
Defective wiring can interrupt the electrical signals, leading to problems like the parking brake not releasing or applying. A parking error code will appear and disappear as the connection is intermittent due to the damaged wires. You cannot engage or disengage the parking brake if the wires are disconnected.
Solution:
- Inspect the wires to see if they are loose or twisted, and reconnect them properly.
- If the connection points are dusty or mud-caked, clean them using a cleaning spray and a soft wire brush. Then, wait for them to dry and reconnect them.
- Then check whether they are corroded or frayed and replace the wire.
- If you are unsure you can handle the job, hire a professional to diagnose and fix the issues.
Blown fuse
If a fuse in the electronic system blows or malfunctions, the parking system cannot operate correctly. The electronic parking brake relies on electrical signals to operate. Therefore, any issue with the electrical system can directly impact its performance.
Solution:
- Check conductivity using a multimeter and inspect the fuse for visual signs of damage.
- If the fuse is blown, replace it.
- Refer to your user’s manual to find the fuse location.
- You can also hire a professional to replace the fuse.
Software Issues
The electronic parking brake system is controlled by software that communicates with various parts of the vehicle. Outdated or corrupt firmware can cause the electronic parking brake to malfunction.
Additionally, incorrect calibration of the parking brake system can cause issues like the brake not holding the vehicle or not releasing completely.
Solution:
- Updating the firmware or recalibrating the system to resolve any software issues.
Faulty Electronic Parking Brake Button
The parking button might become stuck and malfunction if dirt or other materials get inside it. The same happens if you spill drinks on the console and the liquid seeps into the button.
Solution:
- Clean the button and use a sharp object to dislodge any debris causing it to stick.
- If this does not work, replace the button and its supporting components.
- Or have a professional do the repair or replacement.
Stuck Electronic Parking Brake
One of the most common problems with electronic parking brakes is getting stuck due to dirt and debris accumulation between the components, such as brake pads and brake caliper. Rust, dirt, debris, or cold and wet weather can cause your brakes to get stuck, which in turn causes the parking brake to malfunction.
In such cases, the brake fails to release even after pressing the release button, immobilizing the vehicle.
Since the parking brake consists of springs and cables inside a sheath, water can become trapped and freeze solid during freezing temperatures. This ice prevents the cable from sliding inside the sheath.
Solution:
- Inspect and clean the brake components.
- If they are stuck due to freezing, wait for them to thaw. Sometimes, starting your car and waiting for it to warm up may do the trick.
Weak Battery
The parking brake is powered by an electric motor that uses power from the car battery. If the battery is drained or old, the voltage to the motor won’t be high enough or consistent enough to power the parking brake.
This may also happen if the charging system is not faulty. As a result, the control module will turn off the electric motor to prevent damage. When this happens, you will get error codes.
Solution:
- Reset your battery to see if this will help.
- If it does not work, test the battery charging terminals using a multimeter to see if it is the cause of the issues.
- If this does not work, replace the battery.