What does it mean when the interlock function between EPB and gear shifting is activated?
2 Answers
EPB and gear shifting interlock function being activated refers to enabling the automatic parking mode. Below is relevant information about the automatic parking mode: 1. Function: Its purpose is to reliably keep the vehicle stationary without rolling even when the brake pedal is not pressed. This is a highly practical feature. For example, when waiting at a red light, with automatic parking engaged, there's no need to continuously press the brake pedal or shift to neutral and pull the handbrake. This reduces parking operations, making it more convenient and safer. 2. Working Principle: After activating the automatic parking function, the vehicle's computer detects when the driver presses the brake pedal and the vehicle comes to a complete stop, then sends a command to the ESP system to brake all four wheels. At this point, the brake pedal will feel like it's releasing pressure, and even after the driver releases the brake pedal, the vehicle will not roll.
I've been driving for twenty years and have seen this EPB and gear shift interlock function activation message countless times. EPB stands for Electronic Parking Brake, an intelligent system in automatic transmission vehicles that has a safety protection mechanism. It means when the electronic parking brake is still engaged, if you try to shift the gear lever from P to D or R, the system locks to prevent accidental movement and avoid rollaway risks. You need to firmly press the brake pedal, lightly tap the EPB button to release it, and then you can smoothly perform the gear shift. This feature is quite thoughtful – veteran drivers who spend long hours on the road understand its value, especially during city traffic jams or parking on slopes, as it eliminates the hassle of manually releasing the brake. I remember once on a hillside when I didn’t notice the EPB status and forced the gear lever, nearly causing a rollaway. Luckily, the interlock warning alerted me in time. Regularly checking the brake system voltage and sensor status with proper maintenance can reduce how often this triggers. Overall, don’t panic when you see this prompt; just follow the standard procedure of pressing the brake to resolve it.
