What to Do When the BMW Electronic Parking Brake Won't Release?
2 Answers
When the electronic parking brake of a car cannot be released, the vehicle should be taken to a 4S shop or a repair shop for inspection. Check whether there is a fault code in the electronic parking brake module, whether the wiring of the electronic parking brake is broken or short-circuited, or whether the electronic parking brake actuator motor is malfunctioning. If the brake is accidentally pressed while driving, it will not engage because the throttle is still in the working position. If pressed during emergency braking, the electronic parking brake will not lock the wheels but will provide stronger braking force to assist in braking. Precautions: 1. Operations with electronic parking brake: If the vehicle is equipped with an electronic parking brake, always engage the parking brake first before shifting the gear to P. This can prevent damage to the transmission. It also prevents the P gear lock pliers from getting stuck, which could render the vehicle immobile. 2. Use of parking brake at high speed: Pulling the parking brake directly while driving at high speed is extremely dangerous. The parking brake acts on the rear wheels, and pulling it directly can cause the rear wheels to lock, leading to skidding or even a rollover.
I've encountered quite a few cases where BMW's electronic parking brake got stuck. The most common causes are usually insufficient battery power or the need for a system software reset. The electronic parking brake is controlled by a computer, and if the battery is aging or the voltage is low, the system may misjudge and cause a lock-up. It's recommended to first check the battery status; use a multimeter to measure the voltage—if it's below 12V, there's a big problem. If you don't have tools, try a simple method: turn off all electrical appliances, insert the key but don't start the engine, and hold down the ignition button for about 10 seconds to force a system reset, which can refresh the control module. Another common issue is actuator failure or poor wiring harness contact, especially in older BMW models that are prone to problems in humid environments. If the reset doesn't work, don't force the car to drive to avoid damaging the transmission components; instead, contact a 4S shop for professional diagnosis. Remember to regularly maintain the battery and system updates to avoid such troubles.
