What to Do When the Electronic Parking Brake Fails?
2 Answers
There are generally two situations when the electronic parking brake fails, and the specific solutions are as follows: 1. If the parking brake cannot be engaged, when the car's electronic parking brake fails and cannot be used, you can try restarting the vehicle. If it still doesn't work, you should take it to a repair shop or a 4S store for professional inspection; 2. If the parking brake cannot be released, the vehicle will not be able to move. This situation is relatively rare, and you can call for roadside assistance. The electronic parking brake is a technology that uses an electronic system to control the vehicle's parking brake, achieving the same effect as a mechanical handbrake, only the control method has changed.
That time I encountered an electronic parking brake failure while parked on a slope, my heart was in my throat—I quickly moved to a safe spot. Common issues with these systems are battery low voltage causing malfunctions. I tried restarting the vehicle several times, and the parking brake reset itself. My advice: before driving, check that the key is in the ACC position—the parking brake needs stable power to function. If that doesn’t work, there’s usually an emergency release handle inside the car (location’s in the manual) to temporarily disengage the brake and prevent rolling. Regular maintenance should focus on battery lifespan—extending it by a year or two can reduce such failures. Lastly, don’t attempt DIY fixes; electronic components are complex. Get a professional shop to scan the fault codes ASAP—safety comes first.
