What to Do When the Electronic Parking Brake Malfunction Indicator Light Comes On?
2 Answers
It is necessary to go to a 4S shop for inspection and repair using a computer diagnostic tool. The electronic parking brake is a technology that achieves parking braking through electronic control. Its working principle is the same as that of a mechanical handbrake, both of which tighten the rear wheel brake shoes through cables for braking. Another type uses an electromechanical caliper, which clamps the brake pads through a motor to achieve parking brake control. Advantages of the electronic parking brake: 1. Convenience: The EPB system can automatically apply the parking brake after the engine is turned off. Parking is convenient and reliable, preventing accidental release (such as by children or theft). 2. Safety: It uses more advanced electronic control technology to replace the traditional mechanical handbrake, avoiding unsafe incidents like forgetting to pull the handbrake when parking or forgetting to release it when starting.
I encountered the electronic parking brake warning light issue last year. I was startled when the red light suddenly came on while driving. I immediately pulled over safely and tried restarting the vehicle to see if it would reset, but the light remained on. I checked the brake pad condition using my phone's flashlight to inspect the wheel hubs and found the wear wasn't too severe. Remembering I had an OBD scanner in the trunk, I plugged it in and got a C1233 trouble code, confirming the right rear wheel sensor had failed. I drove to the repair shop where they replaced the wiring harness to fix it. Throughout the process, I made sure to shift to P gear and engage the handbrake to prevent rolling. Later I learned that frequently pressure washing wheel hubs during car washes can cause this problem, so now I avoid spraying water near sensor areas when washing my car.
