What to Do When the Electronic Parking Brake System Fails in a Car?
4 Answers
The solution to an electronic parking brake system failure in a car is to reset the electronic parking brake. The specific steps are as follows: First, turn on the car key, then press the foot brake, hold down the electronic handbrake for 5 seconds, and then pull up the electronic handbrake for another 5 seconds to complete the initialization reset. The function of the electronic parking system is to provide accurate parking force through the slope sensor controlled by the controller. When starting, the parking control unit calculates information provided by the clutch distance sensor, clutch engagement speed sensor, throttle pedal sensor, etc. The parking brake is automatically released when the driving force exceeds the running resistance, allowing the car to start smoothly.
When encountering an electronic parking brake system failure, I immediately take safety measures. Never park on a slope, as this may cause the vehicle to slide or roll dangerously. I prioritize finding a flat area to park, engaging the mechanical handbrake as a temporary substitute to ensure the vehicle remains stable. Then, I check the dashboard for any other warning lights, such as the battery or engine light. If only the parking system light is on, it might be due to sensor dust accumulation or loose wiring. I try turning off the engine, opening and closing the door, waiting for 5 minutes, and then restarting the system to see if it resets. However, in most cases, I can't resolve it myself, so I call a towing service to take the vehicle to the nearest repair shop for diagnosis. Remember, brake system issues involve core safety, and driving is absolutely not an option. When parking normally, avoid frequent use of the electronic parking brake, especially in cold weather when failures are more likely—prevention is better than repair.
My car had this issue before, and here's how I handled it: First, don't panic and see if you can DIY a solution. Check if there's any foreign object stuck in the electronic parking button—sometimes dust or dirt can cause it to malfunction, and a simple cleaning might fix it. Try restarting the vehicle; turn it off and wait for the engine to cool down before starting it a few times. If the light remains on, disconnect the negative terminal of the car battery for ten minutes and then reconnect it—resetting the ECU often works. Use your phone to look up the manual and locate the fuse box to check for any blown fuses. If none of these steps work, consider professional inspection—the controller or motor might be faulty. For regular maintenance, periodically check the battery voltage, as low voltage can trigger false alarms. If you're handy, give these a try; otherwise, don’t hesitate to visit a repair shop for safety.
Electronic parking brake failures are mostly caused by control module or wiring short circuits. The solution is to directly visit a professional shop for diagnosis and code reading to confirm the issue. If it's a minor problem with sensors or switches, repairs are quick and inexpensive; module damage may require replacement, which is more costly. Avoid moisture and vibrations to prevent worsening the fault. Regularly use the conventional handbrake when parking to reduce the burden on the electronic system. The key is not to delay repairs, as the risks are too significant.
