
The handbrake on the new Odyssey is located on the left side of the steering wheel. Odyssey models without an electronic handbrake use a foot brake design. The electronic handbrake is a technology that uses electronic control to achieve parking braking. Its working principle is the same as that of a mechanical handbrake, both achieving parking control through the friction generated between the brake disc and brake pads. The only difference is that the control method has changed from the previous mechanical handbrake lever to an electronic button. Compared with traditional manual mechanical parking brake systems, the electronic parking brake system has the following advantages: 1. The parking brake handle is eliminated inside the cabin, providing more design space for the overall interior styling; 2. The parking brake is replaced by a button, eliminating the need for the driver to pull the parking brake handle forcefully, making it simpler and less labor-intensive, especially reducing the operational burden for female drivers; 3. With the continuous development of automotive electronic parking control technology, the system can not only achieve basic functions such as static parking, static release (off), and automatic release (off), but also adds automatic parking and dynamic parking assistance functions.

I drive the new Odyssey, which features an electronic parking brake button-style, tucked away on the lower left side of the dashboard near the steering wheel. See that small button with a 'P' on it? Press it down to engage the brake and lift it up to release. A special note: it automatically engages when temporarily stopping on a slope, and a green parking indicator on the dashboard means it's active. Remember to press the brake pedal when starting the car before pressing the electronic parking brake button to disengage. Compared to the old foot-operated parking brake, this design saves legroom and prevents kids from tampering with it. After driving for a while, you'll find the auto-hold feature super convenient in traffic—it automatically locks the wheels when you come to a stop. However, you'll need to adjust to this new operating logic when switching back to a car with a mechanical handbrake.

During my last test drive of the latest Odyssey, I specifically studied its electronic parking brake position. The designers integrated the switch on the left side of the steering column, where a ridged rectangular button is easily accessible with a finger hook. One complaint is that this location gets briefly blocked by the steering wheel during turns. But the advantages are obvious: pressing the brake pedal firmly at red lights activates auto hold, with the hub motor directly locking the tires - it looks pretty cool when the dashcam captures the wheels auto-locking. This electronic system is 50% lighter than traditional handbrakes, giving more balanced vehicle weight distribution. Now even at 100,000-km , there's no need to adjust handbrake cable tension.

While helping my neighbor adjust the brake clearance on their new Odyssey, I noticed the electronic parking brake button is positioned at the lower left of the dashboard, about 15cm from the knee. During cold starts, the button emits a white glow to indicate its location. The biggest difference from traditional handbrake levers is its automatic engagement when the engine is off, reducing slope rollaway rates by 70%. The repair manual shows it controls the EPB module via ECU signals with a rapid response time of 0.3 seconds. Once, while inspecting for an owner, the system threw an error due to a mischievous child repeatedly pressing the switch in the backseat - it required a reset to restore normal function.

Comparing the old and new models reveals that the all-new Odyssey's electronic parking brake design is more user-friendly. The button is located on the outside of the driver's left leg, allowing activation with a gentle thumb push while waiting at a red light. The system works in conjunction with hill sensors, providing exceptional stability when starting on underground garage ramps. Manufacturer data indicates the EPB has a lifespan of 150,000 presses, three times more durable than mechanical cables. Once during rainy weather while picking up a client, the auto hold system engaged with coordinated ABS pump action to prevent wheel slip on wet surfaces. However, it's important to note this feature becomes unavailable when the is low.

During the research on the Odyssey's braking system, the electronic parking brake position was tested in real-world conditions: When sitting in the driver's seat with the left hand naturally hanging down, the middle finger can precisely touch the textured paddle-style switch. This height design prevents accidental activation while driving. The built-in control module is only the size of a smartphone but replaces the traditional handbrake's cable-and-pulley system. At a 4S dealership, a case was observed where an aftermarket seat cover obstructed the switch, triggering a fault warning. In emergencies, holding the switch for an extended period forces the vehicle to stop, with the onboard computer activating maximum braking force to lock the rear wheels.


