Nowadays, many modern vehicles are equipped with the electric parking brake (EPB) thanks to its less-space occupation, automaticity, and flexibility.
The Honda CRV is the most noted among the popular names, Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Hyundai Tucson, Ford Focus, Range Rover Sport, etc.
However, like other car components, this part also gets in trouble sometimes.
Don’t worry; we will present all the necessary information on the Honda CRV electric parking brake problem. Besides, the step-by-step instructions and related questions are also discussed clearly.
Now, let’s start!
What Is An Electric Parking Brake?
An electronic parking brake (also known as an automatic electronic handbrake) is an intelligently controlled brake working based on the electronic system’s support.
The driver can activate the vehicle’s holding system through a button on the car’s center console.
These brakes can be released automatically when the ECU (electronic control unit) detects that the driver is accelerating.
Moreover, its handy function is to prevent the vehicle from slipping when stopping on hills and gradients.
Honda CRV Electric Parking Brake Problem
As there are many parts made up of the whole electric braking system, CRV electric parking brake problems may come from those.
A warning message will be displayed on the screen when something seems wrong. The below components are the things that we should have a look at.
Wiring Problems
Because of the electricity participation, automatic brakes will face electrical issues. In reality, the wire connection may be one of the most popular causes.
The connections can be weak, gradually loose, or poorly connected.
There are multiple connections, including those lying in the car’s center console and those linking with other parts, such as braking lights or power source connections.
Bad EPB Button
A faulty parking brake switch or button is to blame for the majority of Honda CR-V electric brake problem messages.
Dirt from the outside environment can easily penetrate and accumulate in this control button on the car’s center console.
As a result, the button may be stuck. We cannot activate the parking brake. In other cases, we already pressed, but the brake didn’t work.
In addition, spilled liquids or foods that we eat in cars can also be a cause, especially for those who have the eat-in-car habit.
That debris can lead to button malfunction situations. We can carefully unscrew the console to clean up the electric parking brake button in those cases.
Servo Motor
This is a crucial part of the electric parking brake. Its main function is to control car speeds.
In general, the servo motor will receive a signal from the car’s computer to limit the engine speed, leading to a stop eventually.
We can find the servos in many modern vehicles, such as Honda CR-V models 2017, 2018, 2019, etc.
After using it for a long time, the servo motor can be broken. For example, it can be a 2017 Honda CR-V electric parking brake problem. So, a message on the screen will warn of this issue.
Braking System’s Light Issues
Another common cause of the warning message may come from the braking system’s lights. Faulty braking lights are also among the most common issues with Honda CR-V models to be aware of.
For cars without electric braking, slowing down is signaled by the backlights lighting up. The same thing should occur in vehicles with electric automatic brakes.
The backlights are responsible for signaling oncoming traffic that we are stopping or slowing down for some reason.
However, if these lights don’t work properly, the drivers can face potential accidents because the lights are not coming on.
Its root may come from the weak wiring connection of those components.
Oil Leaks
There is lubrication oil in the operation of any holding mechanisms. Therefore, lubricant fluid leakage is also a possibility of electric brake problem honda crv.
When the oil drops or leaks, the slowing down process appears ineffective, it takes us longer to decelerate the current speed.
Then, we stop too close to the objects in front of our faces. In severe cases, it can lead to serious crashes as the stopping doesn’t occur on time, especially when driving at high speeds.
Power Supply Issues
Another possibility contributing to the automatic braking problems is power supply issues.
Because our system needs the power to operate, the electric braking system cannot operate if any faults appear within the power source.
Some common roots include power source disconnection, poor connection, weak voltage supply, bad battery power supply, etc.
Other Defects
In addition, other potential things may affect the braking system’s performance.
Although it’s hard for non-technical people to exactly define the roots, many warning symptoms can be easily recognized, such as
- Squeaking or grinding noises
- One-side pulling
- Vibration when braking
- Smoke
- Burning smells
How To Fix
Detect The Cause
First, we need to identify the electric parking brake problem Honda CR-V and its cause. When the display shows a warning, it just tells us that “something is wrong” with the parking brake system.
In other words, it is impossible to determine exactly which part the problem is coming from. Is the warning coming from the power source or the wires?
Once we know the cause, we will know where to fix it. Now, let’s check the following steps in turn.
- Unscrew the console
- Check the wire. Are there any broken, worn, or open wires?
- Check the parking brake switch outside and inside. Is there something wrong with that button? Any food or debris? Is there standing water?
- Ask someone to look at the back lights when braking. Does the light appear? Or unusual flickering?
- Look for oil leakage. Is there lubricant dropping on the ground?
- Check the power source. Is it dead? Or is there a problem with the terminal?
N.B. Looking for professional help is recommended if the Honda CR-V owners do not understand vehicle mechanisms.
Fix Or Replace The Damaged Accessories
Wiring & Cable Connectors
If the problems came from corroded wiring, we should change them. We can get useful instructions in the manufacturer’s manual.
However, it requires basic knowledge and skill. Putting the new wires in the wrong order or position may lead to a more serious problem.
Moreover, replacing the worn cables on time will avoid other issues. Therefore, taking our cars to an auto repair shop is a good idea to maintain and fix these problems.
Power Supply
The supply source is important as it affects many components’ performance. We recommend letting a skilled mechanic inspect the cars to address this problem.
The mechanic may need to check all related stuff, such as the supply voltage, supply connections, and power supply unit. Those require tools and experience to fix them properly.
Braking Parts Replacement
Some other problems need replacements to solve, such as the broken servo motor or braking fluid leakage.
Consult a repair shop to find which parts should be replaced. For example, the braking fluid leak comes from the calipers or steel lines and hoses.
However, the EPB’s component replacement should be taken by a mechanic. Besides, some parts aren’t available on the market.
Maybe we have to order them from the manufacturer. As a result, it costs more and takes more time.
Braking System Reset
Making a braking system reset is another recommended method when facing an electric brake system problem honda crv. According to the official service center Honda, the steps are
- Come to a complete stop by the pedal
- Make the gear in the neutral position
- Turn off the automobile’s ignition
- Press the parking brake switch
By making these motions, the electronic braking system and the motor are suspended. Later, when the vehicle is restarted, the electric braking system operates as its default.
Re-check After Repair
After the necessary parts have been replaced, repaired, or cleaned, we should double-check again. Then, let’s
- Turn on the engine and activate the EPB.
- Look at the dashboard screen and see whether the error messages have disappeared.
- Try to use the brake, and observe if the initial bad symptoms are gone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Drive With A Parking Brake Malfunction?
No, it’s not recommended. Lots of people still underestimate the danger of using malfunctioning brakes. The excuses may be driving at low speeds, on uncrowded roads, etc.
However, we cannot completely avoid using brakes because we need to stop at some points! Using the malfunctioning brakes in the long term will gradually destroy other crucial parts of our vehicles.
For example, the entire braking system and transmission. These damages are more serious and cost more too!
Do The Electric Parking Brake Systems Automatically Disengage?
Yes, most electronic parking handbrakes automatically disengage when we accelerate or slip the clutch. This is considered a smart and flexible feature.
How To Manually Disengage An Electronic Parking Brake?
We can manually disengage the EPB by following the steps:
- Press the brake pedal
- Push and hold the parking brake switch for seconds while pressing the pedal
N.B. When we disengage the electronic parking handbrake manually, remember to do it carefully because we could lose our vehicles’ control.
Conclusion
It’s normal to have a Honda crv electric parking brake problem after a long time of using it.
The problem can appear in the wiring, electric parking brake button, motor, lubricant fluid, supply source, etc.
Whenever having the warning lights and messages of a honda crv electric brake system problem, it’s necessary to address the cause and take immediate methods to fix them.
Don’t forget to do it step-by-step, carefully, and ask for a professional inspection if we cannot fix it. Otherwise, further serious issues gradually appear, burning our time and money!