Fixing Your Honda CR-V Electronic Parking Brake Problem
When there’s a problem with your vehicle’s systems, a warning will pop up on your CR-V’s information display. This warning should not be ignored, especially if it concerns something as important as the electronic parking brake system.
Understanding the causes and fixes of these issues will help you worry less and give you a better idea of what to do next. In this article, we will discuss common causes, safety issues, and how to fix your CR-V electronic parking brake system problem.
Interpreting the Error
When there is a problem with the electronic parking brake system, a warning message will appear clearly on the intelligent multi-information display informing you of the issue.
The warning message will read:
“Electronic Parking Brake Problem“
Your Honda CR-V has a built-in electronic device that detects system faults. When the system is not functioning properly, this message will be displayed to warn you.
When you see this warning message on your CR-V, you need to take action to resolve the issue and ensure the car is in good condition for drive. You don’t want your car to slide when you park it due to a failure in the parking brake system.
Potential Causes And How To Resolve
When you see the message “Electronic Parking Brake Problem” appear on your CR-V, several possible causes exist.
Parking Brake Switch Issues
One of the most common causes of this issue is a dirty or faulty parking brake button. Over time, dust, liquid, and other debris can accumulate, causing the button to stop working.
If this happens, the parking brake light may stay on, draining the battery if not addressed promptly. Some users have reported that the parking brake remains engaged, making the vehicle unable to move.
You can try cleaning it or replacing it by removing the center console. Replacement switches are available online, like on Amazon or eBay.
Battery Issues
A dying or dead battery is another common cause of the “Electric Parking Brake Problem” message.
Low battery voltage can cause issues with the electric brake system, which requires a proper power supply to function correctly.
A typical car battery lasts about 3 to 5 years. However, certain factors, such as overcharging, poor battery maintenance, and overheating, can shorten this lifespan.
What about a relatively new CR-V? Newly purchased cars sometimes have poor-condition batteries because they may be drained while the car is in storage for an extended period before reaching the buyer.
Some owners of the 2017-2022 Honda CR-V have reported that their car won’t start and displays an “Electric Parking Brake problem” message on the information display, which is caused by a dead battery.
If you find that your car’s battery is failing, you can replace it yourself or take it to a battery shop.
Replacing the battery should make the error message disappear, but in some cases, a system reset is required.
To reset your CR-V system, the vehicle must be completely stopped and in neutral gear. Then, turn off the ignition and hold down the parking brake switch for about 2 seconds.
If the problem persists, bringing it to the dealership for a more thorough inspection by a certified mechanic is a good idea.
(cars.com)
Bad Servo Motor
Another issue that can trigger the “Electric Parking Brake problem” message is a problem with the servo motor in the brake.
This motor engages or disengages the electric parking brake. If it malfunctions, it might lock the wheels. Repairing or replacing this part is challenging but doable if you’re comfortable with DIY car repairs. Otherwise, consult a mechanic.
Faulty Wiring
In addition to the three issues above, wiring can sometimes be a source of problems. Check the wiring harness for the servo motor, as any cuts or damaged wires can cause the same issues as a faulty switch or servo motor.
Inspect the wires from the servo motor to the switch. If you notice any cuts on the wiring, reconnect them, and the system should return to normal.
Is It Safe to Drive?
One question that all drivers have in mind when they see an error message on their CR-V is, “Is the car safe to drive?”
Being concerned about errors is normal, including when the electric parking brake problem message pops up.
This message indicates an issue with the parking brake, not the main brake, so it should be safe to drive as long as it is not engaged.
However, in some cases, drivers have found their CR-Vs won’t move because the parking brake would not disengage. If this happens to you, I recommend not forcing the car to drive. Instead, call a mechanic to fix the locking parking brake issue.
If the error message appears but the car still moves normally, you should be fine to drive. Just make sure to park in a flat area to prevent your CR-V from sliding.
Even though it might be safe to drive, you shouldn’t ignore the warning. Take your car to a trusted dealer or mechanic as soon as possible to address the issue.
Recap
The electric parking brake is quite an innovation, and almost all new cars today use this technology. The Honda CR-V is no exception.
However, sometimes this system encounters problems, indicated by the appearance of an error message stating “electric parking brake problem.”
This error message may disappear on its own or only appear briefly. However, if the message appears continuously, troubleshooting will likely be necessary.
Several factors, including a broken or dirty console switch, a broken cable, a dead battery, or a faulty servo motor usually cause the problem.
You can attempt basic repairs, such as cleaning the switch or checking the battery and cables. If the problem persists, you should consult a trusted mechanic.
