The Electronic Parking Brake:

The Electronic Parking Brake:

A recent variation is the electric parking brake. First installed in the 2001 electric brakes have since appeared in a number of vehicles.

Some of the platforms that have electronic/electric parking brakes include:
• 2001-current Audi A4, A5, A6 and A8;
• 2010 Subaru Legacy and Outback;
• 2002-current BMW 7 Series and 5 series;
• Lincoln LS;
• Jaguar S-Type, XF and XJ;
• 2003-current Volkswagen models; and
• 2009 Buick LaCrosse and Cadillac CTS.

There are two variations of the system This is an electric caliper the uses a stepper motors not only to actuate the parking brake but also replaces the hydraulic piston.available. In the more-traditional “cable-pulling” type, an electric motor simply pulls the emergency brake cable rather than a mechanical handle in the cabin. A more complex unit uses two computer-controlled motors attached to the rear brake calipers to activate it.
It is expected that these systems will incorporate other features in the future. Some automakers already have a system where the emergency brake initiates when the car stops and then goes off as soon as the gas pedal is pressed preventing the car from rolling downhill.
To service these systems, it requires a scan tool. Do not try jumping 12 volts to the various pins of the connectors to extend or retract the piston or cables. Chances are you will set a malfunction code and turn on the brake light when the EBCM exercises the unit for the first time. The worst case scenario is that you could damage the unit.

You May Also Like

Tesla Wheel Bearing Replacement

The process of replacing the hub unit on a Tesla is the same as many cars and light trucks.

The most common EVs on the road come from Tesla. The Model S, 3, X and Y share similar drivetrains and wheel-end components like the wheel-bearing hub units.

The process of replacing the hub unit on a Tesla is the same as many cars and light trucks. You do not need insulated tools or gloves to replace chassis parts. The only complications come with initial diagnostics and setting modes for service procedures.

Brake Pad Edge Codes – What Can They Tell You?

The edge code is a language written by engineers, federal entities and industry associations.

Brake Problems

Reducing brake drag on late-model vehicles is not accomplished by a single component; it takes a system.

The Real Cost of Installing Cheap Brake Pads

The brake repair market is starting to become dominated by a “good enough” mentality.

Brake Boosters and Start/Stop Vehicles

For a vacuum brake booster to work, it needs a source of vacuum.

Other Posts

Wheel Speed Sensor and Hub Unit Diagnostics

All wheel speed sensor codes are just the starting points of a diagnosis and not a reason to order a part.

Better Brake Law Update

Learn the latest about the salmon-inspired law.

Identifying Brake Issues With Brake Dust

Brake dust can indicate what could be wrong. This video is sponsored by Auto Value and Bumper to Bumper.

Top 10 Brake Mistakes

Here are the top 10 brake mistakes technicians can make.